Today’s song is the soulful tune “Mona Lisa” by Nat King Cole.

Fun Facts about Nat King Cole:

“Mona Lisa” was written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston. It was written for the movie Captain Carey, U.S.A, and won an Oscar for Best Song.
Evans and Livingston also wrote “Silver Bells,” “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be), and the theme song for Bonanza.
Livingston wrote the song based on a character in the film who pretended to be a blind street accordion player. Every time he saw enemy German ships, he would play a specific tune to warn the Italians.
This song was used as the theme song for the British film Mona Lisa.
Nat King Cole’s soundtrack version of “Mona Lisa” was at the #1 Billboard spot for 8 weeks in 1950.
Nat King Cole’s real name is Nathaniel Adams Cole. He was born on March 17, 1919.
During his career as a songwriter and singer, Cole recorded more than 100 songs.
Before going solo, Nat belonged to the King Cole Trio. He didn’t go solo until 1947.
He is recognized as the first African American to serve as a host on a television series in the USA.

Lyrics:

Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa, men have named you

You’re so like the lady with the mystic smile

Is it only ’cause you’re lonely they have blamed you?

For that Mona Lisa strangeness in your smile?

Do you smile to tempt a lover, Mona Lisa?

Or is this your way to hide a broken heart?

Many dreams have been brought to your doorstep

They just lie there, and they die there

Are you warm? Are you real, Mona Lisa?

Or just a cold and lonely, lovely work of art?

[Verse 2]