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
If I Had a Million Dollars
The Boswell Sisters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know just what I would do
I′d tie a string around the world
And bring all of it to you
Those little things you've prayed for
Whatever they may be
I′d have enough to pay for
Them all, C.O.D
If I spent a million dollars
I know I would never care
Because as long as you were mine
I'd still be a millionaire
That's why I′m always dreaming
Dreaming of what I would do
I had a million dollars
For you
If I had a million dollars
I know just what I would do
I would tie a string around the world
And bring all of it to you (bom bom)
Those little things you′ve prayed for
Whatever they may be
I'd have enough to pay for
I′d have enough to pay for
Them all, C.O.D
If I spent a million dollars
I know I would never care
Hmmm, because as long as you were mine
I'd still be a millionaire (bom bom)
That′s why I'm always dreaming
Dreaming of what I would do
I had a million dollars
For you
The Boswell Sisters' song "If I Had a Million Dollars" is a love song that portrays undying love and an extravagant desire to satisfy the needs of the loved one. The lyrics refer to a million-dollar wish that the singer would use to fulfill all the prayers of their lover. The lyricist uses figurative language, deeming the lover's prayers "little things" and saying "I′d tie a string around the world and bring all of it to you," demonstrating a willingness to go to any lengths to satisfy their lover's needs. They also express that they wouldn't care about spending a million dollars because as long as their lover is with them, they believe they will still be a millionaire.
The repetition of the line "If I had a million dollars, I know just what I would do" emphasizes the intensity of the singer's desire and the focus they put on the lover. The song is an illustration of how far someone could go to express their affection and the lengths they are willing to go to make their lover happy. Despite the considerable amount of money mentioned in the song, the main takeaway is the value of true love and the importance of making your lover feel loved and appreciated.
Line by Line Meaning
If I had a million dollars
If I had a large sum of money
I know just what I would do
I have a clear plan in mind
I′d tie a string around the world
I would travel around the world
And bring all of it to you
Just to bring happiness to you
Those little things you've prayed for
The small things that you have asked for
Whatever they may be
No matter what those things are
I′d have enough to pay for
I would have sufficient funds to cover the costs
Them all, C.O.D
I would pay for them all in cash on delivery
If I spent a million dollars
If I used all of that money
I know I would never care
I wouldn't be bothered by spending that amount
Because as long as you were mine
Having you would always make me happy
That's why I′m always dreaming
That's why I keep fantasizing
Dreaming of what I would do
Thinking about the things I would do
I had a million dollars
If I were in possession of a large sum of money
For you
Just for you
Writer(s): Johnny Mercer, Matt Malmeck
Contributed by Reagan M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jim Dixon
IF I HAD A MILLION DOLLARS
Words by Johnny Mercer ; music by Matt Malneck, ©1934.
From the film "Transatlantic Merry-Go-Round."
I. As recorded by the Boswell Sisters.
CHORUS: If I had a million dollars, I know just what I would do:
I'd tie a string around the world and bring all of it to you.
Those little things you pray for, whatever they may be,
I'd have enough to pay for them all C.O.D.
If I spent the million dollars, I know I would never care
Because as long as you were mine, I'd still be a millionaire.
That's why I'm always dreaming, dreaming of what I would do
If I had a million dollars for you.
II. As recorded by Al Bowlly.
VERSE: Castles with their thrones, ships upon the sea,
Gold and precious stones, all belong to me.
Foolish though it seems, ev'ry word is true.
Though they're only mine in dreams, my dreams belong to you.
CHORUS: [As above, but ending with:]
If I had a million dollars and you.
Vicky R.
My daddy used to sing this song. Even when he was up in years, he could remember all the great songs and their lyrics. Took me a while to find this recording. It's wonderful.
Marie Menge
The trombonist, Homer Menge, is my Great Uncle, on this recording..It's AMAZING!!! I'm so thrilled that I found you "aadjuijin". My father, Maurice Menge, Homer's brother, had an orchestra in 1920's thru 1940's. He and his band played for the Grand Opening of the Avalon Casino on Catalina Island May 1929 for 6,000 dancers. His band was called "El Patio Orchestra".
lilmikesf
i was just reading your father's Orchestra had a daily radio show on KGFJ in 1929...
dukesgal39
The Boswell Sisters and Jimmie Grier & Orchestra -- what a combination! Doesn't get any better than that!!!
freescorepaul
The Bozzies are Grrrrreat!! Thanks for including some of their best. The sound quality is fine as well, as are your photo choices. Thanks for this wonderful site! Paul
SatchmoSings
My favorite Boswell Sisters recording; a great, great song with a great arrangement as only they could do it. Top it off with a gorgeous transfer worthy of the record; it's terrific.
Esmee Phillips
For once they play it pretty straight, with concerted harmony, adherence to one tempo and no scatting. Still grrrrrrreat. Did these young ladies ever cut a bad side?
roybo1930
GOD!!! I LOVE THESE LADIES!!! Aad this is just FANTASTIC!
SatchmoSings
As much as I love the Boswell Sisters on this record, let's also give a little credit to Matty Malneck and Johnnie Mercer who wrote this wonderful song.
m222rjr
Oh! this was great. I used to think that Bowlly's version was top of the tree but I'm prepared to admit I was was wrong!