Alright, Okay, You Win

By Maymie Watts & Sid Wyche
1955

A breezy, swingin' jazz number if ever there was one, this tune was composed specifically for the Count Basie orchestra, then in its post-World War II phase. Then band singer Joe Williams, who would soon go on to an illustrious solo career, introduced the song on Basie's May 17, 1955 recording. It has remained a popular song with traditional pop singers of a jazzy bent.

Lyrics:

Well alright, okay, you win
I'm in love with you
Well alright, okay, you win
Baby, what can I do
I'll do anything you say
It's just got to be that way

Well alright, okay, you win
I'm in love with you
Well alright, okay, you win
Baby, what can I do
Anything you say I'll do
As long as it's me and you

All that I am asking
All I want from you
Just love me like I love you
And it won't be hard to do

Well alright, okay, you win
I'm in love with you
Well alright, okay, you win
Baby, what can I do
I'll do anything you say
It's just got to be that way

All that I am asking
All I want from you
Just love me like I love you
And it won't be hard to do

Well alright, okay, you win
I'm in love with you
Well alright, okay, you win
Baby, one thing more
If you're gonna be my man
Sweet baby take me by the hand

Recorded By:

Bette Midler
Peggy Lee
Ella Fitzgerald
Nancy Wilson
Elvis Presley

Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing

By Sammy Fain & Paul Francis Webster
1955

This was Fain & Webster's second composition to win the Oscar, following "Secret Love". It was featured in the film of the same, and later recorded by The Four Aces, who took it to #1 on the charts. A sweeping romantic epic, it is proof that great film songs were still being written even as the era of rock 'n roll was being born.

Lyrics:

Love is a many-splendored thing
It's the April rose that only grows in the early spring
Love is nature's way of giving a reason to be living
The golden crown that makes a man a king

Once on a high and windy hill
In the morning mist two lovers kissed and the world stood still
Then your fingers touched my silent heart and taught it how to sing
Yes, true love's a many-splendored thing

Recorded By:

Frank Sinatra
Andy Williams
Barry Manilow
Ringo Starr
Don Cornell

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY FROM STANDARD OF THE DAY...

In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning

By David Mann & Bob Hilliard
1955

Frank Sinatra chose this as the title song of his first--and best--full-length LP for Capitol Records, introducing it to the world with one of his very finest recordings. A brilliant reading that begs repeated listening and demonstrates why Sinatra was the greatest vocal interpreter of popular song, his version has colored every other that has come after.

Lyrics:

In the wee small hours of the morning,
While the whole wide world is fast asleep,
You lie awake and think about the girl,
And never, ever think of counting sheep.

When your lonely heart has learned its lesson,
You;d be hers, if only she would call.
In the wee small hours of the morning,
That's the time you miss her most of all.

Recorded By:

Johnny Hartman
Carly Simon
Julie London
Stacey Kent
Tierney Sutton

Mr. Wonderful

By Jerry Bock, George David Weiss & Larry Holofcener
1955

The title song of a Broadway musical designed to showcase the many talents of Sammy Davis Jr., the song was introduced by Davis' leading lady Olga James. Also in the show were Davis' father and uncle. An arrangement of this song for choir can be heard be heard during the opening Lake Tahoe scene of The Godfather Part II.

Lyrics:

Why this feeling? Why this glow?
Why the thrill when you say hello?
It's a strange and tender magic you do.
Mr. Wonderful, that's you.

Why this trembling when you speak?
Why this joy when you touch my cheek?
I must tell you what my heart knows is true.
Mr. Wonderful, that's you.

And why this longing to know your charms?
To spend forever here in your arms?

Oh, there's much more I could say,
But the words keep slipping away,
And I'm left with one point of view.
Mr. Wonderful, that's you.

One more thing, then I'm through.
Mr. Wonderful, I love you!

Recorded By:

Keely Smith
Peggy Lee
Bette Midler
The Kinks
Ruby Murray