Song of the Day: Thou Swell

The song of the day for Tuesday, June 16, 2015 is “Thou Swell.”

About This Song

“Thou Swell” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1927 musical A Connecticut Yankee, based on the Mark Twain novel A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. “Thou Swell” is one of more charming songs from the musical, as the lyrics feature a combination of modern and medieval language: “thine eyes are cute too” and “I’d feel so rich in a hut for two.”

About This Version

Regular readers will know that this song is favorite of this author, due not only to the excellent melody by Rodgers and the clever lyrics by Hart, but also to the charming arrangement and the great joy that Bennett exudes in singing this song. “Thou Swell” is the first cut on Tony Bennett Sings… More Great Rodgers & Hart.

Thine eyes are cute too.

“Thou Swell,” as well as The Complete Improv Recordings, is available from iTunes.

For those that love this song as much I do, here’s an alternate take: