About the song
“The Way You Look Tonight” is a timeless classic from the 1936 film “Swing Time,” performed by Fred Astaire and composed by Jerome Kern, with lyrics by Dorothy Fields. This enchanting ballad won the Academy Award for Best Original Song that year, capturing hearts with its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics.
In the movie, Astaire serenades Ginger Rogers with “The Way You Look Tonight” while she playfully washes her hair in another room, creating an iconic cinematic moment that resonated with audiences. Fields, upon hearing Kern’s melody for the first time, was moved to tears, describing it as utterly beautiful and emotionally gripping.
Astaire’s rendition of the song became an instant hit, topping charts in 1936. Other notable versions that year included recordings by Guy Lombardo and Teddy Wilson featuring Billie Holiday, further cementing the song’s popularity across different musical styles.
Musically, “The Way You Look Tonight” was initially sung in D major in the film but is commonly performed in E-flat major with a modulation to G-flat major. Its composition and lyrical depth contributed to its enduring appeal, inspiring numerous cover versions by artists spanning generations and genres.
Over the years, the song has been interpreted by legendary artists such as Bing Crosby with Dixie Lee, Benny Goodman with Peggy Lee, and Tony Bennett, who recorded it multiple times across his career. Frank Sinatra’s rendition with the Nelson Riddle orchestra in 1964 remains one of the most celebrated interpretations, showcasing the song’s ability to evoke romance and nostalgia.
Beyond traditional pop renditions, “The Way You Look Tonight” has been embraced by jazz musicians and vocalists worldwide, each bringing their unique style to its timeless melody. From Tony Bennett’s collaborations with contemporary artists like Faith Hill and Thalía to Rod Stewart’s inclusion of the song in his 2002 covers album, its versatility and emotional resonance continue to captivate audiences.
In essence, “The Way You Look Tonight” stands as a testament to Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields’ songwriting brilliance and Fred Astaire’s interpretative charm. Its legacy as a beloved standard in American music is a testament to its enduring appeal and ability to evoke the magic of love and romance through its enchanting melody and heartfelt lyrics.
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Lyrics
Some day, when I’m awfully low,
When the world is cold,
I will feel a glow just thinking of you…
And the way you look tonight.Yes you’re lovely, with your smile so warm
And your cheeks so soft,
There is nothing for me but to love you,
And the way you look tonight.With each word your tenderness grows,
Tearing my fear apart…
And that laugh that wrinkles your nose,
It touches my foolish heart.Lovely … Never, ever change.
Keep that breathless charm.
Won’t you please arrange it ?
‘Cause I love you … Just the way you look tonight.Mm, Mm, Mm, Mm,
Just the way you look to-night.