About the song
In the realm of jazz, few songs have managed to transcend the boundaries of time and culture, becoming an integral part of the musical heritage of the world. “Nature Boy,” a song first recorded by the legendary Nat King Cole in 1948, is one such masterpiece. Written by Eden Ahbez as a tribute to Bill Pester, who embodied the Naturmensch and Lebensreform philosophies, this song has evolved into a timeless classic, celebrated by generations of music lovers.
The Birth of a Song
“Nature Boy” was born in the vibrant city of Los Angeles in the 1940s, a time when the city was a melting pot of artistic expression and cultural experimentation. Ahbez, a member of the “Nature Boys,” a subculture of proto-hippies, drew inspiration from the group’s ideals of living in harmony with nature. The song’s lyrics, a poetic tribute to the Naturmensch philosophy, speak to the human desire for a simpler, more authentic way of life.
A Song that Defied Convention
Released during the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) ban of 1948, “Nature Boy” was a bold move by Nat King Cole, who was determined to establish himself as a solo artist. The song’s success was nothing short of phenomenal, reaching the top of the Billboard music charts and selling over a million copies. This achievement not only helped to establish Cole’s solo career but also introduced him to the white music market, paving the way for future generations of artists.
A Legacy of Controversy and Celebration
However, the success of “Nature Boy” was not without controversy. Yiddish composer Herman Yablokoff claimed that the song was plagiarized from his own composition, “Shvayg mayn harts” (Be Still My Heart). Despite the lawsuit, Ahbez and Yablokoff eventually settled out of court. In 1999, the song was awarded the Grammy Hall of Fame Award, a testament to its enduring legacy.
A Standard that Continues to Inspire
Over the years, “Nature Boy” has been interpreted by countless artists, including Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, Tony Bennett, and Lady Gaga. The song’s timeless appeal has made it a staple of the jazz and pop repertoire, with its themes of nature, spirituality, and the human quest for authenticity continuing to resonate with audiences around the world. Its use in numerous films, including The Boy with Green Hair, The Talented Mr. Ripley, and the 2001 musical Moulin Rouge!, has further cemented its place in the cultural consciousness.
In conclusion, “Nature Boy” is a song that embodies the spirit of the 1940s, a time of great cultural and artistic experimentation. Its themes of nature, spirituality, and the human quest for authenticity continue to inspire artists and audiences alike, making it a timeless classic that will endure for generations to come.
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Lyrics
There was a boy
A very strange enchanted boy
They say he wandered very far
Very far
Over land and sea
A little shy
And sad of eye
But very wise was he
And then one day
One magic day he passed my way
And while we spoken of many things
Fools and kings
This he said to me
The greatest thing
You’ll ever learn
Is just to love
And be loved in return
And then one day
One magic day he passed my way
And while we spoken of many things
Fools and kings
This he said to me
The greatest thing you’ll ever learn
Is just to love
And be loved
In return