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
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I just want to start a flame in your heart
In my heart I have but one desire
And that one is you, no other will do
I've lost all ambition for worldly acclaim
I just want to be the one you love
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
I don't want to set the world on fire, honey
I love you too much
I just want to start a great big flame down in your heart
You see, way down deep inside of me, darling
I have only one desire
And that one desire is you
And I know, baby, ain't nobody else gonna do
I've lost all ambition for worldly acclaim
I just want to be the one you love
And with your admission that you'd 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' song "I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire" is a ballad that speaks of a simple wish: to kindle a love that will last forever in the hearts of two people. The singer's desire is not to become famous or to own all the riches in the world, but to be with his beloved. He sings of how he has lost all ambition for worldly acclaim, as long as the person he loves reciprocates his feelings.
The lyrics convey a sense of utmost devotion and unwavering commitment to the idea of true love. The singer promises that he does not want to set the world on fire, but only wants to start a flame in the heart of his beloved. He longs for her to admit that she feels the same way and with that, he believes he would have reached his goal of a lifelong, fulfilling love.
Overall, the song is a beautiful expression of dedication to love and the idea that true happiness lies not in material possessions or fame but in the warmth of a loving relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want to set the world on fire
I don't want to cause destruction or chaos in the world
I just want to start a flame in your heart
I just want to ignite feelings of love and desire within you
In my heart I have but one desire
My heart only desires one thing
And that one is you, no other will do
You are the only one that my heart desires
I've lost all ambition for worldly acclaim
I no longer have any desire for fame or recognition
I just want to be the one you love
All I want is for you to love me in return
And with your admission that you'd feel the same
If you confess that you feel the same way about me
I'll have reached the goal I'm dreaming of, believe me
My dream will come true if you feel the same way about me
I love you too much
I have so much love for you
I just want to start a great big flame down in your heart
I want to ignite a strong feeling of love and desire within you
You see, way down deep inside of me, darling
Deep inside me
And that one desire is you
I desire only you
And I know, baby, ain't nobody else gonna do
No one else can replace you in my heart
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bennie Benjamin, Eddie Durham, Eddie Seiler, Sol Marcus
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind