About the song
“Magic Moments,” composed by Burt Bacharach and penned by Hal David, stands as a timeless gem in the annals of popular music. Released initially as the B-side to Perry Como’s “Catch a Falling Star” in 1957, this enchanting melody swiftly carved its place in musical history, soaring to the number one spot on the UK Singles Chart in 1958.
Bacharach’s genius in composition shines through the song’s orchestration, complemented by Hal David’s evocative lyrics, capturing fleeting yet profound moments of joy and nostalgia. Serene Dominic, in his book “Burt Bacharach, Song by Song,” aptly describes the song’s unique blend of instruments—bassoon, whistling, and the Ray Charles Singers’ ethereal vocals—as elements that transport listeners to a realm of wistful reminiscence.
In the realm of chart performance, Perry Como’s rendition under RCA Victor’s production by Joe Reisman found widespread acclaim, peaking at number four on the Most Played by Disc Jockeys chart in the United States. Its success extended beyond borders, resonating in Italy and notably reigning atop the British charts for eight consecutive weeks, marking Como’s most significant UK triumph.
Beyond Como’s interpretation, “Magic Moments” inspired numerous covers and adaptations. Ronnie Hilton’s UK version and Bing Crosby’s rendition for his radio show added diverse hues to the song’s legacy, each interpretation bringing a fresh perspective to David’s introspective lyrics.
Moreover, “Magic Moments” transcended the realm of music into popular culture. It became synonymous with Quality Street’s iconic Christmas commercials in the UK during the 1980s, persisting as a beloved holiday staple. Its enduring popularity is underscored by its presence in films like “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason,” as well as television series such as “Call the Midwife” and “Glow,” weaving its melodic thread into the fabric of entertainment history.
Today, “Magic Moments” remains not just a song, but a testament to the enduring power of music to evoke emotion and nostalgia across generations, its melodies continuing to resonate in the hearts of listeners worldwide, ensuring its place as a cherished classic for years to come.
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Lyrics
Magic moments, when two hearts are carin’
Magic moments, memories we’ve been sharing
I’ll never forget the moment we kissed
The night of the hay ride
The way that we hugged to try to keep warm
While takin’ a sleigh ride
Magic moments, memories we’ve been sharin’
Magic moments, when two hearts are carin’
Time can’t erase the memory of
These magic moments filled with love
The telephone call that tied up the line
For hours and hours
The Saturday dance I got up the nerve
To send you some flowers
Magic moments, memories we’ve been sharin’
Magic moments, when two hearts are carin’
Time can’t erase the memory of
These magic moments filled with love
The way that we cheered whenever our team
Was scoring a touchdown
The time that the floor fell out of my car
When I put the clutch down
The penny arcade, the games that we played
The fun and the prizes
The Halloween hop when everyone came
In funny disguises
Magic moments filled with love