What'll I Do

Bob Dylan

About What'll I Do

"What'll I Do" is a song written by Irving Berlin in 1923. It was introduced by singers Grace Moore and John Steel late in the run of Berlin's third Music Box Revue and was also included in the following year's edition. In the lyrics, the singer questions how they will recover from the end of a recent romance. The best known cover version was recorded by Frank Sinatra for his album All Alone (Frank Sinatra album) (1962). The song was used as a generalized theme in Nelson Riddle's Academy Award-winning period score for the film The Great Gatsby (1974) starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, sung by character actor William Atherton. It was sung by Mary Steenburgen in the movie The Butcher's Wife (1991), and was used as the theme tune to the British sitcom Birds of a Feather, performed by its lead stars Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson. An instrumental version of the song was used under the closing scene of "I Do, Adieu" (1987), the fifth-season finale of the sitcom Cheers. The Johnny Mathis version of the song was also used in the closing scene of "The Jet Set," the eleventh episode in the second season of Mad Men. The song was also performed in The Golden Girls by Bea Arthur in the episode "Journey to the Center of Attention" (1992). The song was included on Seth MacFarlane's fifth album, Once in a While. The song was also featured in the film Mona Lisa Smile (2003). Bob Dylan covered it in his album Shadows in the Night (2015). 


Year:
2015
3:20
146 
#9

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What'll I do
When you are far away
And I am blue
What'll I do

What'll I do
When I am wondering who
Is kissing you
What'll I do

What'll I do
With just a photograph
To tell my troubles too

When I'm alone
With only dreams of you
That won't come true
What'll I do

What'll I do
With just a photograph
To tell my troubles too

When I'm alone
With only dreams of you
That won't come true
What'll I do

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Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan ( /ˈdɪlən/; born Robert Allen Zimmerman; May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, poet and artist. He has been an influential figure in popular music and culture for more than five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was an informal chronicler and a seemingly reluctant figurehead of social unrest. A number of Dylan's early songs, such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin'", became anthems for the US civil rights and anti-war movements. Leaving his initial base in the culture of folk music behind, Dylan's six-minute single "Like a Rolling Stone" has been described as radically altering the parameters of popular music in … more »

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Written by: Irving Berlin

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


8 facts about this song

Origin and Composition
"What'll I Do" was written by Irving Berlin in 1923. The song is a torch song that symbolizes romantic longing and suffering.
Different Versions
Various popular artists have covered this song, including Bob Dylan and Frank Sinatra. Every artist brings their unique style and interpretation to this classic tune.
Bob Dylan's Version
Bob Dylan included his version of "What'll I Do" in his 2015 album "Shadows in the Night", which consists entirely of covers of traditional pop standards.
Frank Sinatra's Version
Frank Sinatra’s rendition of "What'll I Do" can be found on his 1962 compilation album “All Alone”. His version is characterized by his signature smooth and rich vocal style.
Usage in Films and TV Shows
The song has found its place in numerous films and TV shows over the years. Notably, it was used as a theme song for the television adaptation of "The Great Gatsby" in 2000.
Recognition and Awards
"What'll I Do" is considered one of Berlin's greatest hits. At the 1st Academy Awards in 1929, the song was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song.
Historical Impact
The song has been recorded by a long list of musicians over the years, from Judy Garland to Willie Nelson. Its timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate, nearly a century after its creation.
Iconic lyrics
The title of the song comes from its memorable hook: "What'll I do, when you, are far away, and I am blue, what'll I do?" These lyrics have captivated countless listeners over the years.

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