The song of the day is the legendary jazz standard “‘Round Midnight” by Thelonious Monk.
Fun Facts:
- “‘Round Midnight” is the most-recorded jazz song ever.
- Although recorded in 1944, Monk may have done an early version of it in 1936, under the title “Grand Finale,” when he was just 19. Unfortunately, it’s been lost.
- Sometimes the song is called “‘Round About Midnight.”
- The intro to the song that is most commonly played today was not written by Monk. It was written by Dizzy Gillespie for his cover of it.
- Monk liked Gillespie’s intro so much that he started using it himself.
- Jazz songwriter Bernie Hanighen later added some additional lyrics that have since become incorporated into the song.
- The movie ‘Round Midnight got its name from this song. It’s about a fictional jazz saxophonist.
- Miles Davis’ cover of this song was so popular that it reinvigorated his then-dead career.
- “‘Round Midnight” has been called the National Anthem of Jazz.
Lyrics:
So we’d like to try it again
It begins to tell ’round midnight, midnight
I do pretty well ’til after sundown
Suppertime, I’m feelin’ sad
But it really gets bad ’round midnight
Memories always start ’round midnight
Haven’t got the heart to stand those memories
When my heart is still with you
And old midnight knows it, too
When a quarrel we had needs mending
Does it mean that our love is ending
Darling, I need you
Lately I find
You’re out of my arms
And I’m out of my mind
Let our hearts take wings ’round midnight, midnight
Let the angels sing for your returning
‘Til our love is safe and sound
And old midnight comes around
Feelin’ sad (I’m not finished)
Really bad
‘Round
‘Round
‘Round
Midnight
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