I have always loved Louis Armstrong singing voice, ever since I was a child. Maybe I was listening to him on the radio, or may well be my elder brothers had some record of his, but all I know is that I was used to that deep voice so beautifully hoarse. Later on I recall we treasured a 7 inches 45 rpm single of “What A Wonderful World” by himself that we used to listen to on our ‘pick up’ (as we called our turntable) several times a day once in a while.
Nonetheless, maybe because I am just a dreamer, the song of his that made the hugest impact on me was no one else but “A Kiss To Build A Dream On,” which I am sharing here today:
A Kiss To Build A Dream On
Give me a kiss to build a dream on
And my imagination will thrive upon that kiss
Sweetheart, I ask no more than this
A kiss to build a dream on
Give me a kiss before you leave me
And my imagination will feed my hungry heart
Leave me one thing before we part
A kiss to build a dream on
And when I’m alone with my fantasies, I’ll be with you
Weaving romances, making believe they’re true
Oh, give me your lips for just a moment
And my imagination will make that moment live
Give me what you alone can give
A kiss to build a dream on
When I’m alone with my fantasies, I’ll be with you
Weaving romances, making believe they’re true
Oh, give me lips for just a moment
And my imagination will make that moment live
Oh, give me what you alone can give
A kiss to build a dream on
Songwriters: RUBY, HARRY / HAMMERSTEIN II, OSCAR / KALMAR, BERT
A Kiss To Build A Dream On lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
I can’t help but being a dreamer, that’s true. One of my favortite quotes ever is that Bob Dylan line, “I’ll let you be in my dreams if you let me be in yours.” So why I love this lyrics and the emotional way Louis Armstrong sings them in this live version. What strikes me the most about is that he’s asking her to do it, not in order to make amends and build a much stronger relationship, but kiss him a goodbye. So that means he will dream about her in his own imaginary world where he may feel protected and safe from reality. It says he would rather live alone with his fantasies, weaving romances, making him believe they are true.
Interesting, because, back to a Dylan reference, he chose to live inside the Gates of Eden without her, instead of outside with her. I know, it sounds cowardly, just like a cop out, but I believe it helps once in a while. Sometimes we need to live our dreams all alone, escaping a real life that hurts. It’s a much complex affair, since we can not live with our feet off the ground for so long. We need to land and go on with our daily struggle. But let’s be ourselves a little bit romantic and allow us to dream of a paradise where our most beautiful fantasies come true. We can do that, at least while the song is still sounding. Close your eyes. Just one moment to think of her (or him, if you rather like a man) and imagine her (his) lips so close to yours. Then go on and ask her (him) to kiss you tender, A Kiss to Build a Dream On.
El Coleccionista Hipnótico
A very interesting post he is was a very talented artist and singer he used his talent as a wonderful instrument to make people feel. The touch of his voice to music was like a painter and a canvas a poet and words a writer and paper. I adored his voice and music. This is a beautiful song
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Thank You, Morgan! Yes, I agree, he was such a very talented artist. I loved his voice and music. I’m glad you found my post interesting enough and feel also grateful to you for your insightful comment. I really love this song
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You’re very welcome. And thank you for sharing this post this song is absolutely beautiful and has a very nice message to it. It is the sheer definition of good music. A true classic. I enjoyed reading the post and listening to the song keep up the great work pumpkin
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You’re so very kind. Thanks a lot for encouraging me the way you do… I am so happy you loved this!
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It is just how I am. I mean it keep up the great work you’re doing perfect. And You’re welcome love hugs and kisses to you
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True, I know it is the way you are. You are helping me a lot to feel confident and keep inspired to do what I’m doing. Love hugs and kisses to you
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I didn’t think my little words meant anything. But, it is nice to hear that I am helping you in some way. 💞 😃
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Your words really meant something, and they have been a huge support, for sure 🙂
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Aw that makes me smile. Since this post is about a song that says a kiss. I will send you a sweet kiss. For your kindness and love. Much love to you pumpkin thanks for making me smile
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I’m glad I could make you smile. Kisses are always welcome. Made me smile too. Sweet kisses to you
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It is an emotional song and the post was wonderful. But, I’d rather live with her outside of my bubble it’s just.. she hasn’t come yet. .
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YEAh, I totally agree with you! In fact that’s what striked me the most about the lyrics..maybe the reason is that the songwriter is suggesting she doesn’t love him anymore
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I hope that’s not the case. . .
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Me too, but… the way he express the feelings makes one think about such possibility
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“A Kiss To Build A Dream On” nos habla de una separación (real o no) él pide un beso sobre el que crear un sueño, que le ayude a CREAR su ausencia, porque en realidad es su propia fantasia desbocada la que habla, (“las caricias soñadas son la mejores”, Lole y Manuel)
Un piano, un contrabajo y la batería dan paso a la voz rota, profunda y llena de sentimiento de Satchmo. A mi me parece una canción triste y de personas solitarias, aunque lírica y con mucho sentimiento, su máxima expresión viene a ser la soledad.
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Gracias Zarah, tu análisis no puede ser mas profundo ni mas acertado. Revela lo que de verdad yace en el fondo de una mente soñadora que elabora una fantasía a partir de una sensación, de un beso que ha de ser reclamado. Es una canción triste y por ello mismo hermosa. La soledad no buscada es descorazonadora y solo refugiándose en un mundo soñado, en un mundo virtual, puede ser combatida. Besos
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“Voy soñando con tus besos por el callejón del alba, no despertarme del sueño campana de la Giralda..”.
Yo creo que la soledad es lo más real que existe, no se puede combatir en un mundo virtual.
“No hay como el calor del amor en un bar…” Radio futura?
Feliz día amigo mío.
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En un mundo virtual uno puede llegar a sentirse acompañado, es ficticio, lo sabemos, ¿pero a quien le importa? Al fin y al cabo, ya lo decía Calderón, “que el mayor bien es pequeño, pues toda la vida es sueño… Y lo sueños sueños son.” Gracias por tu bello comentario y tu aportación, y gracias sobre todo por tu amistad y tus deseos de felicidad. No esta siendo precisamente un día feliz para mi. Ojalá se cumpliesen todos tus deseos. Un beso.
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thanks for a perfect tribute to an unforgettable musican
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You’re welcome, Eddie! I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for stopping by and make such a beautiful comment.
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I, too, love Louis Armstrong! Such a wonderful post honoring a great man and musician.
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Thanks a lot for your kind words. I’m so glad to know there is so many people around here who love him too.
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I’m also a big Louis Armstrong fan, my favourite is cheesecake for the humour!
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I’m so glad you also love Louis Armstrong! I love Cheesecake too… awesome!
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As you say his deep raspy voice is just mellow and comforting … like a big teddy bear!
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So true! Yeah, just like a huge teddy bear, that’s a good metaphor
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