After learning dance under Maceo Anderson, Harper was cast by the choreographer Nick Castle in Christmas Follies, at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in 1945. She later went on to perform on stage with Herb Jeffries and Cab Calloway.
Harper recorded "Candy Store Blues" in 1946, which became a platinum record, appeared twice on Talk of the Town (later the Ed Sullivan Show) in 1949, and made her third and final appearance on the show in 1950.
After success as a child singer, Harper recorded her first album, Toni, for Verve Records in 1955, with the Oscar Peterson trio. She made two further albums in 1959 and 1960, Lady Lonely and Night Mood, for RCA Victor.
Harper toured Japan with Cannonball Adderley in 1963, and appeared in the 1965 film How to Stuff a Wild Bikini [4], before retiring from performing in 1966.
Discography:
1955 Toni (with Oscar Peterson)
1959 Lady Lonely
1960 Night Mood
Bewitched
Toni Harper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But a fool can have her charms
I'm in love and don't I show it
Like a babe in arms
Love's the same old situation
Lately I've not slept a wink
Since this crazy situation
I'm wild again, beguiled again
A whimpering, simpering child again
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
Couldn't sleep, wouldn't sleep
Love came and told me, shouldn't sleep
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
I lost my heart, but what of it
She is cold I agree
She might laugh, but I love it
Although the laugh's on me
I'll sing to her, bring spring to her
And long, for the day when I'll cling to her
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
The song "Bewitched Bothered and Bewildered" tells the story of a person who is hopelessly and helplessly in love with someone who is not good for them. The lyrics "She's a fool and don't I know it, but a fool can have her charms" suggest that the object of the singer's affection may not be the brightest or most insightful person, but the singer is still drawn to her nonetheless. The line "I'm in love and don't I show it, like a babe in arms" shows how the singer is completely enamored with this person and is willing to show it to anyone who will listen.
The song then goes on to describe how the singer is unable to sleep or think straight due to their infatuation. The lines "Love's the same old situation, lately I've not slept a wink" show how the singer is consumed by their feelings and unable to focus on anything else. The repeated refrain "Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I" reinforces the idea that the singer is under a spell, unable to break free from their feelings.
Despite the fact that the object of the singer's affections may not be good for them, the singer is still willing to do anything to win their love. The lines "I'll sing to her, bring spring to her, and long for the day when I'll cling to her" show how the singer is willing to go to great lengths to win over the object of their affection.
Line by Line Meaning
She's a fool and don't I know it
I am aware that she is not the smartest person, but I cannot help but be drawn to her.
But a fool can have her charms
Even though she may not be intelligent, she still has appealing qualities.
I'm in love and don't I show it
I am deeply in love with her and cannot hide it.
Like a babe in arms
My infatuation with her is similar to that of a helpless child in need of care and attention.
Love's the same old situation
Falling in love is a common and predictable occurrence that happens to many people.
Lately I've not slept a wink
My emotions are preventing me from getting any rest.
Since this crazy situation
Because of my intense feelings for her.
Has me on the blink
I am in a state of confusion and distress.
I'm wild again, beguiled again
Her presence makes me feel like I am losing control, but I cannot resist her allure.
A whimpering, simpering child again
In her presence, I am reduced to a weak and helpless state.
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
I am under her spell, confused and uncertain about my feelings for her.
Couldn't sleep, wouldn't sleep
I was too preoccupied with thoughts of her to rest.
Love came and told me, shouldn't sleep
My love for her was so consuming, it seemed to actively keep me awake.
I lost my heart, but what of it
I gave her my heart, even though she may not have deserved it.
She is cold I agree
I acknowledge that she is aloof and emotionally detached.
She might laugh, but I love it
Even if she were to mock my feelings, I would still find it endearing.
Although the laugh's on me
My love for her may ultimately lead to my own heartbreak or humiliation.
I'll sing to her, bring spring to her
I will use my love to try and bring joy and happiness to her life.
And long, for the day when I'll cling to her
I eagerly await the opportunity to embrace her and express my love physically.
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
My feelings for her continue to perplex me and fill me with uncertainty.
Lyrics © DistroKid, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Johnny sea
Toni is also very good at 3D art on the computer . I am proud to say that Toni and I have been buddies for several years online, Such a wonderful voice and wonderful friend.
Carol Sloane
Terrific singing!
Rajnoma
Why haven't we heard more about this marvelously talented singer?
Pepe Molina
una gran voz
yoichiro tani
Wonderful!!
ruvo
Arigatou gozaimasu＾＾
Have a happy 3-day weekend!!
Jane Teague-Urbach
shes a wonderful human being. Beautiful woman, as beautiful as her voice
Paul Hammons
Beautiful 😍
Sean Slidders
beautiful voice. . beautiful girl. .