If I Were A Bell
The Miles Davis Sextet Lyrics
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Now that we're cosy and clinging,
Well sir, all I can say is
If I were a bell I'd be ringing!
From the moment we kissed goodnight,
That's the way I just gotta behave,
And if I were a lamp I'd light,
Ask me how do I feel,
Little me with my quiet upbringing,
Well sir, all I can say is
If I were a gate I'd be swinging!
And if I were a watch,
I'd start popping my spring,
Oh, and if I were a bell
I'd go "Ding dong ding dong ding!".
Ask me how do I feel
From this chemistry lesson I'm learning,
Well sir, all I can say is
If I were a bridge I'd be burning!
Well, I knew my moral would crack
From the wonderful way you looked,
Boy, if I were a duck I'd quack,
Or if I were a goose I'd be cooked!
Ask me how do I feel
Now that we're fondly caressing,
And if I were a salad,
I know I'd be splashing my dressing!
Or if I were a season,
I'd surely be Spring,
Yes, and if I were a bell,
Say, if I were a bell,
If I were a bell
I'd go "Ding dong ding dong ding!".
The lyrics to The Miles Davis Sextet's song "If I Were A Bell" describe the overwhelming feeling of falling in love. The singer can't contain their excitement and emotion, wishing they could physically embody the joy they're experiencing. They express this through playful and imaginative comparisons, suggesting that if they were a lamp or banner, they would shine and wave in celebration of their new love. Similarly, if they were a bell, they would be ringing with happiness.
The lyrics also suggest a sense of danger in this newfound love. The singer describes feeling like a bridge burning or a moral cracking because of the "wonderful way" their partner looks. The imagery of quacking and being cooked like a duck or goose implies vulnerability and the possibility of being hurt by love. However, ultimately, the singer is carried away by the intense chemistry they have with their partner.
Line by Line Meaning
Ask me how do I feel,
Enquire about my emotions
Now that we're cosy and clinging,
Since we are physically close and comfortable
Well sir, all I can say is
This is the only response I have
If I were a bell I'd be ringing!
I would be excited and letting out a chime
From the moment we kissed goodnight,
Since the end of our date
That's the way I just gotta behave,
My behavior is a consequence of that event
And if I were a lamp I'd light,
I would be glowing with brightness
Or if I were a banner I'd wave!
I would be flapping in the air
Little me with my quiet upbringing,
Since I was raised to be reserved
And if I were a gate I'd be swinging!
I would be swaying to and fro
And if I were a watch,
If I were a timepiece
I'd start popping my spring,
I'd be becoming active
Oh, and if I were a bell
In addition to the aforementioned things
I'd go "Ding dong ding dong ding!".
I would make a distinctive chiming sound repeatedly
From this chemistry lesson I'm learning,
From this experience of attraction
If I were a bridge I'd be burning!
I would be consumed by intense passion
Well, I knew my moral would crack
I anticipated that my principles would be challenged
From the wonderful way you looked,
In response to your appealing appearance
Boy, if I were a duck I'd quack,
I would be making a loud noise of enthusiasm
Or if I were a goose I'd be cooked!
I would be unable to resist the temptation
Now that we're fondly caressing,
Since we are tenderly touching
And if I were a salad,
If I were a dish of vegetables
I know I'd be splashing my dressing!
It would serve as a metaphor for my excitement
Or if I were a season,
If I were a division of the year
I'd surely be Spring,
I would represent growth and renewal
Yes, and if I were a bell,
In addition to the aforementioned things
Say, if I were a bell,
Imagine if I were a bell
If I were a bell
Once again, if I were to become a bell
I'd go "Ding dong ding dong ding!".
I would repeatedly emit a cheerful sound
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARY C BROCKERT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jerryjemmott3259
My life as a musician began 60 years ago when I heard Paul Chambers playing "If I Were A Bell" with Miles Davis, in 1957. I was immediately hooked and realized I had a future. He passed on this day in 1969. Thank you Mr. PC.
@burningrabbitacres8330
I love your story, Brother. Thank you for sharing. You've seen it all, believe that...!
@Ghtthomps
Jerry Jemmott It was the sounds Paul was laying it down; Bass on top.
@nipper559
I'm thrilled to see the comments of the great Jerry Jemmott here. As much as Paul Chambers has brought me untold hours of listening pleasure - so have you Mr Jemmott. Great to know who inspired you.
@pectenmaximus231
Jerry, my life as a musician began 14 years ago (I'm 26 now) when I first saw Modern Electric Bass. You said it.. "I was immediately hooked and realized I had a future". I thank you with deepest gratitude and humility.
@2dasimmons
Dear Paul Chambers, Charles Mingus and ARVELL SHAW were my favorite double-bassists. Just fabulous. Especially Arvell Shaw who is on here in a video with Louis Armstrong playing I think: HOW HIGH THE MOON. Simply divine:-) It was recorded with fabulous Louis Armstrong in Australia. Tremendous!!
@VendibleUser
"I'll play it and tell you what it is later"
@Frogchannel75
I believe that quote was Miles being asked his opinion on rock and roll as I recall
@lungilemaqoma5453
JigglyVideos hahahahahahahhahshaha
@ok-ms3ke
We never got to know what it was later