The Meaning Behind The Song: Fever by Peggy Lee
Fever by Peggy Lee is one of the most iconic blues and jazz songs of all time. The song has been covered by several artists but Peggy Lee’s sultry, smooth vocals have become synonymous with the track. While the song may appear to be a straightforward love song, there is more to it than meets the eye.
The Composition of Fever
Fever was written by Eddie Cooley and Otis Blackwell in 1956. The song was originally titled “Fever in the Morning” but was later shortened to “Fever”. The song was first recorded by Little Willie John but it was Peggy Lee’s version that took the world by storm in 1958. The song has a simple but infectious beat that makes you want to tap your feet or snap your fingers.
The Lyrics of Fever
On the surface, the lyrics of Fever seem to be about a woman’s love for her man. However, if you listen closely, you will notice that the lyrics are laced with sexual innuendos and metaphors. The song starts with:
“Never know how much I love you
Never know how much I care
When you put your arms around me
I get a fever that’s so hard to bear”
The line “I get a fever” is repeated several times throughout the song, accompanied by lines that describe how the character is feeling. She talks about how her body is burning up, how her kisses will set her lover on fire, and how she needs him to cool her down.
However, the most controversial line in the song is:
“Romeo loved Juliet
Juliet she felt the same
When he put his arms around her
He said ‘Julie, baby you’re my flame
Thou givest fever when we kisseth
Fever with thy flaming youth
Fever, I’m afire
Fever, yea, I burn forsooth”
These lyrics suggest a level of intimacy and sexuality that was not common in mainstream music at the time. Some people even accused the song of being too risqué and inappropriate for radio play.
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The true meaning behind Fever’s lyrics is open to interpretation, but it’s clear that the song is more than just a love song. The lyrics are about a woman who is consumed by her love and passion for a man. Her feelings are so intense that they make her physically ill. She is willing to do anything for her man and begs him to take her in his arms and make her feel better.
Others have interpreted the lyrics as a metaphor for addiction. The song talks about how the character is consumed by something that she cannot control. She is addicted to the feeling that her lover gives her, and it’s a feeling that she can’t escape.
The Reception of Fever
Despite the controversy surrounding the song, Fever became an instant hit and went on to become one of Peggy Lee’s signature songs. The song peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has since been covered by several artists, including Madonna, Beyonce, and Elvis Presley. The song has also been featured in several movies, TV shows, and commercials.
The song’s popularity can be attributed to Peggy Lee’s sultry vocals and the song’s infectious beat. However, it’s the song’s controversial lyrics that have made it stand the test of time. The song’s sexual innuendos and metaphors were groundbreaking at the time, and they paved the way for future artists to explore similar themes in their music.
The Legacy of Fever
Fever is a classic song that has stood the test of time. The song’s lyrics and Peggy Lee’s sultry vocals have become synonymous with each other, making the song a quintessential piece of blues and jazz history.
The song has also inspired several artists to cover it and create their own unique versions. Madonna’s version of the song was a dance hit, while Beyonce’s version had a more modern R&B twist to it. Elvis Presley’s version of the song was also popular, and he often included it in his live performances.
Conclusion
Fever by Peggy Lee is a classic blues and jazz song that has stood the test of time. The song’s lyrics are laced with sexual innuendos and metaphors, making it controversial for its time. However, it’s this controversy that has made the song a classic and paved the way for future artists to explore similar themes in their music. Peggy Lee’s sultry vocals and the song’s infectious beat have become iconic, making Fever a quintessential piece of blues and jazz history.
