Why this tune?
I shared an instrumental version of this classic Jimmy Van Heusen song a few years ago. I’m returning to it this week with a vocal version, trying to do justice to Johnny Burke’s elegantly crafted romantic lyric. It’s been recorded almost 500 times since Bing Crosby sang it first in 1947, so there are plenty of versions to consult for inspiration and ideas, from the smooth crooning of Nat King Cole’s to Nancy Wilson’s wry, adventurous interpretation.
This is a short song with a small number of mostly short words. I just realized that the lyrics are all words of one or two syllables except for “beautiful.” That’s quite clever, and gives that word extra emotional impact every time it appears.
Tunes On Tuesday Reel
Check it out
Nat “King” Cole
Nancy Wilson