I Cried for You

By Gus Arnheim, Arthur Freed & Abe Lyman
1923

A classic vaudeville-inspired '20s standard, introduced by Lyman's own orchestra (pictured). It was instantly popular, hitting the top 20 twice with two different bands in its first year. The melody is inventive, with an octave that lets a singer show what they've got; and the gloating lyric is that of a spurned lover wishing ill upon her ex. Sinatra breathed new life into it for his 1957 Joey Lewis biopic The Joker Is Wild.

Lyrics:

I cried for you,
Now it's your turn to cry over me.
Every road has a turning,
Thats one thing you're learning.

I cried for you--
What a fool I used to be.
Now I've found two eyes
Just a little bit bluer,
I've found a heart
Just a little bit truer.

I cried for you,
Now it's your turn to cry over me.

Recorded By:

Billie Holiday
Bing Crosby
Bunny Berigan
Harry James
Count Basie