All the Things You Are

By Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II
1939

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