About the song
In the world of music, there exist a select few songs that have transcended generations, captivating the hearts of listeners with their timeless elegance and sophistication. One such iconic piece is “Fly Me to the Moon,” a song that has become synonymous with the magic of the night sky and the thrill of exploration. Written by the talented Bart Howard in 1954, this cabaret ballad has undergone a remarkable journey, evolving from a simple melody to a global phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on the world of music.
As we pay tribute to the legendary Frank Sinatra, we are reminded of his iconic rendition of “Fly Me to the Moon” in 1964, which was closely associated with the Apollo missions to the Moon. Sinatra’s smooth, velvety voice brought a new level of sophistication to the song, cementing its place in the annals of history. But the story of “Fly Me to the Moon” begins long before Sinatra’s rendition, with the song’s creator, Bart Howard.
Howard, a talented pianist and songwriter, had been pursuing a career in music for over 20 years when he wrote “Fly Me to the Moon.” He was inspired by his idol, Cole Porter, and wrote the song for his partner of 58 years, Thomas Fowler. The song was originally titled “In Other Words,” but Howard refused to change the lyrics to “take me to the Moon,” as suggested by a publisher. His instincts proved correct, as the song soon gained popularity in cabaret performances, thanks in part to the talents of Felicia Sanders.
The song’s composition is a testament to Howard’s skill as a songwriter. Written in 3/4 time signature, the song was later adapted to 4/4 by Quincy Jones, giving it a more contemporary feel. But it was Sinatra’s rendition that truly brought the song to life, with his smooth, soulful voice capturing the essence of the lyrics.
In 1999, the Songwriters Hall of Fame honored “Fly Me to the Moon” by inducting it as a “Towering Song,” a testament to its enduring impact on the world of music. As we look back on the legacy of Frank Sinatra, we are reminded of the power of music to transcend time and generations. “Fly Me to the Moon” remains a timeless classic, a song that continues to captivate audiences around the world with its elegance and sophistication.
In this tribute to Frank Sinatra, we are treated to a rendition of “Fly Me to the Moon” performed by London-based swing singer Ray Lowe, from his album “Ray Lowe Swings.” With its smooth, soulful voice and lush instrumentation, this rendition is a fitting tribute to the legacy of Sinatra and the timeless allure of “Fly Me to the Moon.”
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Lyrics
Fly me to the moon
Let me play among the stars
Let me see what spring is like
On a-Jupiter and Mars
In other words, hold my hand
In other words, baby, kiss meFill my heart with song
And let me sing for ever more
You are all I long for
All I worship and adore
In other words, please be true
In other words, I love youFill my heart with song
Let me sing for ever more
You are all I long for
All I worship and adore
In other words, please be true
In other words, in other words
I love you