This Could Be the Start of Something

By Steve Allen
1954

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