Autumn in New York

By Vernon Duke
1934

What a perfect time to spotlight this sublime piece of popular music, wouldn't you say? Prolific composer Duke wrote it for the Broadway musical Thumbs Up!, in which it was first performed by J. Harold Murray. It would not become a popular standard for singers and musicians, however, until about a decade later.

Lyrics:

Autumn in New York--
Why does it seem so exciting?
Autumn in New York--
It spells the thrill of first-nighting.

Shimmering clouds and glimmering crowds
In canyons of steel--
They're making me feel I'm home.

It's autumn in New York
That brings a promise of new love.
Autumn in New York--
Is often mingled with pain.

Dreamers with empty hands
All sigh for exotic lands.
It's autumn in New York--
It's good to live it again.

This autumn in New York
Transforms the slums into Mayfair.
Autumn in New York--
You'll need no castles in Spain.

Lovers that bless the dark
On benches in Central Park.
It's autumn in New York,
It's good to live it again.

Recorded By:

Ella Fitzgerald
Billie Holiday
Frank Sinatra
Jo Stafford
Charlie Parker