Love For Sale
The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra Lyrics
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Or is it my heart dear, beating this way
There's work to be done, done with a gun
There goes the bugle, I hear it say
It's the last call for love, time to say Fare thee well
Let the taps tell you all that my heart dare not tell
With your eyes in the stars of Old Glory
Can I help but be faithful to you
Till we meet on the day we're dreaming of
It's the last call for love
[Chorus]
It's the last call for love, sweetheart
The lyrics to The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra’s song “Love For Sale” is a powerful reflection on the idea of love during wartime. The opening lines "The moment has come, I hear a drum Or is it my heart dear, beating this way" express trepidation and anxiety as the singer wonders if the sounds they hear are a representation of imminent danger in war or merely their own internal angst. As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the singer is heading off to fight in war and has come to terms with the harsh reality that this could be their last chance to express their love.
The lines "It's the last call for love, time to say Fare thee well, Let the taps tell you all that my heart dare not tell" express the singer's resignation and acceptance of the fact that this moment may be their last opportunity to express their true feelings. The phrase "Let the taps tell you all that my heart dare not tell" refers to the military tradition of a bugle call played during funerals or at sundown, which signifies the end of the day and honoring those who have died in service.
Overall, “Love For Sale” is a poignant reflection on the fragility of love during a time of war, and the realization that despite everything, the promise of reuniting with their loved ones gives them hope.
Line by Line Meaning
The moment has come, I hear a drum
The time has arrived and I hear a drum, either an actual one or the beating of my heart in anticipation
Or is it my heart dear, beating this way
Perhaps it's just my heart beating in excitement or nervousness
There's work to be done, done with a gun
There is a task that needs to be carried out, and it requires the use of a gun
There goes the bugle, I hear it say
The bugle is being sounded, signaling the time to take action
It's the last call for love, time to say Fare thee well
This is the final chance for love, and it's time to say goodbye
Let the taps tell you all that my heart dare not tell
The bugle call is saying what I cannot, expressing the sadness and finality of the situation
With your eyes in the stars of Old Glory
You, with your patriotic devotion, inspire me to be loyal and true
Can I help but be faithful to you
Your love and commitment moves me to reciprocate and remain steadfast
Till we meet on the day we're dreaming of
Until we reunite on the day we long for and imagine
It's the last call for love
This is the final time for love and connection
It's the last call for love, sweetheart
This is the ultimate opportunity for love, dear one
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BURTON LANE, E.Y. HARBURG, MARGARET CUMMINGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind