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Arguably the most beloved crossover country hit of them all, this one was composed by a young, unknown singer-songwriter who then went by the name of Hugh Nelson (pictured). After the original artist he pitched it to turned it down, Nelson gave it to the husband of country singer Patsy Cline, who was looking for a follow-up to "I Fall to Pieces". Cline reportedly hated the fast tempo, and slowed it down to ballad form. The result was one of the all-time classic recordings. The song would become a pop and jazz standard as well.
Lyrics:
Crazy, I'm crazy for feeling so lonely. I'm crazy, crazy for feeling so blue.
I knew you'd love me as long as you wanted, And then someday you'd leave me for somebody new.
Worry, why do I let myself worry? Wond'ring what in the world did I do?
Crazy for thinking that my love could hold you. I'm crazy for trying and crazy for crying, And I'm crazy for loving you.
Recorded By:
Shirley Bassey Cassandra Wilson Norah Jones Don McLean Linda Ronstadt
Originally written by Allen as part of the score for the TV musical production, The Bachelor, Allen later co-opted it as the theme song for his Tonight Show from 1954 to 1957. It was used until Jack Paar took over. The song has since become a recognizable anthem of a certain era--the hi-fi, "bachelor-pad" swingin' Space Age '50s, when America really did feel like the sky was the limit.
Lyrics:
You're walkin' along the street, or you're at a party, Or else you're alone and then you suddenly dig, You're looking' in someone's eyes, you suddenly realize That this could be the start of something big.
You're lunching at Twenty-One and watchin' your diet, Declining a charlotte russe, accepting a fig, When out of a clear blue sky, it's suddenly gal and guy, And this could be the start of something big.
There's no controlling the unrolling of your fate, my friend, Who knows what's written in the magic book. But when a lover you discover at the gate my friend, Invite her in without a second look.
You're up in an aeroplane or dining at Sardi's, Or lying at Malibu alone on the sand, You suddenly hear a bell, and right away you can tell That this could be the start of something grand.
This could be the start of something very big, Why don't you play your part? Please give your heart to me....and see. This could be the start of something wonderful, Why don't you take a chance? Just try romance with me....and see.
Your watchin' the sun come up and countin' your money, Or else in a dim cafe you're ordering wine, Then suddenly there he is, and you wanna be where he is, And this must be the start of something... This could be the heart of something... This could be the start of something big.
Recorded By:
Ella Fitzgerald Tony Bennett Eydie Gorme Oscar Peterson Count Basie
One of the many memorable and beloved tunes composed by Lerner & Loewe for their smash Broadway hit, My Fair Lady. It's sung by the character of Alfred Dolittle, played by Stanley Holloway in both the stage production and the Oscar-winning 1964 film version. It would become one of the show's very biggest and most endurant hits.
Lyrics:
There's just a few more hours. That's all the time you've got. A few more hours Before they tie the knot. Doolittle There are drinks and girls all over London, and I've gotta track 'em down in just a few more hours!
I'm getting married in the morning! Ding dong! The bells are gonna chime. Pull out the stopper! Let's have a whopper! But get me to the church on time!
I gotta be there in the mornin' Spruced up and lookin' in me prime. Girls, come and kiss me; Show how you'll miss me. But get me to the church on time!
If I am dancin' Roll up the floor. If I am whistlin' Whewt me out the door!
For I'm gettin' married in the mornin' Ding dong! the bells are gonna chime. Kick up an rumpus, But don't lost the compass; And get me to the church, Get me to the church, For Gawd's sake, get me to the church on time!
I'm getting married in the morning, Ding dong! the bells are gonna chime. Doolittle Drug me or jail me, Stamp me and mail me. But get me to the church on time!
I gotta be there in the morning Spruced up and lookin' in me prime. Some bloke who's able. Lift up the table, And get em to the church on time!
If I am flying, Then shoot me down. If I am wooin', Get her out of town!
For I'm getting married in the morning! Ding dong! the bells are gonna chime. Feather and tar me; Call out the Army; But get me to the church. Get me to the church... For Gawd's sake, get me to the church on time!
Starlight is reelin' home to bed now. Mornin' is smearin' up the sky. London is wakin'. Daylight is breakin'. Good luck, old chum, Good health, goodbye.
I'm gettin' married in the mornin' Ding dong! the bells are gonna chime... Hail and salute me Then haul off and boot me... And get me to the church, Get me to the church... For Gawd's sake, get me to the church on time!
Recorded By:
Frank Sinatra Mel Torme The Brian Setzer Orchestra Rosemary Clooney Nat King Cole
A fine example of the sophisticated wit and melodic gift of the Rodgers/Hart team, this song was introduced on stage by Eddie Albert and Marcy Westcott in the musical The Boys from Syracuse. Bandleaders Eddy Duchin and Benny Goodman had hits with it right after. Hart's typically clever lyric pokes fun at the traditional depictions of love in pop ballads.
Lyrics:
This can't be love, because I feel so well. No sobs, no sorrows, no sighs. This can't be love, I get no dizzy spells. My head is not in the skies.
My heart does not stand still, Just to repeat, This is too sweet to be love. This can't be love because I feel so well, Yet I long to look into your eyes.
Recorded By:
Ella Fitzgerald Nat King Cole Diana Krall George Shearing Stacey Kent
This one's a bit out of my usual jurisdiction in terms of time-frame, but I truly believe this song to be a modern classic that has, without question, become a standard. Written for The Muppet Movie, in which it was sung by Jim Henson as the voice of Kermit the Frog, it stands alongside "Over the Rainbow" and "When You Wish Upon a Star" among the all-time iconic songs derived from children's fantasy film. Wistful, beautiful, timeless.
Lyrics:
Why are there so many Songs about rainbows, And what's on the other side? Rainbow's are visions, They're only illusions, And rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some chose to believe it, But I know they're wrong, wait and see. Someday we'll find it: The Rainbow Connection, The lovers, the dreamers and me.
Who said that every wish Would be heard and answered When wished on the morning star? Somebody thought of that, And someone believed it, And look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing That keeps us star gazing? What do we think we might see? Someday we'll find it: That Rainbow Connection, The lovers, the dreamers and me.
Have you been half asleep, And have you heard voices? I've heard them calling my name. Are these the sweet sounds That called the young sailors? I think they're one and the same.
I've heard it too many times to ignore it, It's something that I'm supposed to be. Someday we'll find it: The Rainbow Connection, The lovers, the dreamers and me.
Recorded By:
Johnny Mathis Vonda Shepard Jason Mraz Sarah McLachlan The Carpenters
A wonderful, infectious life-affirming love ballad from the 1960 Broadway production Do Re Mi, in which it was introduced by John Henry Wheeler and Tilda Mullen. It is perhaps best known to modern listeners thanks to the Jimmy Durante version, used during the closing credits of Sleepless in Seattle, and during a 2008 car commercial. A typically gorgeous Styne melody married to the simple, stirring words of Comden & Green.
Lyrics:
Make someone happy, Make just one someone happy; Make just one heart the heart you sing to. One smile that cheers you, One face that lights when it nears you, One girl you're ev'rything to.
Fame if you win it, Comes and goes in a minute. Where's the real stuff in life to cling to? Love is the answer, Someone to love is the answer. Once you've found her, build your world around her.
Make someone happy, Make just one someone happy, And you will be happy, too.
Recorded By:
Barbra Streisand Perry Como Frank Sinatra Chris Botti Sammy David Jr.
For Standard of the Day's 300th post, I give you one of America's finest songs of all time, and one which is an interesting study in second chances. Hupfeld first wrote it for the Broadway musical Everybody's Welcome, in which it was introduced by Frances Williams. And although Rudy Vallee had a hit with it, it would be considered a relatively minor tune until its inclusion as the central theme of Casablanca some 11 years later. Thanks to its appearance in that classic film, including the iconic performance by Dooley Wilson as Sam, it has become one of the most easily identified songs of all time.
Thanks to all who continue to support SOTD. Here's looking at you, kid.
Lyrics:
You must remember this, A kiss is still a kiss, A sigh is just a sigh. The fundamental things apply As time goes by.
And when two lovers woo, They still say, I love you. On this you can rely, No matter what the future brings, As time goes by.
Moonlight and love songs, Never out of date; Hearts full of passion, Jealousy and hate; Woman needs man, And man must have his mate. That no one can deny.
It's still the same old story, A fight for love and glory, A case of do or die. The world will always welcome lovers, As time goes by.
Recorded By:
Frank Sinatra Tony Bennett Jimmy Durante Barbra Streisand Barry White
The song that would become Sinatra's biggest hit of the 1950s has a very mysterious back story. Written by 25-year-old amateur songwriter Silver (real first name Vicki), it was first recorded as a demo by local Philadelphia crooner Joe Valino. Silver would then send that demo to Frank, who selected it and made her an offer to publish the song through his own company, Barton. Valino would later claim to have been muscled out, and prevented from recording the song himself. In any event, a true Sinatra signature tune that has become a standard.
Lyrics:
The tables are empty - the dance floor's deserted You play the same love song - it's the tenth time you've heard it That's the beginning - just one of the clues You've had your first lesson - in learnin' the blues
The cigarettes you light - one after another Won't help you forget her - and the way that you love her You're only burnin' - a torch you can't lose But you're on the right track - for learnin' the blues
When you're at home alone, the blues will taunt you constantly When you're out in a crowd, the blues will haunt your memory
The nights when you don't sleep - the whole night you're cryin' But you can't forget her - soon you even stop tryin' You'll walk that floor - and wear out your shoes When you feel your heart break - you're learnin' the blues
Recorded By:
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Michael Buble Lou Rawls Rosemary Clooney Frank Sinatra
A remarkable song from the master, Kern--breathtakingly beautiful, and nearly operatic in tone and melody. It was introduced on stage by the cast of Very Warm for May, the musical for which it was written. But it has taken on a life of its own that goes far beyond that play. Kern's aching melody is perfectly complemented by Hammerstein's sublime lyric, notable for being such a perfect expression of love without ever mentioning the actual word.
Lyrics:
Time and again I've longed for adventure, Something to make my heart beat the faster. What did I long for? I never really knew. Finding your love I've found my adventure, Touching your hand, my heart beats the faster, All that I want in all of this world is you.
You are the promised kiss of springtime That makes the lonely winter seem long. You are the breathless hush of evening That trembles on the brink of a lovely song.
You are the angel glow that lights a star, The dearest things I know are what you are. Some day my happy arms will hold you, And some day I'll know that moment divine, When all the things you are, are mine!
Recorded By:
Ella Fitzgerald Frank Sinatra Tommy Dorsey Stan Kenton Jack Jones
Introduced in 1945 by the King Cole trio, this up-tempo jumper was actually penned by Nat King Cole himself. It's typical of the rhythm numbers the trio were known for, which also included "Straighten Up and Fly Right", among many others. It has often been covered by female singers as "I'm an Errand Girl for Rhythm".
Lyrics:
Here's something that I'd like to bring to you-- Wrapped all in cellophane, designed for you. Tell ya what it's all about It is, without a doubt Swingin' the latest style Service with a smile!
If you want to swing and shout Get your kicks and get about I'm an errand boy for rhythm--send me!
Lace your boots and follow thru I'll deliver straight to you I'm an errand boy for rhythm--send me!
You can always find me down at Smokey Joe's That's the place where every gal and gator goes. If you want variety, Just step in and call for me I'm an errand boy for rhythm--send me!
Recorded By:
John Pizzarelli Diana Krall Carmen McRae Carol Sloane Pamela Joy
British bandleader Noble composed this endurant and poignant standard, and introduced it with his own orchestra, featuring Al Bowlly as the singer. It has been recorded countless times by pop and jazz artists, popping up decade after decade. On a personal note, my grandmother's wartime sweetheart used to sing this to her before going off to Europe, where he was killed. It is also a favorite to sing to my daughter at bedtime, and my best friend wisely used the Billie Holiday recording as his wedding song...
Lyrics:
I don't need your photograph to keep by my bed Your picture is always in my head I don't need your portrait, dear, to bring you to mind For sleeping or waking, dear, I find
The very thought of you and I forget to do The little ordinary things that everyone ought to do I'm living in a kind of daydream I'm happy as a king And foolish though it may seem Why to me that's everything
The mere idea of you, the longing here for you You'll never know how slow the moments go till I'm near to you I see your face in every flower Your eyes in stars above It's just the thought of you The very thought of you, my love
I see your face in every flower Your eyes in stars above It's just the thought of you The very thought of you, my love
Recorded By:
Bing Crosby Frank Sinatra Ella Fitzgerald Billie Holiday Tony Bennett & Paul McCartney
This blues and jazz classic was not officially introduced until 1922, when it was first recorded by Eva Taylor wife of co-composer Williams. Ironically, Warfield would later dispute Williams' authorship, claiming to have written the song alone. It would be made a smash hit in 1923 by the Empress of the Blues herself, Bessie Smith. Truly evocative of an era.
Lyrics:
I've got the blues, I feel so lonely I'll give the world if I could only Make you understand It surely would be grand I'm gonna telephone my baby Ask him won't you please come home 'Cause when you're gone, I'm worried all day long
Baby won't you please come home Baby won't you please come home I have tried in vain Ever more to call your name
When you left you broke my heart That will never make us part Every hour in the day You will hear me say Baby won't you please come home?
Baby won't you please come home Baby won't you please come home Cause your mama's all alone I have tried in vain Never more to call your name
When you left you broke my heart That will never make us part Landlord gettin' worse, I've got to move May the first Baby won't you please come home, I need money Baby won't you please come home?
Recorded By:
Django Reinhardt Louis Armstrong Lionel Hampton Sidney Bechet Ray Charles
This was Fain & Webster's second composition to win the Oscar, following "Secret Love". It was featured in the film of the same, and later recorded by The Four Aces, who took it to #1 on the charts. A sweeping romantic epic, it is proof that great film songs were still being written even as the era of rock 'n roll was being born.
Lyrics:
Love is a many-splendored thing
It's the April rose that only grows in the early spring
Love is nature's way of giving a reason to be living
The golden crown that makes a man a king
Once on a high and windy hill
In the morning mist two lovers kissed and the world stood still
Then your fingers touched my silent heart and taught it how to sing
Yes, true love's a many-splendored thing
Recorded By:
Frank Sinatra
Andy Williams Barry Manilow
Ringo Starr
Don Cornell
The only hit song to ever emerge from a Marx Brothers movie, this Brown/Freed composition was introduced in the film A Night at the Opera by Kitty Carlisle and Allan Jones (father of crooner Jack Jones). That same movie would also include a piano rendition by Chico Marx of another recent Brown song, "All I Do Is Think of You". "Alone" would be performed by Judy Garland five years later in the movie "Andy Hardy Meets Debutante".
Lyrics:
Alone, Alone with a sky of romance above. Alone, Alone on a night that was meant for love.
There must be someone waiting who feels the way I do. Whoever you are, are you, are you
Alone, Alone on this night that we two could share. Alone, Alone with a kiss that could make me care.
And when you come I promise to be your very own! Alone, Alone with a heart meant for you.
And when you come I promise to be your very own! Alone, Alone with a heart meant for you.
Alone.
Recorded By:
Johnny Hartman Judy Garland Tommy Dorsey Nat King Cole Allan Jones
A tribute to the finest genre of popular music in history, pop's direct link to the classical tradition, and one of our nation's most important contributions to world culture, the Great American Songbook. Each day (more or less), I spotlight a different popular standard. And yes, I'm straight. So is your grandfather. He loves this music, too--just ask him!
By Willie Nelson
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