The group consisted of Eugenia (Jean), Virginia, and Lucille (Lou) Dinning. These sisters were born in Caldwell, Kansas and raised in Oklahoma. They first gained exposure on the NBC Radio show "Barn Dance". In 1943 the group was signed by Capitol Records to be that label's answer to The Andrews Sisters who recorded esclusively for Decca Records. The Dinnings sounded somewhat similar to The Andrews Sisters, but never really captured the musical energy & blinding rhythmic drive of Patty, Maxene, and LaVerne, nor the incredible success. Lucille (Lou) Dinning once said, "Let's face it, The Andrews Sisters were way ahead of us. We tried out darndest to be as commercial as they were, but weren't flashy enough. We were all kind of shy. We came from a farm in Oklahoma. We never took dancing lessons or anything." The Dinnings sounded much like The Andrews Sisters in fast-paced recordings like the boogie-woogie influenced "Pig Foot Pete," as well as "Down in the Diving Bell," "The Hawaiian War Chant," and "They Chopped Down the Apple Tree," an "answer" song (or sequel, if you will), which was cleverly composed and ably sung but much less successful than its originator "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else but Me)," popularized by The Andrews Sisters in 1942 & arguably one of the biggest hits of World War II. The Dinning sound could also be compared, especially in slower ballads, to the soft blend of The Lennon Sisters, who would appear on the scene in the 1950s on The Lawrence Welk Show.
The Dinning Sisters charted 4 hits during the 1940s, including two top-10s. The group received further exposure from their appearances in the movies Texas Jamboree and Throw a Saddle on the Star.
Brazil
The Dinning Sisters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The Brazil that I knew
Where I wondered with you
Lives in my imagination
Where the songs are passionate
And the smile has flash in it
Boy you put your heart in it
And so I′m dreaming of
Brazil
Where hearts were entertaining June
We stood beneath and then the moon
And softly a mermaid Sunday soon
We kiss and clump together
Then tomorrow was another day
The morning found me miles away
We still a million things to say
Now when twilight deems a sky above
Recalling thrills of our love
There's one thing I′m certain of
Return, I will to old Brazil
Where the songs are passionate
And the smile has flash in it
And the kisses art in it
Boy you put your heart in it
And so I'm dreaming of
Brazil!
The song "Brazil" by The Dinning Sisters is a sentimental and nostalgic tribute to the country of Brazil. The lyrics recount memories of a past visit to the country, where the songs are passionate, the smiles have flash in them, and the kisses are artful. The singer remembers standing beneath a moonlit sky with her lover, feeling the enchantment of the moment as they kissed and clung together. However, the next morning, they were forced to part, leaving behind a million things left unsaid.
Despite the distance and time that have passed, the singer's memories of Brazil are still vivid and powerful. She dreams of returning to the country, to relive the passionate music, the artful kisses, and the unforgettable moments she shared with her lover. The song captures the universal longing we all feel for places and people we have loved and lost, and the hope that one day we can recapture those moments and feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
Brazil!
I long for the country of Brazil.
The Brazil that I knew
Where I wondered with you
Lives in my imagination
The Brazil I remember where we explored together now only exists in my mind.
Where the songs are passionate
And the smile has flash in it
And the kisses art in it
Boy you put your heart in it
Brazil is a place of intense emotion where music, smiles, and kisses are filled with passion and love.
And so I'm dreaming of
Brazil
I dream of returning to Brazil and experiencing its passionate culture once again.
Where hearts were entertaining June
We stood beneath and then the moon
And softly a mermaid Sunday soon
We kiss and clump together
In Brazil, we enjoyed each other's company under the moon and kissed one another lovingly.
Then tomorrow was another day
The morning found me miles away
We still a million things to say
When morning came, I had to leave Brazil and go my separate way, but we still had so much to talk about.
Now when twilight deems a sky above
Recalling thrills of our love
There's one thing I'm certain of
Return, I will to old Brazil
As I look at the sky at dusk, I remember the joy we shared in Brazil and I know that I must return someday.
Where the songs are passionate
And the smile has flash in it
And the kisses art in it
Boy you put your heart in it
And so I'm dreaming of
Brazil!
Brazil is a dreamy place overflowing with passion, love, and emotion, and the memory of it fills me with longing and hope for the future.
Writer(s): Ary Barroso, S.k. Russell
Contributed by Bailey D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@albertdiner
People were so elegant and formal back then.
@russellnittler7537
By far the best vocal version of this song.
@jerrymodjeski1273
One of the very best renditions (and believe me, they are legion). Love the Dinnings!
@daveysan
One of my favorite renditions of the world's greatest song.
@timothyhughes1904
Love the creamy flavor of their style.
@JamesKPower
Simply phenomenal!
@songanddanceman100
Yeah - this is really good!
@waynebrasler
Patti Page babysat for the family back home in Claremont, Oklahoma.