About the song
Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition of “Cry Me a River” is a classic interpretation of one of the most poignant torch songs ever written. Originally penned by Arthur Hamilton in 1953, “Cry Me a River” has been covered by numerous artists over the decades, but Fitzgerald’s version, released on her 1961 album “Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie!”, stands out as a masterclass in vocal jazz.
Ella Fitzgerald, often referred to as the First Lady of Song, brings her signature blend of technical precision and emotional depth to this timeless ballad. The song itself is a lament of unrequited love and heartbreak, with lyrics that perfectly capture the feelings of betrayal and longing. The line “You told me love was too plebeian, told me you were through with me, and now you say you love me” poignantly conveys the pain of a lover scorned.
Fitzgerald’s interpretation is both restrained and powerful, showcasing her impeccable phrasing and ability to convey complex emotions through subtle vocal nuances. The arrangement on “Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie!” complements her voice beautifully, featuring lush orchestration that underscores the melancholy tone of the song without overpowering her performance.
“Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie!” was a notable album in Fitzgerald’s extensive discography, highlighting her versatility and continued relevance in the jazz world. Although “Cry Me a River” was not released as a single, the album itself received critical acclaim and showcased some of her finest work. The album allowed Fitzgerald to explore a range of emotions and styles, and her rendition of “Cry Me a River” is often cited as one of the standout tracks.
Fitzgerald’s version of “Cry Me a River” didn’t chart like some other renditions, such as Julie London’s iconic 1955 version which reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. However, it has remained a favorite among jazz aficionados and continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth and technical brilliance.
Ella Fitzgerald’s “Cry Me a River” is a testament to her unparalleled ability to breathe new life into any song she touched. Her version remains a definitive interpretation, capturing the essence of heartbreak and the bittersweet nature of love. It is a beautiful example of why Fitzgerald is remembered as one of the greatest vocalists in the history of jazz, her voice continuing to resonate with listeners old and new.
In summary, Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition of “Cry Me a River” from the album “Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie!” is a remarkable interpretation of a classic torch song. Her performance highlights her extraordinary talent and emotional expressiveness, ensuring that this song remains a cherished piece of her musical legacy.
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Lyrics
Ooh
Ooh
Now you say you’re lonely
You cried the long night through
Well, you can cry me a river
Cry me a river
I cried a river over you
Now you say you’re sorry
For being so untrue
Well, you can cry me a river
Cry me a river
‘Cause I cried, I cried, I cried a river over you
You drove me, nearly drove me out of my head
While you never shed a tear
Remember, I remember all that you said
Told me love was too plebeian
Told me you were through with me
And now you say, you say you love me
Well, just to prove you do
Come on and cry me a river
Cry me a river
‘Cause I cried a river over you
You drove me, nearly drove me out of my head
While you never shed a tear
Remember, re-remember all that you said
Told me love was too plebeian
Told me you were through with me and
Now, now you say you love me
Well, just to prove you do
Come on and cry, cry, cry me a river
Cry me a river
‘Cause I cried a river over you
If my pillow could talk, imagine what it would have said
It would be a river of tears I cried in bed
So you can cry me a river
Daddy, go ‘head and cry that river
‘Cause I cried, how I cried
A river over you
How I cried a river over you