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
It's the Girl
The Boswell Sisters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It isn′t the river or skies that are blue
It isn't the love dreams that bring joy to you
It's the girl, oh, it′s the girl!
It isn′t the progress that you always want to do
It isn't the mountain flowers or the mornin′ dew
It isn't the love nest that brings love to you
You up and down men
What a lonely world would be without them!
It isn′t the songbirds, the song that they sing
It isn't the sunshine that makes you like Spring
So what is this magic that makes all the thing?
It's the girl, oh, it′s the girl!
Some folks need atmosphere when they′re makin' love
They say old mother nature makes love grand!
Still, lovers will complain that they need a shove
If you′re a Romeo, you'll understand!
It isn′t the paddle, it's not the canoe
It isn′t the river or skies that are blue
It isn't the love beams that bring joy to you
Wherever you go, whatever you do, it's the girl!
It isn′t the progress that you wanna do
It isn′t the mountains, the flowers or the mornin' dew
It isn′t the love nest that brings love to you
It's the girl, it′s the girl!
It's not the places you go
It′s not the crowd
It's not the folks you know
Oh listen while I shout out loud!
It's the girl!
The Boswell Sisters' song "It's the Girl" emphasizes the importance of a female partner in a person's life regardless of the external factors. The song speaks about how a girl is the primary source of happiness and sorrow for any man. The lyrics explicitly state that it isn't nature, music, or anything else that brings joy and love to a person - it's the girl. Furthermore, the song suggests that even in the romantic act of making love, natural beauty or atmosphere is not significant; rather, a girl is the primary factor that makes it grand.
The Boswell Sisters were known for their harmonies and their skill at imitating musical instruments with their voices, and "It's the Girl" showcases that talent. Presented in an upbeat and cheerful tone, the song is a combination of jazz and pop elements that were prevalent in the late 1920s - early 1930s. The song's lyrics are simple but effective in conveying the message that a girl is indispensable in a man's life.
The representation of women in music in the 1930s was not very progressive, but the Boswell Sisters' "It's the Girl" presents a unique view. In contrast to the popular concept of "the woman is the man's possession," the song voices a more balanced and positive relationship between a man and a woman. It shows that women are not only beautiful and desirable but also a crucial factor in a man's life.
Line by Line Meaning
It isn’t the paddle, it's not the canoe
Having the right gear or tools is not what brings happiness
It isn’t the river or skies that are blue
Natural beauty does not bring happiness
It isn’t the love dreams that bring joy to you
Fantasizing about love does not bring happiness
It's the girl, oh, it’s the girl!
Happiness comes from being with a girl
It isn’t the progress that you always want to do
Making progress does not bring happiness
It isn’t the mountain flowers or the mornin' dew
Natural beauty does not bring happiness
It isn’t the love nest that brings love to you
Having a romantic setting does not bring love
It's the girl that makes you happy and it's the girl that makes you blue!
A girl can bring both happiness and sadness
You up and down men
Men who are unpredictable
What a lonely world would be without them!
The world would be less interesting without unpredictable men
It isn’t the songbirds, the song that they sing
Beautiful music does not bring happiness
It isn’t the sunshine that makes you like Spring
Natural beauty does not bring happiness
So what is this magic that makes all the thing?
What is the secret to happiness?
It's the girl, oh, it’s the girl!
The secret to happiness is being with a girl
Some folks need atmosphere when they're makin' love
Some people need a romantic setting to make love
They say old mother nature makes love grand!
Some people believe that natural beauty enhances romance
Still, lovers will complain that they need a shove
Even with a romantic setting, some people still need help with romance
If you're a Romeo, you'll understand!
If you're a hopeless romantic, you'll relate to this
Wherever you go, whatever you do, it's the girl!
No matter what you do, happiness comes from being with a girl
It's not the places you go
Traveling to different places does not bring happiness
It's not the crowd
Being around a lot of people does not bring happiness
It's not the folks you know
Being around familiar people does not bring happiness
Oh listen while I shout out loud!
Listen to what I'm saying!
It's the girl!
The secret to happiness is being with a girl
Writer(s): Abel Baer, Dave Oppenheim
Contributed by Penelope H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@petersiliekrause2203
So beautiful, and true in every way 😍
@walterbrady8424
Their version differs somewhat from the 1931 sheet music. I also found this same version used in "Pennies from Heaven," the Steve Martin movie.
@apfelkernapfelkern4578
🙏😁👍😁👍