Emily
Zoot Sims Al Cohn Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Emily, Emily, Emily
Has the murmuring sound of may
All silver bells, coral shells, carousels
And the laughter of children at play

Say Emily, Emily, Emily
And we fade to a marvelous view
Two lovers alone and out of sight
Seeing images in the firelight
As my eyes visualize a family
They see Emily, Emily

(and we fade to a marvelous view)
Two lovers alone and out of sight
Seeing images in the firelight
As my eyes visualize a family




They see Emily, Emily
Too

Overall Meaning

The song "Emily" by Zoot Sims Al Cohn is a beautiful ode to a woman named Emily. The lyrics paint an enchanting picture of Emily, describing her as having a murmuring sound like May with all the silver bells, coral shells, and carousels. The lyrics also mention the laughter of children at play, which suggests that Emily has a youthful and playful spirit. The repetition of her name in the lyrics reinforces her importance in the song and implies a deep connection between the singer and Emily.


The second verse of the song continues to describe the imagery that Emily evokes in the singer's mind. The lyrics suggest that saying her name is powerful enough to take the singer to a "marvelous view" where two lovers are alone and out of sight. The imagery shifts to images seen in the firelight, which further suggests intimacy and warmth. The lyrics end with the singer visualizing a family and seeing Emily once again.


Overall, the song "Emily" is a beautiful tribute to a woman who evokes powerful emotions in the singer. Her name is almost magical, able to transport the singer to a world of love and warmth.


Line by Line Meaning

Emily, Emily, Emily
The repetition of Emily's name emphasizes her importance and sets the tone for the rest of the song.


Has the murmuring sound of may
Emily's name reminds the singer of a peaceful, gentle spring day.


All silver bells, coral shells, carousels
Emily's name is associated with joyful objects that bring happiness and beauty.


And the laughter of children at play
Emily's name invokes innocent, carefree joy and the sounds of children playing.


Say Emily, Emily, Emily
The repetition of her name is a call to focus on her and her significance.


And we fade to a marvelous view
The singer and listener are transported to a wonderful, idyllic scene.


Two lovers alone and out of sight
The scene is of two lovers who are hidden from view, adding an extra layer of romanticism.


Seeing images in the firelight
The lovers are able to conjure up visions in the glowing embers of a fire.


As my eyes visualize a family
The singer imagines his own future with a family, perhaps inspired by the romantic setting.


They see Emily, Emily
Even in his daydreams, Emily remains a central, beloved figure.


Too
The inclusion of this one-word line is unclear, but perhaps it serves as a way to tie the whole song together or add a sense of finality.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ricky Ross, Scott Fraser, Pete Webb

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

p Bunink

potentially the most beautifull saxophone duet known to mankind...Sweetness exudes everywhere

Henk Moelker

Outstanding beauty !!!!

AlbertoLuis Fernandez

Fantastica...!la interpretacion de esta clasica balada por dos de los mejores tenores que escuche en muchos años que tengo oyendo musica deJazz...

Michael Hughes

"Emily," a beautiful tune composed by Johnny Mandel with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. It was the theme song for the 1964 movie "The Americanization of Emily," starring Julie Andrews and James Garner.

Ralph Dratman

My favorite jazz recording.

Edward Morris

I think mine, too. It's so beautiful. We're lucky who can appreciate it. I feel sorry for anyone who doesn't cry when he listens to this. Every time I listen I hear something new. They're talking to each other. And the last couple times, I got the impression that the pianist may have been a bit sloshed, which is in any case wonderful because we have the privilege of listening, decades after to extremely talented musicians who cull from their craft something which talent alone cannot. And words can't convey it either.

La Choriste

Merci, cher Otaku.J'aime ce rhythme rassurant et calmant. Ce titre me fait du bien.

60otaku4

Je vous en prie, Melanie-san!!
Otaku4 (^o^)/

Silvia Bergo

Fantastico, grazie!

60otaku4

Prego, Silvia Bergo-san!!
Otaku4 d(^_^)b

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