About the song
In the realm of popular music, few songs have managed to captivate audiences across generations with the same level of charm and sophistication as “Orange Colored Sky”. Written by Milton DeLugg and Willie Stein, this timeless classic has been delighting listeners since its inception in the 1950s. With its unique blend of jazz, swing, and pop elements, “Orange Colored Sky” has become an iconic standard, covered by numerous artists and featured in various forms of media.
The song’s most famous rendition was recorded by the legendary Nat King Cole, accompanied by Stan Kenton’s orchestra, on August 16, 1950. Released by Capitol Records, this version reached the Billboard Best Seller chart on September 22, 1950, and remained a staple on the chart for 13 weeks, peaking at number 11. Cole’s smooth, velvety vocals and the orchestra’s lush instrumentation set the tone for a song that would become synonymous with elegance and refinement.
Over the years, “Orange Colored Sky” has been covered by a diverse range of artists, including Natalie Cole, Jerry Lester, Danny Kaye, Patty Andrews, Doris Day, and Betty Hutton, among others. Each interpretation has brought a unique perspective to the song, showcasing its versatility and adaptability. The song’s exposure on television, particularly through Jerry Lester’s performance on the NBC series “Broadway Open House”, helped to further cement its popularity.
In the decades that followed, “Orange Colored Sky” continued to inspire new generations of artists. Screamin’ Jay Hawkins recorded a memorable version in 1958, while Burt Ward, best known for his role as Robin in the 1960s “Batman” series, released a single of the song in 1966. The song’s title was also used for a 1971 album by German composer Bert Kaempfert.
In recent years, “Orange Colored Sky” has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with covers by artists such as Lady Gaga, Michael Bublé, and Richard Thompson. Gaga’s performances of the song, including a surprise appearance at The Oak Room in New York City and a recording for her Christmas EP “A Very Gaga Holiday”, have introduced the song to a new audience.
Beyond its numerous recordings, “Orange Colored Sky” has also made appearances in popular culture. The song was featured in the movie “The Majestic”, and its inclusion in the Fallout video game series has helped to introduce it to a new generation of gamers. The song’s iconic status was further solidified by its use in the opening scene of the Fallout TV series.
As we reflect on the enduring appeal of “Orange Colored Sky”, it becomes clear that this song is more than just a nostalgic relic of the past. Its timeless themes of love, joy, and wonder continue to captivate audiences today, making it a true classic that transcends generations. Whether you’re a fan of jazz, swing, or pop music, “Orange Colored Sky” is a song that is sure to delight and inspire, its beauty and charm remaining as vibrant as ever.
Video
Lyrics
I was walking along, minding my business
When out of an orange-colored sky
Flash, bam, alakazam
Wonderful you came by
I was humming a tune, drinking in sunshine
When out of that orange-colored view
Flash, bam, alakazam
I got a look at you
One look and I yelled, “Timber”
Watch out for flying glass
‘Cause the ceiling fell in and the bottom fell out
I went into a spin and I started to shout
I’ve been hit
(This is it, this is it, I, T, it)
I was walking along minding my business
When love came and hit me in the eye
Flash, bam, alakazam
Out of an orange-colored sky
One look and I yelled, “Timber”
Watch out for flying glass
‘Cause the ceiling fell in and the bottom fell out
I went into a spin and I started to shout
I’ve been hit
(This is it, this is it, I, T, it)
I was walking along minding my business
When love came and hit me in the eye
Flash, bam, alakazam
Out of an orange-colored, purple-striped
A pretty, green, polka-dot sky
Flash, a-bam alakazam and goodbye
Wow, I thought love was much softer than that
For the most disturbing sound