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
Making Faces At the Man in the Moon
The Boswell Sisters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Feelin' lonely as can be,
I'm makin' faces at the man in the moon
'Cause he hasn't done right by me!
Feel just like a hermit,
Not a hope of company!
I'm makin' faces at the man in the moon
Everywhere I see a happy twosome, (scat);
When will that old moon get wise
And do somethin' for me?
Why does Mister Cupid
Still remain a mystery?
I'm makin' faces at the man in the moon
'Cause he hasn't done right by me!
The lyrics of "Making Faces at the Man in the Moon" by The Boswell Sisters convey a sense of loneliness and frustration with unrequited love. The singer describes feeling isolated and abandoned, as if they are living in seclusion like a hermit with no hope of companionship. By making faces at the man in the moon, they express their discontent with the lack of fulfillment in their romantic life and a sense of betrayal by the moon itself, symbolizing the universe or fate.
The repetition of feeling lonely and disconnected emphasizes the singer's emotional state, highlighting the longing for a romantic connection that seems out of reach. The mention of seeing happy couples everywhere further intensifies their feelings of isolation and alienation, creating a stark contrast between their own solitary existence and the blissful companionship of others. The use of scat singing adds a playful yet melancholic tone to the song, reinforcing the bittersweet emotions of yearning and disillusionment.
The singer questions the fairness of love and cupid's mysterious ways, wondering why their romantic aspirations remain unfulfilled. The reference to Cupid remaining a mystery reflects the singer's confusion and frustration with the unpredictability of love and the inability to find a suitable partner. By directing their feelings of disappointment and resentment towards the man in the moon, they symbolically express their disillusionment with the lack of romantic success and fulfillment in their life.
Overall, "Making Faces at the Man in the Moon" captures the themes of loneliness, longing, and unfulfilled desire with a touch of whimsy and resignation. The lyrics delve into the complexities of human emotions and the quest for love, portraying a poignant portrayal of one person's struggle to find connection and happiness in a world that seems indifferent to their desires.
Line by Line Meaning
Ev'ry night you'll find me
Each night, I am consistently feeling lonely
Feelin' lonely as can be,
Feeling extremely isolated and alone
I'm makin' faces at the man in the moon
Expressing my frustration and disappointment to the moon through facial expressions
'Cause he hasn't done right by me!
Because the moon has not fulfilled my desires or wishes
Feel just like a hermit,
Feeling like a secluded individual without any companionship
Not a hope of company!
No chance or expectation of having anyone around
Everywhere I see a happy twosome, (scat);
Observing happy couples all around me
When will that old moon get wise
When will the moon understand my desires and needs
And do somethin' for me?
Take action to help me in my current situation
Why does Mister Cupid
Questioning the intentions and actions of Cupid
Still remain a mystery?
Continuing to be puzzled by the unknown behavior of Cupid
I'm makin' faces at the man in the moon
Expressing my discontent towards the moon through facial expressions
'Cause he hasn't done right by me!
Because the moon has not fulfilled my desires or wishes
Writer(s): Kate Smith Smith, Al Hoffman, Ned Washington, Max Rich
Contributed by Lucy L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@pax41
Five big stars for this great Boswell tune! A favorite song of mine but have not heard them sing this one. Thanks for sharing it!
@bplatt1069
I've heard just about every song the Boswells sang, but not this. Hearing more of Martha adds a bit more heft and sass; I wonder if that was intentional or just the placement of the microphone. Anyway, I always enjoy a new discovery from these jazz greats--thank you.
@newfful
Thanks for uploading this. It's great to see to hear artists from a time so far removed from this one. I think I like most of the oldies better than most of today's music.
@RiaLake
@aadjuijn My pleasure. So happy to have discovered these fabulous artists on you utube courtesy of you. I can't imagine why I haven't heard of the Boswell Sisters before. I've ordered a CD. :)
@clevblue
Fabulous Jazz interpretation, less stylized than other vocalists at the time, a more natural phrasing and delivery, no wonder they were so popular.
@tomekpy
I've enjoyed it very much ! Thank you !
@RiaLake
Very enjoyable, thank you.
@walterwhite8267
For the 1930's , they were way ahead of their time. Great blend, good vowels and balance.
@AadJuijn
The Boswell Sisters were the pioneers of this type of swinging close harmony, than the sister bands starts coming all over. The Andrew Sisters became the most well known of them. Your grandparents will know them for sure! For me the Bozzies are unmatched in their type of music...Grtz, Aad
@hoopjnky
this is one of the early numbers where Martha is still very much out in front - excellent!