He was most famous for his rendition of Tip-toe Thru The Tulips With Me a No. 17 chart hit in 1968 that was delivered in his distinctive high falsetto. He became well known via numerous and highly rated appearances on television including Johnny Carson and Laugh-In. On December 17, 1969, 45 million viewers watched Tiny Tim get married on NBC TV via an appearance on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show program. He was widely known, but generally thought of as a novelty act, and was not taken very seriously, although his records displayed a wide and serious forensic knowledge of early American stage songs.
Growing up with the squeaky clean entertainment choices of the 1930's and 40's, Herbert preferred the romantic crooners of the late- 19th and early-20th centuries and cinematic singers like Bing Crosby and Rudy Valee were amongst his early favorites.
After stints in the Greenwich Village folkscene of the 1950's and 60's billed as Vern Castle, Larry Love, Darry Dover and Emmett Swink, Khaury eventually settled on the name Tiny Tim. He doffed white facial powder makeup, and utilized a ukulele and songs that only a true American musical archivist would know. Despite some amateur demo acetates, his first professional recordings were with producer Richard Perry for the Blue Cat in 1966. Refusing to be deterred despite many years of setbacks in the notoriously tough New York show biz world, Tiny Tim earned a regular gig at a hip club called The Scene, and was soon signed by Mo Ostin to Warner Brothers subsidiary Reprise, then also the home of Frank Sinatra, and his daughter Nancy.
His 1970's label VicTim failed as a business venture, and he once told an interviewer that his next label Toilet Records was so-named "because that's where my career went." By 1978, the public's taste had soured on his act and Johnny Carson refused to book Tiny Tim anymore. However bleak the financial picture appeared, Tiny Tim refused to relent whatever spotlite remained for him, and toured constantly. through the 80's and 90's appearing at punk rock and gay nightclubs, making numerous solo recordings and some with the Texas-based polka band Brave Combo.
He died on November 30, 1996, after a heart attack while performing onstage at a benefit for the Woman's Club of Minneapolis. He was buried with his ukulele.
Strawberry Tea
Tiny Tim Lyrics
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Diamond skies where white deer fly
past paisley on the run
Ruby robes are swaying silk skies runnin'
Flaming sun
(chorus) Sipping strawberry tea,
Eternally
Look and you'll see,
Rainbow pools reflect in
Emerald melting sherbet moons
Silver angels drift through timeless
Never ending joy
(chorus) Sipping strawberry tea,
We beloved into thee
Eternally
Look and you'll see,
Look and you'll see,
Gossamer cloths that you can see
In dreams of gold have spun
Crystal chorus free
With love to everyone
(chorus) Sipping strawberry tea,
We beloved into thee
Eternally
Look and you'll see...
The lyrics to Tiny Tim's song "Strawberry Tea" are an ethereal description of a mystical and utopian world. The song's imagery touches on various elements of nature, from the diamond skies to the white deer flying past paisley. It paints a vivid picture of a place where ruby robes sway, and silk skies run alongside flaming suns. The lyrics allude to a euphoric experience where the idea of time and space is transformed, and there is a sense of everlasting love that is captured in a moment of sipping strawberry tea.
In the chorus, we see how the experience of sipping strawberry tea becomes a conduit for a transcendental journey into an otherworldly space. It is a place where the feeling of belonging to something bigger than oneself is potent, and one enters into the depths of eternity. The song's second and third verses continue the theme of a otherworldly haven, with rainbow pools reflecting in emerald melting sherbet moons and silver angels drifting through-timeless never-ending joy. The idea of an endless and harmonious existence is subtly emphasized here, indicating that the strawberry tea is not only a catalyst for a mystical journey but also a celebration of life in its purest form.
Line by Line Meaning
Look and you'll see,
If you take the time to observe and take notice of the world around you, you will find beautiful and enchanting things.
Diamond skies where white deer fly
The sky is clear and bright, with stars shining like diamonds. White deer can fly in this magical world.
past paisley on the run
The deer run swiftly past intricate paisley designs, showcasing the beauty of patterns and movement.
Ruby robes are swaying silk skies runnin'
The fabric of the universe is beautiful and rich, resembling the look of chiffon and red silk. The sky is in constant motion.
Flaming sun
The sun shines brightly, filling the world with warmth and light.
(chorus) Sipping strawberry tea,
We beloved into thee
Eternally
Drinking the magical strawberry tea transports the person into this enchanting world, where they can remain happy and content forever.
Rainbow pools reflect in
The pools in this world are filled with a rainbow of colors, adding depth and vibrancy to the surroundings.
Emerald melting sherbet moons
The moons appear to be melting, in beautiful shades of green like emeralds and orange like sherbet.
Silver angels drift through timeless
Angels made of silver roam the timeless world, reminiscent of spirituality and purity.
Never ending joy
This world is filled with everlasting happiness and joy.
(chorus) Sipping strawberry tea,
We beloved into thee
Eternally
Drinking the magical strawberry tea transports the person into this enchanting world, where they can remain happy and content forever.
Gossamer cloths that you can see
Light, delicate fabrics can be seen everywhere in this world, adding a dreamy, mystical quality.
In dreams of gold have spun
These fabrics were spun from dreams of gold, illustrating their otherworldly and magical origin.
Crystal chorus free
A chorus made of crystal sings freely in this wondrous world.
With love to everyone
This world is filled with love, and it radiates towards everyone, enveloping them in its beauty and grace.
(chorus) Sipping strawberry tea,
We beloved into thee
Eternally
Drinking the magical strawberry tea transports the person into this enchanting world, where they can remain happy and content forever.
Look and you'll see...
If you take the time to observe and take notice of the world around you, you will find beautiful and enchanting things.
Contributed by Tristan M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.