Cocktails for Two

By Arthur Johnston & Sam Coslow
1934

A mellow classic from the Big Band era, this jazzy tune was introduced in the 1934 film Murder at the Vanities, in which it was sung by Carl Brisson. It would soon after become on of the Duke Ellington band's most recognizable numbers. It's lyric is a celebration of the repeal of Prohibition which occured the previous year.

Lyrics:

In some secluded rendezvous
That overlooks the avenue
With someone sharing a delightful chat
Of this and that
And cocktails for two

As we enjoy a cigarette
To some exquisite chansonnette
Two hands are sure to slyly meet beneath
A serviette
With cocktails for two

My head may go reeling
But my heart will be obedient
With intoxicating kisses
For the principal ingredient

Most any afternoon at five
We'll be so glad we're both alive
Then maybe fortune will complete her plan
That all began
With cocktails for two

Recorded By:

Duke Ellington
Spike Jones
Tommy Dorsey
Bing Crosby
Billy May

Pennies from Heaven

By Arthur Johnston & Johnny Burke
1936

One of the most recognizable songs of the 1930s, this one was introduced by none other than the premiere vocalist of the era, Bing Crosby. He did so in the musical film of the same. Billie Holday had a hit recording with it the very same year, making it an instant pop standard. It so epitomized the era, that its name was used as the title to a 1978 BBC series and subsequent 1981 movie in which characters mimed popular songs of the 1930s.

Lyrics:

A long time ago, a million years BC,
The best things in life were absolutely free.
But no one appreciated a sky that was always blue.
And no one congratulated a moon that was always new.
So it was planned that they would vanish now and then,
And you must pay before you get them back again.
That's what storms were made for,
And you shouldn't be afraid for...

Every time it rains it rains
Pennies from heaven.
Don't you know each cloud contains
Pennies from heaven?

You'll find your fortune falling
All over town.
Be sure that your umbrella is upside down.

Trade them for a package of
Sunshine and flowers.
If you want the things you love,
You must have showers.

So when you hear it thunder,
Don't run under a tree.
There'll be pennies from heaven for you and me.

Recorded By:

Louis Armstrong
Tony Bennett
Frank Sinatra
Dean Martin
Louis Prima