What a Difference a Day Made

By Maria Grever & Stanley Adams
1934

Also known as "What a Difference a Day Makes". Mexican songwriter Grever originally wrote it in Spanish as "Cuando Vuelva a Tu Lado," but American lyricist Adams gave it English words not long after (Adams also did the same for La Cucaracha.) Harry Roy and his Orchestra popularized it in America, but it's Dinah Washington's recording that's the most famous. It won her a Grammy for Best R&B Performance in 1959. True to its origins, the song is in the bolero romantic style.

Lyrics:

What a diff'rence a day made,
Twenty-four little hours,
Brought the sun and the flowers,
Where there used to be rain.

My yesterday was blue, dear.
Today I'm part of you, dear.
My lonely nights are through, dear,
Since you said you were mine.

What a diff'rence a day made,
There's a rainbow before me.
Skies above can't be stormy,
Since that moment of bliss, that thrilling kiss.

It's heaven when you
Find romance on your menu.
What a diff'rence a day made,
And the difference is you.

Recorded By:

Tony Bennett
Al Martino
Eydie Gormet
Diana Ross
Sarah Vaughan