I'm Beginning to See the Light

The Ink Spots, Ella Fitzgerald

About I'm Beginning to See the Light

"I'm Beginning to See the Light" is a popular song and jazz standard, written by Duke Ellington, Don George, Johnny Hodges, and Harry James, and published in 1944. Ella Fitzgerald and the Ink Spots featuring Bill Kenny recorded a version in 1945, that was on the pop song hits list for six weeks in 1945, reaching #5. A competing 1945 recording by Harry James and his Orchestra, with lead vocal by Kitty Kallen reached #1 for two weeks in January of that year. James' version of the song reached #7 on Billboard's Second Annual High School Survey in 1945. Duke Ellington also released in 1945 a version, vocal by Joya Sherrill, which reached the top ten. 


Year:
2006
2:41
30 

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

I never cared much for moonlit skies
I never wink back at fireflies
But now that the stars are in your eyes
I'm beginning to see the light

I never went in for afterglow
Or candlelight on the mistletoe
But now when you turn the lamp down low
I'm beginning to see the light

Used to ramble through the park
Shadowboxing in the dark
Then you came and caused a spark
That's a four-alarm fire now

I never made love by lantern-shine
I never saw rainbows in my wine
But now that your lips are burning mine
I'm beginning to see the light

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996), also known as the "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz", and "Lady Ella", was an American jazz and song vocalist. With a vocal range spanning three octaves (D♭3 to D♭6), she was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing and intonation, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing. more »

11 fans

Written by: Edward Kennedy Ellington, Don George, Harry James, Johnny Hodges

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song's Origin
"I'm Beginning to See the Light" is a popular song that was initially recorded by Harry James and his orchestra in 1944. Duke Ellington, Johnny Hodges, Harry James, Don George, and Joya Sherrill are all credited as composers of the song.
Duke Ellington's Contribution
Duke Ellington, a pioneer of jazz, played a significant role in the creation of "I'm Beginning to See the Light." This performance stands as a testament to his long-lasting influence.
First Vocal Version
The first vocal version of the song had lyrics by Joya Sherrill and was performed by Kitty Kallen with Harry James and his Orchestra.
Ella Fitzgerald's Rendition
The song has been covered by numerous artists but one notable cover was by Ella Fitzgerald on her 1961 Verve album: "Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook."
Use in Movie Soundtracks
"I'm Beginning to See the Light" has been featured in various movie soundtracks, including "My Dog Skip" (2000), "Two Weeks Notice" (2002), and "Heartbreakers" (2001).
The Ink Spot's Version
The version of the song performed by The Ink Spots, a vocal group famous for their harmonies, is notable because of their unique fusion of the swing jazz style of the original with their own pop-oriented vocal style.
Genre
"I'm Beginning to See the Light" falls under the swing genre, characterized by strong, rhythmic "groove" or drive usually using "jazz element" chords and melodies.
Lyric's Meaning
The lyrics of "I'm Beginning to See the Light" are often interpreted as a metaphor for someone emerging from the darkness of ignorance or disillusionment into the light of wisdom, understanding, or love.
Instrumental Component
Instrumentally, "I'm Beginning to See the Light" typically features a big band arrangement, a standard of jazz and swing music, highlighting brass and reed sections against drums, guitar, and bass.
Grammy Hall of Fame
Ella Fitzgerald's version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2005, which is an award established by the Recording Academy's National Trustees in 1973 to honor recordings of lasting qualitative or historical significance that are at least 25 years old.
Johnny Hodges Contribution
Johnny Hodges, a famous saxophonist, is also credited as a composer of the song. He was a long-time member of the Duke Ellington orchestra.
Timelessness
"I'm Beginning to See the Light" remains a popular staple of big band and swing music and continues to be covered by artists in many different genres, speaking to its timeless appeal.

Discuss the I'm Beginning to See the Light Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "I'm Beginning to See the Light Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/9071543/Ella+Fitzgerald/I%27m+Beginning+to+See+the+Light>.

    Missing lyrics by Ella Fitzgerald?

    Know any other songs by Ella Fitzgerald? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    I'm Beginning to See the Light

    129.4K
    1,387     14

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Michael Jackson: "Don't walk away, see I just can't find the right..."
    A "...way to stay."
    B "...time of day."
    C "...thing, come what may."
    D "...thing to say."

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Ella Fitzgerald's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Ella Fitzgerald tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    I'm Beginning to See the Light

    »