Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte

Patti Page

About Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte

"Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte" is a popular song with music by Frank De Vol and lyrics by Mack David, introduced in the 1964 film Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte starring Bette Davis. The song's title appears with varying punctuation in its different versions: this article indicates how each specific version styled the title. Originally, the film and the song did not share a title, the working title of the film being What Ever Happened to Cousin Charlotte? Reportedly, Bette Davis disliked the working title feeling it falsely indicated a sequel to What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? and, the song with the opening lyric "Hush, hush, sweet Charlotte" having been written early in the film's development and having been played for Davis, she suggested Hush. .. Hush, Sweet Charlotte should serve as the movie's title. In the storyline of the film, the song is written for Davis' character: the aging Southern belle Charlotte Hollis, by her would-be lover John Mayhew whose murder thirty-seven years ago is generally ascribed to Charlotte. The song also effectively functions as the film's theme as its lyrics in effect reference how Charlotte will obsess over her lost love throughout most of her life. The song's melody plays on a music box which Charlotte treasures, and is also a feature of the gaslighting to which Charlotte's subjected, as she hears the song played on the harpsichord while she tries to sleep. Davis as Charlotte is also seen playing the song on the harpsichord and singing the most lyrically complete version of the song heard in the film, the Al Martino recording of the song only being heard for one chorus under the film's closing credits. The "Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte" song is heard in full as an instrumental - by the Frank DeVol Orchestra - under the film's opening credits, just prior to which a group of juvenile tormentors sing a debased version of the chorus, referencing Charlotte's supposed murder of John Mayhew. 


Year:
1991
2:34
7,441 
#8

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Hush hush, sweet Charlotte
Charlotte, don't you cry
Hush hush, sweet Charlotte
He'll love you till he dies

Oh, hold him darling
Please hold him tight
And brush the tear from your eye
You weep because you had a dream last night
You dreamed that he said goodbye
He held two roses within his hand
Two roses he gave to you
The red rose tells you of his passion
The white rose his love so true

Hush hush, sweet Charlotte
Charlotte, don't you cry
Hush hush, sweet Charlotte
He'll love you till he dies

And every night after he shall die
Yes every night when he's gone
The wind will sing you this lullaby
Sweet Charlotte was loved by John

Hush hush, sweet Charlotte
Charlotte, don't you cry
Hush hush, sweet Charlotte
He'll love you till he dies

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Patti Page

Clara Ann Fowler (born November 8, 1927), known by her professional name Patti Page, is an American singer, one of the best-known female artists in traditional pop music. She was the best-selling female artist of the 1950s, and has sold over 100 million records. Her nickname is The Singin' Rage (a phrase commonly followed by "Miss Patti Page"). more »

3 fans

Written by: Frank De Vol, Mack David

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

History
"Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte" is a song from the 1964 movie of the same title. It was performed both by Patti Page and Al Martino. The song was released during the height of Hollywood's obsession with Southern Gothic films, contributing to its popularity.
Songwriter
This haunting melody was written by Frank De Vol and the lyrics were penned by Mack David. This duo was known for creating music for films.
Nominations
"Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte" was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1965. However, it lost to "Chim Chim Cher-ee" from the movie "Mary Poppins."
Singer Patti Page's Achievement
Patti Page was known as the "singing rage," known for her smoky, sensual voice. Despite not winning the Oscar, her rendition of "Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte" helped cement her status as one of the top female artists in the 1960s.
Singer Al Martino's Contribution
Al Martino was chosen to sing this song in the movie after the film's producers decided they wanted a strong male vocal. His rendition helped to popularize the song further.
The Mystery of Bette Davis
Actress Bette Davis was originally supposed to sing the song in the movie. However, for reasons that remain unclear, this never came to fruition. Some speculate that it was because her singing voice was not strong enough.
Influence
"Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte" inspired a number of cover versions and music samples. It's often associated with Southern Gothic culture and is occasionally used in pop culture to underscore scenes of horror or despair.
Popular in Charts
Even though it did not win the Academy Award, the song did very well on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart. Patti Page's version reached #8 and Al Martino's version reached #4.
Recurrent Theme
The song, like the movie it comes from, is steeped in themes of betrayal, intrigue, and the haunting past, making it a captivating piece musically and emotionally.
Legacy
Despite not winning the Academy Award, "Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte" has had a long-lasting effect and is remembered as one of the most evocative cinematic songs of the 1960s. It's an excellent example of how film and music can collaborate to create a timeless piece.

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    Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1965

    Billboard #8


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