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
I Hate Myself
The Boswell Sisters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And make believe it came from you
I'm gonna write words, oh, so sweet
They're gonna knock me off my feet.
A lotta kisses on the bottom, I'll be glad I've got 'em
I'm gonna smile and say "I hope you're feelin' better"
Then close "with love" the way that you do
I'm gonna make believe it came from you
I'm gonna sit right down write myself a letter, oh, babe
And make believe it came from you
I'm gonna write words, oh, so sweet
They're gonna knock me off my feet
A lotta kisses on the bottom, I'll be glad I've got 'em
I'll smile and say "I hope you're feelin' better"
Then close "with love" the way that you do
I'm gonna sit right down, write myself a letter, oh yeah
I'm gonna make believe it came from you
The Boswell Sisters were a popular jazz trio in the 1930s known for their tight harmonies and intricate vocal arrangements. "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter" was originally written in 1935 by Fats Waller and was later popularized by The Boswell Sisters in their 1935 recording. The song is about a person who is longing for communication with a loved one who is away. Instead of waiting for a letter from them, the singer takes matters into their own hands and writes a letter to themselves, pretending that it came from their loved one.
The opening lines, "I'm gonna sit right down and write myself a letter / And make believe it came from you" suggest that the singer is so desperate for communication that they are willing to create their own version of the letter they wish to receive. The reference to "a lotta kisses on the bottom" suggests that the letter is romantic in nature, adding to the sense of longing and desire. The singer wants to feel as though they are receiving love and attention from their absent loved one, even if it is only in their own imagination.
Overall, "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter" is a poignant reflection of the human need for connection and communication. The Boswell Sisters' rendition captures the emotional depth of the song, with their tight harmonies and expressive vocals.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna sit right down and write myself a letter
I plan to sit down and compose a piece of written correspondence addressed to myself.
And make believe it came from you
I will pretend that the letter was actually authored by you, rather than myself.
I'm gonna write words, oh, so sweet
My letter's content will be filled with indescribably charming and affectionate phrases.
They're gonna knock me off my feet.
The poetry of my writing will be so moving as to jar me out of my seated position.
A lotta kisses on the bottom, I'll be glad I've got 'em
I am looking forward to including many warm and loving sign-offs in the letter's conclusion.
I'm gonna smile and say "I hope you're feelin' better"
As I imagine the letter's intended recipient, I will express my hope that they are feeling well.
Then close "with love" the way that you do
The end of the letter will be signified with a traditional, affectionate closing phrase in your style.
I'm gonna sit right down and write myself a letter, ah-huh
Once again, I intend to create a piece of written communication, this time directed towards my own personal satisfaction.
I'm gonna make believe it came from you
My imagination will lead me to picture you as the author of this letter, in spite of the fact that I am penning its contents.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Bluewater Music Corp., Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Fred Ahlert, Joseph Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MALDIXIONES
MASTERPIECE!
2ndviolinist
A label applicable to many of their recordings. Thank you for listening.
RadMadKid !
This is one of my favorite songs. Thank you.
cdbpdx
Greetings. Love the Boswell Sisters. Thanks for posting! Don't suppose you have a better picture of the image at 1:41 to 2:03? That's downtown Portland (PDX) about 1922 or so. I'd like to add that to my collection. Thanks! CDBPDX
orchardist65
Just Great. Thank you.
Barry Margolis
Yes, Virginia, this recording faded in!
Bruce Triggs
This is not the "I hate myself (for falling in love with you)" recorded by Annette Henshaw in 1929. Is the title right?
Mark Thompson
Glen Miller recycled the intro 4 years later for "Sold American"!
2ndviolinist
Thank you for the info. I am sure that I was a common practice as it is now, although these days the originator is paid well. Thank you for listening.
Thomas Campbell
Searched these lyrics from Gerald Kersh's "Night and The City"