Song of the Day: Last Night When We Were Young

The song of the day for Tuesday, December 6, 2022, is “Last Night When We Were Young.”

About This Song

“Last Night When We Were Young” was written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg in 1936. Arlen considered “Last Night When We Were Young” to be one of his favorite songs.

In American Popular Song, Alec Wilder calls it a “most remarkable and beautiful song … (that) goes far beyond the boundaries of popular music.” Yip Harburg has said that he doesn’t know exactly where the title came from but that “the juxtaposition of those two phrases is almost a whole world of philosophy.”

Overall, it’s a wonderful and introspective song that is much beloved by singers. Frank Sinatra included it on his superb album In The Wee Small Hours. It has also been recorded by Judy Garland, Mel Tormé, Carmen McRae, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Last Night When We Were Young” in June 1992 and was released that year on Perfectly Frank. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon.

“Last Night When We Were Young,” as well as Perfectly Frank is available on Apple Music.