Day In, Day Out

By Rube Bloom & Johnny Mercer
1939

Another example of Mercer's fantastic lyrics, taking a tired phrase and making it shine. The words go along with a gorgeous, soaring melody by Bloom which musicologist Alec Wilder rightly described as passionate yet unpretentious. The song was introduced by Bob Crosby's Orchestra (pictured), with Helen Ward on vocals. It was a popular song with the big bands which survived into the post-Big Band era as well.

Lyrics:

Day in - day out
That same old voodoo follows me about
That same old pounding in my heart, whenever I think of you
And baby I think of you
Day in and day out

Day out - day in
I needn't tell you how my days begin
When I awake I get up with a tingle
One possibility in view
That possibility of maybe seeing you

Come rain - come shine
I meet you and to me the day is fine
Then I kiss your lips, and the pounding becomes
An oceans roar, a thousand drums
Can't you see it's love, can there be any doubt
When there it is, day in - day out

Recorded By:

Nat King Cole
Billie Holiday
Ella Fitzgerald
Frank Sinatra
Judy Garland