The Swingle Singers, currently based in London, are an international a capp… Read Full Bio ↴The Swingle Singers, currently based in London, are an international a cappella phenomenon whose history dates back to 1962. For over seven decades, the unmistakable sound of "Swingle singing" has defined the art form: virtuosic vocal agility and blend demonstrated by their signature close-microphone technique, combined with high-level entertainment that has thrilled audiences around the globe. The latest lineup of young and talented voices represents the group's transformation from pioneering classical/jazz crossover artists to contemporary vocal super-group. Their repertoire encompasses classical, jazz, Latin, pop and rock, all accompanied by their own vocal rhythm section. The Swingle Singers have performed all across the UK, America, Asia, and virtually every country in Europe, have released over 50 recordings, and have won five Grammy Awards.

As of 2010, The Swingle Singers are comprised of:
- Joanna Goldsmith-Eteson (soprano, UK)
- Sara Brimer (soprano, US)
- Clare Wheeler (alto, UK)
- Lucy Bailey (alto, UK)
- Richard Eteson* (tenor, UK)
- Christopher Jay (tenor, UK)
- Kevin Fox (baritone, Canada)
- Tobias Hug (bass, Germany)

* Richard Eteson recently announced his departure from the group.

History of The Swingle Singers
The Swingle Singers were a vocal group originally founded in Paris, France in 1962 and comprised of Ward Swingle, Anne Germain, Jeanette Baucomont, and Jean Cussac.

The group, directed primarily by the eponymous Ward Swingle and accompanied by bass and drums, produced complicated, technically impressive covers of anything from modern classics (The Beatles) to classical music (Tchaikovsky, Beethoven) to opera (Rossini). Their arrangements are often informed by jazz harmonies and stylings. Other influences included Nat King Cole, various smooth singers and pianists.

The Swingle Singers were active in classical music. A 'hit' for them was Bach's 'Air On The G String', recorded with the Modern Jazz Quartet. Luciano Berio wrote his postmodern symphony Sinfonia for eight voices and orchestra with them in mind.

The original group disbanded in 1973 but has reformed several times since, using different names but continuing Ward Swingle's tradition of jazz-infused arrangements and extreme technical proficiency. The most current incarnation of the group is once again called The Swingle Singers.

The Swingel Singers official site: http://www.swinglesingers.com

Day Tripper
The Swingle Singers Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Got a good reason
For taking the easy way out
Got a good reason
For taking the easy way out now
She was a day tripper
One way ticket, yeah
It took me so long to find out
And I found out

She's a big teaser
She took me half the way there
She's a big teaser
She took me half the way there, now
She was a day tripper
One way ticket, yeah
It took me so long to find out
And I found out
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah

Tried to please her
She only played one night stand
Tried to please her
She only played one night stand, now
She was a day tripper
Sunday driver, yeah
It took me so long to find out
And I found out

Day tripper, day tripper, yeah

Day tripper, day tripper, yeah
Day tripper, day tripper, yeah

Overall Meaning

The Swingle Singers' song "Day Tripper" is a cover of The Beatles' hit of the same name. The song describes the journey of a woman who takes things at face value and doesn't like to invest a lot of time and effort into a relationship. The singer of the song has discovered this fact and has found himself at a loss trying to please her. He has tried to take the easy way out by not investing too much of himself in the relationship, but she only wants to be in it for short bursts of time, leading to him feeling used and unsatisfied by their encounters.

The use of the term "day tripper" is a clever way of describing this woman's behaviour. She is only interested in short trips and not in commitment, much like someone on a day trip in which they have no intention of staying for longer than a day. The repetition of the phrase "day tripper" throughout the song contributes to the overall sense of disillusionment that the singer of the song feels.

The chorus of the song is particularly catchy, with the repeated "ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah" adding to the playful nature of the piece. Despite its upbeat tune and the use of falsetto by The Swingle Singers, "Day Tripper" is a cautionary tale about the perils of investing too much in someone who is only after short-term relationships.

Line by Line Meaning

Got a good reason
I have justifiable cause

For taking the easy way out
To opt for the straightforward approach

Got a good reason
I have justifiable cause

For taking the easy way out now
To choose the less complicated path immediately

She was a day tripper
The woman was a casual traveler

One way ticket, yeah
Purchased a ticket to go in only one direction

It took me so long to find out
I discovered after much time had passed

And I found out
I finally discovered

She's a big teaser
She's a flirt who strings people along

She took me half the way there
She led me partway to my destination

She's a big teaser
She's a flirt who strings people along