Dancing on the Ceiling

By Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart
1930

Although written for a musical called Simple Simon, it did not make the final score. Instead, it was introduced in the musical Evergreen, when it opened in London on December 3, 1930. British musical star Jessie Matthews (pictured) further put her stamp on the song when she sang it in the movie version made four years later. The tune was popularized in the States by British band leader and showman, Jack Hylton.

Lyrics:

The world is lyrical, because a miracle
Has brought my lover to me.
Though he's some other place, his face I see.
At night I creep in bed, and never sleep in bed,
but look above in the air.
And to my greatest joy, my boy is there.

He dances overhead,
On the ceiling near my bed.
In my sight,
Through the night.

I tried to hide in vain
Underneath my counterpane.
There's my love,
Up above.

I whisper, "Go away my lover, it's not fair"
But I'm so grateful to discover he's still there.

I love my ceiling more
Since it is a dancing floor
Just for my love.

Recorded By:

Peggy Lee
Artie Shaw
Frank Sinatra
Chet Baker
Jo Stafford