Willow Weep for Me

By Ann Ronell
1932

There is a bit of controversy surrounding this sublime and unusual jazz standard. Specifically, it has long been rumored that it was actually composed by George Gershwin, who was romantically involved with Ronell at the time it was published. However, this has never been proven, and Ronell was in fact a legit songwriter in her own right, also known for co-writing "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?" for Disney. "Willow Weep for Me" was introduced by Paul Whiteman's orchestra, with Irene Taylor on vocals.

Lyrics:

Willow weep for me,
Willow weep for me,
Bend your branches green along the stream that runs to sea.
Listen to my plea,
Hear me willow, and weep for me.

Gone my lovers dream,
Lovely summer dream,
Gone and left me here to weep my tears into the stream.
Sad as I can be,
Hear me willow, and weep for me.

Whisper to the wind and say that love has sinned.
Left my heart a-breaking, and making a moan.
Murmur to the night to hide its starry light,
So none will see me sighing and crying all alone.

Weeping willow tree,
Weep in sympathy,
Bend your branches down along the ground and cover me.
When the shadows fall, hear me willow, and weep for me.

Recorded By:

Ella Fitzgerald
Frank Sinatra
Nina Simone
Jack Jones
Dinah Washington