Written by Bob Hilliard and David Mann
Recorded by Ella Fitzgerald with Sy Oliver and his Orchestra
There have been numerous classic songs about marriage: Chapel of Love, Wedding Bell Blues, Love and Marriage, and countless others - but do any of them have what we here consider one of the best bridges? Nope! But this song does.
Ella Fitzgerald is a legend. Musically, culturally and politically, the First Lady of Song has contributed so much amazing music, and her influence is still being felt, even if most people today are unfamiliar with her greatness. For those of you who were not around in the '50s, you might be better acquainted with the similarly titled “Solid (As A Rock),” a big hit for Ashford & Simpson. But while the 1984 R&B-crossover chart-topping single merely borrowed the title phrase, it fell short of expanding on the metaphor. Not the case with this song:
Solid as a rock
Solid as a rock
Love is as solid as a rock of Gibraltar
So come to the altar with me
Oh, how we love that “Gibraltar/altar” internal rhyme! Songwriters Bob Hilliard and David Mann crafted a simple, heartfelt composition. Economical and delightful. I’m not certain that the song has what I would consider a verse. The lyrics above sound more like a chorus – so is this song just chorus and bridge? Can we have a bridge without a proper verse and chorus? Of course we can – it’s my blog, I can do whatever I want! But listen to the song, clearly, this is the bridge:
You'll only wander wayward if you ramble
May I suggest a license and a ring
When you're in love, it's really not a gamble
Cause you're betting on a real sure thing
Great lyrics, and the perfect redirection and palate cleanser before we jump back into the chorus. I love the alliterative phrase, “You'll only wander wayward if you ramble.” Say it – sing it! Doesn’t it feel good coming out of your mouth?
Fitzgerald recorded the song with Sy Oliver and his Orchestra. I love the whole-step modulation. The rhythm section drops out, the rest of the orchestra takes a musical deep breath, and with an exuberant “hey,” we’re back and better than ever. I haven’t been able to find covers or additional versions of this song. Do you know any? And what about other marriage songs with great bridges? There must be some – let me know!
-MJK
Recorded by Ella Fitzgerald with Sy Oliver and his Orchestra
There have been numerous classic songs about marriage: Chapel of Love, Wedding Bell Blues, Love and Marriage, and countless others - but do any of them have what we here consider one of the best bridges? Nope! But this song does.
Ella Fitzgerald is a legend. Musically, culturally and politically, the First Lady of Song has contributed so much amazing music, and her influence is still being felt, even if most people today are unfamiliar with her greatness. For those of you who were not around in the '50s, you might be better acquainted with the similarly titled “Solid (As A Rock),” a big hit for Ashford & Simpson. But while the 1984 R&B-crossover chart-topping single merely borrowed the title phrase, it fell short of expanding on the metaphor. Not the case with this song:
Solid as a rock
Solid as a rock
Love is as solid as a rock of Gibraltar
So come to the altar with me
Oh, how we love that “Gibraltar/altar” internal rhyme! Songwriters Bob Hilliard and David Mann crafted a simple, heartfelt composition. Economical and delightful. I’m not certain that the song has what I would consider a verse. The lyrics above sound more like a chorus – so is this song just chorus and bridge? Can we have a bridge without a proper verse and chorus? Of course we can – it’s my blog, I can do whatever I want! But listen to the song, clearly, this is the bridge:
You'll only wander wayward if you ramble
May I suggest a license and a ring
When you're in love, it's really not a gamble
Cause you're betting on a real sure thing
Great lyrics, and the perfect redirection and palate cleanser before we jump back into the chorus. I love the alliterative phrase, “You'll only wander wayward if you ramble.” Say it – sing it! Doesn’t it feel good coming out of your mouth?
Fitzgerald recorded the song with Sy Oliver and his Orchestra. I love the whole-step modulation. The rhythm section drops out, the rest of the orchestra takes a musical deep breath, and with an exuberant “hey,” we’re back and better than ever. I haven’t been able to find covers or additional versions of this song. Do you know any? And what about other marriage songs with great bridges? There must be some – let me know!
-MJK
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