About the song
“Gloomy Sunday,” often referred to as the “Hungarian Suicide Song,” is one of the most haunting and poignant songs ever recorded. Billie Holiday’s rendition of this melancholic tune, released in 1941, has cemented its place in the annals of music history. The song was originally composed by Hungarian pianist and composer Rezső Seress in 1933, with the original lyrics by László Jávor. The English version, which Billie Holiday performed, features lyrics by Sam M. Lewis.
The song’s somber melody and heart-wrenching lyrics tell the story of a person contemplating suicide after the loss of a loved one. Its deep emotional resonance has made it both infamous and beloved, drawing listeners into its profound sense of despair and longing. Billie Holiday’s interpretation of “Gloomy Sunday” is particularly powerful, as her soulful voice imbues the song with a depth of feeling that few other artists could match.
Billie Holiday, known for her emotive and unique vocal style, was able to convey the song’s tragic beauty in a way that resonated deeply with her audience. Her version of “Gloomy Sunday” was part of a collection of recordings made during her tenure with Columbia Records, showcasing her ability to bring raw emotion to every performance.
Despite its grim subject matter, “Gloomy Sunday” achieved considerable success. It became a significant part of Holiday’s repertoire and has been covered by numerous artists over the decades, attesting to its enduring impact. While it never topped the charts, its influence and the lore surrounding it have made it a legendary piece in the jazz and blues genres.
Billie Holiday’s “Gloomy Sunday” remains a testament to her unparalleled ability to interpret and convey complex emotions through music. The song’s legacy is a mix of admiration for its artistry and fascination with its dark themes. It continues to be a powerful reminder of the ways in which music can touch the deepest parts of the human experience, evoking both sorrow and beauty in equal measure.
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Lyrics
Sunday is gloomy
My hours are slumberless
Dearest the shadows
I live with are numberless
Little white flowers
Will never awaken you
Not where the black coach
Of sorrow has taken you
Angels have no thoughts
Of ever returning you
Would they be angry
If I thought of joining you
Gloomy Sunday
Gloomy is Sunday
With shadows I spend it all
My heart and I
Have decided to end it all
Soon there’ll be candles
And prayers that are said I know
Let them not weep
Let them know that I’m glad to go
Death is no dream
For in death I’m caressin’ you
With the last breath of my soul
I’ll be blessin’ you
Gloomy Sunday
Dreaming, I was only dreaming
I wake and I find you asleep
In the deep of my heart here
Darling, I hope
That my dream never haunted you
My heart is tellin’ you
How much I wanted you
Gloomy Sunday