About the song
Billie Holiday’s “The Very Thought of You”: A Timeless Love Song
Billie Holiday, often called “Lady Day,” possessed a voice that could evoke a myriad of emotions. Her rendition of “The Very Thought of You” is a prime example of her ability to transform a song into a deeply personal experience. Originally composed by Ray Noble in 1934, Holiday’s version, recorded in 1935, elevated the song to a timeless classic.
The title, “The Very Thought of You”, is deceptively simple. Yet, it encapsulates the all-consuming nature of love and longing. The lyrics, filled with imagery of nature and everyday life, paint a vivid picture of a person so consumed by thoughts of their beloved that even the most mundane tasks become imbued with their presence.
Holiday’s interpretation of this song is nothing short of masterful. Her voice, with its distinctive huskiness and emotional depth, conveys a sense of both joy and melancholy. She infuses the song with a vulnerability that is both captivating and heartbreaking. The way she phrases each word, and the subtle nuances in her tone, reveal a depth of feeling that is rarely captured in recordings.
Musically, “The Very Thought of You” is a simple yet elegant ballad. The arrangement, dominated by a gentle piano and subtle string accompaniment, provides a perfect backdrop for Holiday’s vocals. The song’s tempo is slow and deliberate, allowing the listener to savor each note and fully appreciate the lyrics.
Why has this song endured for so long? One reason is the universality of its theme: love. Everyone can relate to the feeling of being completely consumed by thoughts of another person. Additionally, Holiday’s interpretation is timeless. Her emotional delivery and the song’s simple arrangement ensure that it remains relevant even today.
“The Very Thought of You” has become a jazz standard, covered by countless artists over the years. However, it is Holiday’s version that is considered the definitive interpretation. Her performance is a testament to her extraordinary talent and her ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level.
If you’re looking for a song that will transport you to another time and place, and leave you feeling deeply moved, then listen to Billie Holiday’s “The Very Thought of You.” It’s a timeless classic that continues to inspire and enchant listeners.
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Lyrics
The very thought of you
I forget to do
Those little ordinary things
That everyone ought to do
I’m livin’ in a kind of a daydream
I’m happy as a queen
And foolish though it may seem
To me that’s everything
The mere idea of you
The longing here for you
You’ll never know
How slow the moments go
Till I’m near to you
I see your face in every flower
Your eyes in stars above
It’s just the thought of you,
The very thought of you, my love
I see your face in every flower
Your eyes in stars above
It’s just the thought of you
The very thought of you, my love
I see your face in every flower
Your eyes in stars above
It’s just the thought of you
The very thought of you, my love
I see your face in every flower
Your eyes in stars above
It’s just the thought of you,
The very thought of you, my love
I see your face in every flower
Your eyes in stars above
It’s just the thought of you
The very thought of you, my love
I see your face in every flower
Your eyes in stars above
It’s just the thought of you
The very thought of you, my love