Without a Song
Tony Bennett With Count Basie And His Orchestra Lyrics
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Without a song the road would never bend
When things go wrong a man ain't got a friend
Without a song
That field of corn would never see a plow
That field of corn would be deserted now
A man is born but he's no good no how
Without a song
And I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul
I'll never know what makes the rain to fall
I'll never know what makes that grass so tall
I only know there ain't no love at all
Without a song
I've-a got my trouble and woe and, sure as I know, the Jordan will roll
And I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul
I'll-a never know what makes that rain to fall
I'll never know what makes the grass so tall
I only know there ain't no love at all
Without a song
The lyrics of "Without a Song" speak to the transformative power that music can have in the face of adversity. The opening lines suggest that without music, life would be unbearable: the day would never end and the road would never bend, both indicators of stagnation and despair. The lyrics go on to suggest that when things go wrong, a man has no friend, but with a song in his heart, he is never truly alone. The mention of the deserted field of corn and the implication that a man is "no good" without music speaks to the idea that music can motivate and inspire, and that without it, life can seem bleak and desolate.
Later in the song, despite acknowledging the many things he will never understand or be able to control, the singer relies on the strength of music to carry him through his troubles: "I got my trouble and woe but, sure as I know, the Jordan will roll / And I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul." The reference to the Jordan is likely a biblical allusion to the River Jordan, which played a significant role in the Exodus story and is often used in spirituals as a metaphor for crossing over from oppression to freedom. By connecting his own struggles to this larger narrative of liberation, the singer suggests that music is not only a source of comfort and refuge but also a means of resistance and resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
Without a song the day would never end
Music is what gives meaning to our lives and makes us complete. Without it, we would feel empty and our days would never truly come to a close.
Without a song the road would never bend
Music provides the direction and hope to keep us moving forward on our journey, and without it, we may feel lost and without purpose.
When things go wrong a man ain't got a friend
In difficult times, a person may feel alone and without support. However, music can act as a friend, providing comfort and solace during tough times.
Without a song
The refrain of the song serves to reiterate the importance of music in our lives, and how without it, life would lack meaning.
That field of corn would never see a plow
Music is what gives us the drive and motivation to cultivate and create, and without it, we may lack the inspiration needed to bring forth new growth.
That field of corn would be deserted now
Without the inspiration and motivation provided by music, our endeavors may fall dormant and we may feel uninspired to pursue our goals.
A man is born but he's no good no how
The line suggests that without the guidance and inspiration provided by music, we may lack the tools and insight to fully realize our potential.
I got my trouble and woe but, sure as I know, the Jordan will roll
The artist acknowledges the hardships they face, but remains assured that music - represented by the 'Jordan' - will continue to sustain and inspire them in spite of adversity.
And I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul
The artist suggests that their resilience and strength in the face of adversity is due to their unwavering connection to music, which provides them with the strength to persevere.
I'll never know what makes the rain to fall
The artist acknowledges the mystery and beauty of the natural world, and how there are some things we may never truly understand or comprehend.
I'll never know what makes that grass so tall
The line reinforces the idea that there are certain things that are beyond our understanding or control, and that we must find solace and meaning in other aspects of our lives.
I only know there ain't no love at all
The line suggests that without music - which serves as a metaphor for the power and beauty of the human experience - life may lack the empathy, connection, and love that make it truly meaningful.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Edward Eliscu, Billy Rose, Vincent Youmans
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind