The Ink Spots were a vocal group in the 1930s and 1940s … Read Full Bio ↴(1934-1954)
The Ink Spots were a vocal group in the 1930s and 1940s that helped define the musical genre that led to rhythm and blues and rock and roll, and the subgenre doo-wop. They gained much acceptance in both the white community and black community largely due to the ballad style introduced to the group by lead singer Bill Kenny. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll hall of fame in 1999.
Their songs usually began with a guitar riff, followed by the tenor Bill Kenny, who sang the whole song through. After Kenny finished singing, the bass would either recite the first half, or the bridge of the song, or would speak the words, almost in a free form, that were not part of the song, commonly using the words "Honey Child", or "Honey Babe", expressing his love for his darling in the song. This was followed by Kenny, who finished up singing the last refrain or the last half of the song. On some songs Deek Watson would sing the lead rather than Bill Kenny. This was mostly on the uptempo "Jive" songs.
The Ink Spots formed in the early 1930s in Indianapolis. The founding members were :-
Orville "Hoppy" Jones (b. 17 February 1902, Chicago, Illinois – d. 18 October 1944, New York City) (bass) (Played cello in the manner of a stand up bass)[1]
Ivory "Deek" Watson (b. 18 July 1909, Mounds, Illinois – d. 4 November 1969, Washington, D.C.) (tenor) (Played guitar and trumpet)
Jerry Daniels (b. 14 December 1915 – d. 7 November 1995, Indianapolis, Indiana) (tenor) (Played guitar and ukulele)
Charlie Fuqua (b. 20 October 1910 – d. 21 December 1971, New Haven, Connecticut)
(baritone) (Played guitar)
*** BILL KENNY ***
The voice that made them famous Bill Kenny (Mr. Ink Spot) was born June 12th 1914 in Philadelphia PA, and died Mar 23rd 1978 in New West Minister, British Columbia. When Bill Kenny joined the group in 1936 they were mostly a "Jive" ensemble, performing swinging uptempo songs. It wasn't until The Ink Spots 1939 recording of "If I Didn't Care" that Bill Kenny's voice began being regularly featured on Ballads, which it was until The Ink Spots disbanded in 1954. Hits that feature Bill Kenny include "I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire", "We Three", "The Gypsy", "Address Unknown", "With My Eyes Wide Open I'm Dreaming", "So Sorry", "Bless You", "My Prayer", "Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall", "It's A Sin To Tell A Lie", It Isn't A Dream Anymore", and dozens of others. Bill Kenny has been listed as an influence by such great artists as Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke, Johnny Mathis, Sonny Till, Clyde McPhatter and many others. Bill Kenny is often noted as the father of Doo Wop for his high tenor singing and his introduction of the popular "Top & Bottom" format used by virtually every Doo Wop group in the 50's and 60's.
Since Bill Kenny broke up The Ink Spots in 1954 there have been well over 500 black vocal Quartets calling themselves The Ink Spots none of which have or had any original members. There are even groups still touring as The Ink Spots today. It is largely accepted that if the group didn't contain Bill Kenny then the group was/ is a fake.
I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire
The Ink Spots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I would rather be with you an hour
For the things that one can buy
Are not worth a lover's sigh
I don't want to set the world on fire
I just want to start a flame in your heart
In my heart I have but one desire
I've lost all ambition for worldly acclaim
I just want to be the one you love
And with your admission that you feel the same
I'll have reached the goal I'm dreaming of, believe me
I don't want to set the world on fire
I just want to start a flame in your heart
The Ink Spots's 1941 song, "I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire," is a ballad about a person's lack of desire to chase wealth, power, or fame but rather stay with the one they love. The lyrics are a testament to the value of love and how it is worth much more than material possessions. The lines "I don't ever care to rise to power, I would rather be with you an hour" emphasize how the singer, despite the lure of money and influence, would prefer to spend time with their lover.
The song's chorus, "I don't want to set the world on fire, I just want to start a flame in your heart," is a poignant way of saying, I don't want to make a big impact on the world, I just want to be with you and kindle your love. This is further reinforced by the line "I've lost all ambition for worldly acclaim," indicating that the singer has given up their desire for fame and fortune in exchange for the love they seek. The song's melody and tempo add to the melancholic tone of the lyrics, creating a sense of longing, depth, and passion.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't ever care to rise to power
I'm not interested in gaining power or achieving great success
I would rather be with you an hour
Being with you is more important to me than anything else, even if it's just for a short time
For the things that one can buy
Material possessions and money
Are not worth a lover's sigh
They are not as valuable as the love and affection of a partner
I don't want to set the world on fire
I don't have grand ambitions or want to make a huge impact
I just want to start a flame in your heart
All I want is for you to love me and feel the same way I do
In my heart I have but one desire
There's only one thing I truly want
And that one is you, no other will do
I only want to be with you, no one else will suffice
I've lost all ambition for worldly acclaim
I no longer care about fame or success in the eyes of society
I just want to be the one you love
All I seek is your love and affection
And with your admission that you feel the same
If you confess your love for me too
I'll have reached the goal I'm dreaming of, believe me
My ultimate dream is for us to be together, and if you feel the same way, that dream will come true
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BENNIE BENJAMIN, EDDIE DURHAM, EDDIE SEILER, SOL MARCUS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind