Dean Martin – It Won’t Cool Off

About the song

“It Won’t Cool Off” by Dean Martin is a delightful, jazzy tune that highlights Martin’s effortless charm and his ability to bring warmth and intimacy to any song he performed. Originally featured in the 1956 musical film The Lieutenant Wore Skirts, this song showcases Dean Martin’s impeccable ability to inject a sense of ease and playfulness into a romantic ballad. Though it wasn’t a chart-topping single, “It Won’t Cool Off” remains a testament to Martin’s enduring appeal and his knack for delivering heartfelt, accessible music.

The song was not part of a studio album initially but later appeared on compilation records celebrating Dean Martin’s illustrious career. Written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, the piece blends lush melodies with lyrics that capture the intensity of unwavering love. The song’s lighthearted and romantic narrative revolves around a passionate love that refuses to diminish, despite the passage of time. Its upbeat tone and catchy rhythm make it a quintessential example of mid-20th-century pop standards.

One of the key elements of “It Won’t Cool Off” is Martin’s vocal performance. His smooth, velvety voice perfectly matches the song’s mood, exuding both playfulness and sincerity. Martin’s crooning style adds a touch of intimacy, making listeners feel as if he’s singing directly to them. This personalized quality was a hallmark of his performances and contributed to his lasting popularity during the golden age of crooners.

The instrumentation in “It Won’t Cool Off” complements Martin’s vocals beautifully. The arrangement leans on a traditional jazz ensemble with lively rhythms and whimsical flourishes. The horns, piano, and subtle percussion work together to create a light and buoyant soundscape, allowing Martin’s voice to take center stage. This musical balance is emblematic of the era’s sophisticated pop standards, blending simplicity with elegance.

Culturally, Dean Martin embodied the ideal of mid-century cool—effortless, debonair, and undeniably charming. Songs like “It Won’t Cool Off” contributed to his image as a carefree romantic, appealing to audiences across generations. In an era defined by its cinematic glamour and romantic ideals, this track resonated as a feel-good expression of love and devotion.

While “It Won’t Cool Off” might not be one of Martin’s most famous hits, it encapsulates his ability to bring warmth and joy to his music. For fans of traditional pop and classic crooning, this song is a delightful gem that captures the spirit of a bygone era. Whether as part of a nostalgia-filled playlist or a deeper dive into Martin’s repertoire, “It Won’t Cool Off” continues to charm listeners with its timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics.

Video

Lyrics

The flame that we kindled hasn’t dwindled at all
It just keeps burnin’, burnin’, burnin’, it won’t cool off
Your smile is the gold that leads it
Your kiss is the coal that feeds it
And keeps me yearnin’, yearnin’ it won’t cool off

And when a cloudy day begins to storm up
We’ll pity those who find it hard to warm up
We’ve got a lovely furnace goin’ for us, glowin’ for us
Burnin’, burnin’ and it won’t cool off

And when a cloudy day begins to storm up
We’ll pity those who find it hard to warm up
‘Cause we’ve got a knocked out furnace goin’ for us, glowin’ for us
Burnin’, burnin’ and it won’t cool off

Burnin’, burnin’ and it won’t cool off
Burnin’, burnin’ and it won’t cool off