Today’s song of the day is an American pop classic, “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head,” by Dean Martin.
Fun Facts
- In 1960, Sammy Cahn wrote the lyrics to “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head?” with music composed by Jimmy Van Heusen.
- The duo wrote the song especially for the 1960 heist film Ocean’s 11, in which Martin starred as Sam Harmon.
- The title was originally referred to as “Ain’t That a Kick in the Seat?”
- Martin’s recording was made on May 10, 1960, in a Nelson Riddle arrangement that was quite swinging.
- Martin went on to perform the song in the Ocean’s 11 movie, which premiered on August 10, 1960.
- The version of the song used in Ocean’s 11 featured a different arrangement and included vibraphonist Red Norvo and his quartet.
- Since then, the song has been covered by many artists and groups, Robbie Williams, David Slater and Martin’s daughter Deana Martin.
- Most notably, the Irish boy band Westlife covered “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head?” for their 2004 album, “Allow Us to Be Frank.”
- Although Dean Martin’s version of the song failed to chart, the Westlife version peaked at number 4 on the UK Download charts.
- Twelve years after the icon’s death, an archive recording of Martin performing the song was used to create a duet with Kevin Spacey for a duets compilation album, Forever Cool.
Lyrics:
How lucky can one guy be?
I kissed her and she kissed me
Like the fella once said
“Ain’t that a kick in the head?”
The room was completely black
I hugged her and she hugged back
Like the sailor said, quote
“Ain’t that a hole in a boat?”
My head keeps spinnin’
I go to sleep and keep grinnin’
If this is just the beginnin’
My life is gonna be beautiful
I’ve sunshine enough to spread
It’s just like the fella said
Tell me quick, ain’t love a kick in the head?
Like the fella once said
“Ain’t that a kick in the head?”
Like the sailor said, quote
“Ain’t that a hole in a boat?”
My head keeps spinnin’
I go to sleep and keep grinnin’
If this is just the beginnin’
My life is gonna be beautiful
She’s tellin’ me we’ll be wed
She’s picked out a king-size bed
I couldn’t feel any better or I’d be sick
Tell me quick, oh, ain’t love a kick?
Tell me quick, ain’t love a kick in the head?
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