From New Orleans, they were classically trained and switched over to jazz as they grew up along with the form. First recorded in 1925, they went on to play vaudeville and ended up on radio in California. After being heard coast to coast on one of the first nationwide radio hookups, they became stars of radio in NYC headlining both their own programs, as well as working on shows with Bing Crosby and The Mills Brothers until the trio disbanded in 1936, mainly due to their marriages. They also appeared in many films of the time. (See youtube)
Connie Boswell, who later changed the spelling of her name to Connee, continued as a solo singer after the demise of the group, influencing singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. She did all this despite being unable to walk alone due to childhood polio and other back injuries.
"There is only one person I ever tried to sing like and that person was Connee Boswell."
Ella Fitzgerald, NBC News interview
"Connee Boswell is, without a doubt, the most widely imitated singer of all time."
Frank Sinatra
The best website on them is www.bozzies.com.
www.TheBoswellSisters.com
www.Facebook.com/theboswellsisters
www.Twitter.com/thesistasdotcom
Down Among The Sheltering Palms
The Boswell Sisters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Honey wait for me
Oh you darlin'
Down among the sheltering palms
Down among the Sheltering palms
Honey wait for me
Honey wait for me
Knee deep down by the old Golden Gate, mmm
Out where the sun goes down about eight
How my love is burnin' burnin' burnin'
How my heart is yearnin' yearnin' yearin'
To be down among the sheltering palms
Honey wait for me
I'm lonely
Sweetheart I'm oh so lonely
Just thinking, just thinking of you only
My life's been dreary
Darling, oh so dreary
When we parted my life started
Started into be nothin' but the blues
Oh, oh I want you
I always want you near me
I need you
I need you can't you hear me?
Night time is fallin'
My heart keeps on callin'
Honey, darlin' won't you wait for me, oh
Honey, wait for me
Down 'neath the palms
I'll be there
Honey wait for me
Oh you darlin'
Down among the sheltering palms
The Boswell Sisters' "Down Among The Sheltering Palms" is a love song about separation from a lover and yearning to be reunited. The lyrics are filled with imagery of warm, tropical settings under swaying palm trees, and the desperation of the singer to be with their loved one. The first verse sets the scene and expresses the desire of the singer to be with their sweetheart. They beg for them to wait, promising to come to them soon. The chorus repeats this plea for waiting, expressing a sense of urgency and longing.
The second verse describes the loneliness and depression the singer feels since they parted from their lover. They describe their life as "dreary" and filled with blues. However, they cannot stop thinking about their loved one and express their constant need for them to be near. The final chorus implores their sweetheart to wait for them, promising to be there soon, and expressing their love and dedication.
Overall, "Down Among the Sheltering Palms" is a sweet but melancholic love song that perfectly captures the feelings of separation and longing for a loved one.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be there
I promise to be there with you
Honey wait for me
Please be patient and wait for me
Oh you darlin'
You are my beloved
Down among the sheltering palms
In the tranquility of palm trees
Down among the Sheltering palms
In the peacefulness under the palm trees
Honey wait for me
Please be patient and wait for me
Honey wait for me
Please be patient and wait for me
Keeping waitin' for me
Keep waiting for me to come back
Knee deep down by the old Golden Gate, mmm
Standing in the water near the Golden Gate bridge
Out where the sun goes down about eight
Out in the sunset over the water at about 8 pm
How my love is burnin' burnin' burnin'
My love for you is intense and passionate
How my heart is yearnin' yearnin' yearin'
How much I long for you
To be down among the sheltering palms
To be with you under the palm trees where it’s peaceful
Honey wait for me
Please be patient and wait for me
I'm lonely
I am feeling alone
Sweetheart I'm oh so lonely
I feel incredibly alone without you
Just thinking, just thinking of you only
I am only thinking of you
My life's been dreary
My life has been dull and sad
Darling, oh so dreary
My life has been so miserable without you
When we parted my life started
My life became depressing after we separated
Started into be nothin' but the blues
My life became miserable and sad
Oh, oh I want you
I desire you deeply
I always want you near me
I always want you to be close to me
I need you
I depend on you
I need you can't you hear me?
I need you, can’t you understand that
Night time is fallin'
The night is beginning
My heart keeps on callin'
My heart is yearning for you
Honey, darlin' won't you wait for me, oh
Please wait for me, my dear
Honey, wait for me
Please be patient and wait for me
Down 'neath the palms
Under the palm trees
I'll be there
I will join you there
Honey wait for me
Please be patient and wait for me
Oh you darlin'
You are my beloved
Down among the sheltering palms
In the tranquility of palm trees
Writer(s): ABE OLMAN, JAMES BROCKMAN
Contributed by Annabelle S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@formuladabarba6360
I'm only 21, but listening to these songs from the 30's brings me strange memories, good and bad sensations, I identify with the Second World War, I think I've had other lives already, because I get very familiar with these songs!
@homoerectus9130
lmao nigga you tripping
@petertaylor3600
I don't know why but something about the harmonising of the Boswell sisters brings to life the atmosphere of the Thirties and the way they felt. Not just the Hollywood glitz but the feel of the Depression and their lives.
@4Topwood
What a treat! Thanks a million.
@bplatt1069
This is absolutely one of my favorites from our beloved Boswells. Not only is it a distinctive arrangement and performance; but also, they sing it with such conviction being from the bayous of N'awlins. Thank you for your far-away understanding and good taste in music.
@viturino7891
Back in the time that people really had to have talent to succeed.
@AadJuijn
Hallo Lia, bedankt voor het delen van deze jeugdherinnering! Leuk dat zo`n song dit effect kan hebben...Groetjes, Aad
@orchardist6559
Aad you certainly know how to reach that wonderful spot
Thank you so much.
@AadJuijn
Thank you too and thanks for your nice words! Grtz, Aad
@4Topwood
@aadjuijn I wasn't around in 1932 but I'm old enough to remember when music was fun. You could sing along with the radio, even harmonize if you felt like it. How I miss that.