The song of the day for Friday, January 14, 2022, is “Thou Swell.”

About This Song

“Thou Swell” was written by Richard Rodgers and Larry 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 the 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

Tony Bennett recorded “Thou Swell” in 1973 with the Ruby Braff-George Barnes Quartet, with Braff on cornet, Barnes and Wayne Wright on guitar, and John Guiffrida on bass. This quartet, without piano or drums, is a wonderful sound these Rodgers and Hart songs. “Thou Swell” was released in 1977 on Tony Bennett Sings More Great Rodgers and Hart on Bennett’s Improv label.

“Thou Swell,” as well as The Complete Improv Recordings is available on Apple Music.