Song of the Day: Out Of This World

The song of the day for Monday, November 18, 2013 is “Out Of This World.”

About This Song

“Out Of This World” was written in 1944 by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. The song was introduced in the 1945 movie Out Of This World, where Bing Crosby dubbed the voice Eddie Bracken for the singing of this song. This song is favorite of singers including Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney and Jo Stafford.

Alec Wilder, in his book American Popular Song, notes that this song is somewhat unusual, as it has no verse, as was customary for most popular songs written at that time. He says that “it is a very strong song, with splendid support in a John Mercer lyric.”

We choose this song today to celebrate the birth of John Herndon Mercer, on this day in 1909. Mercer is, without a doubt, one of America’s finest lyricists and his work, especially that with Harold Arlen, is beyond compare.

About This Version

Tony Bennett has recorded Out of This World twice: first in 1960 for the album Alone Together and again in 1967 for For Once In My Life. Both are versions are outstanding. Today’s version is from 1967, arranged and conducted by Marion Evans.

Our hat is off to the great Johnny Mercer and all of the wonderful songs he gave us.

http://open.spotify.com/track/1lbNdANp7StpkibXrAMjbi
“Out Of This World,” as well as the album For Once In My Life,” is available from iTunes and Amazon.

Note: All links are to The Interactive Tony Bennett Discography.