About the song
## The Third Man Theme: A Haunting Melody from Post-War Vienna
Anton Karas, a name that might not be as familiar to many as the likes of Mozart or Beethoven, has nevertheless left an indelible mark on the world of music. His composition, “The Third Man Theme,” is a haunting melody that has captured the hearts of listeners for decades. This iconic piece is synonymous with the eponymous 1949 film noir classic, directed by Carol Reed and starring Orson Welles.
The film, set in post-war Vienna, paints a bleak picture of a city ravaged by conflict and shrouded in mystery. Karas’s theme perfectly encapsulates the film’s atmosphere, weaving a tale of intrigue, despair, and a touch of hope. The accordion, the instrument of choice for Karas, provides a unique and melancholic timbre that resonates deeply with the audience.
The melody begins with a simple, repetitive pattern, creating a sense of unease and foreboding. As the piece progresses, the harmonies become more complex, adding layers of depth and emotion. The accordion’s playful and expressive nature contrasts with the film’s darker themes, creating a tension that keeps the listener engaged.
What makes “The Third Man Theme” so enduring is its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. It can be both haunting and comforting, nostalgic and unsettling. The melody’s simplicity belies its emotional complexity, making it accessible to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Beyond its cinematic significance, “The Third Man Theme” has become a popular choice for jazz musicians and composers. It has been covered by countless artists, each offering their own unique interpretation of the classic piece. The theme’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and Karas’s musical genius.
Video
Lyrics
When a zither starts to play
You’ll remember yesterday
In its haunting strain
Vienna lives again
Free and bright and gay
In your mind a sudden gleam
Of a half forgotten dream
Seems to glimmer when you hear the third man theme
Once again there comes to mind
Someone that you left behind
Love that somehow didn’t last
In that happy city of the past
Does she still recall the dream
That rapture so supreme
When first she heard the haunting third man theme?
Carnivals and carousels and Ferris wheels and parasols
The Danube nights, the dancing lights again will shine
The zither’s sweet refrain
Keeps swirling in your brain
Like new may wine
Strauss waltzes, candle-glow
And the laughter of long ago
Fill the magic chords and make it seem like today
You never knew that you could be
Enchanted by a melody
The years will never drive it out
You don’t know why
It’s something you can’t live without
You hear it in the twilight hush
And in the morning traffic rush
A song that’s always new
In your heart a part of you
Oh, shines so brightly when you hear the third man theme
When a zither starts to play
You’ll remember yesterday
In its haunting strain
Vienna lives again
Free and bright and gay
In your mind a sudden gleam
Of a well remembered dream
Seems to glimmer when you hear the third man theme
Once again there comes to mind
Someone that you left behind
Love that somehow didn’t last
In that happy city of the past
Does she still recall the dream
That rapture so supreme
When first she heard the haunting third man theme?
Carnivals and carousels and Ferris wheels and parasols
The Danube nights, the dancing lights again will shine
The zither’s sweet refrain
Keeps swirling in your brain
Like new may wine
Strauss waltzes, candle-glow
And the laughter of long ago
Fill the magic chords and make it seem like today
You never knew that you could be
Enchanted by a melody
The years will never drive it out
You don’t know why
It’s something you can’t live without
You hear it in the twilight hush
And in the morning traffic rush
A song that’s always new
In your heart a part of you
Oh, shines so brightly when you hear the third man theme