I Wished on the Moon

Bing Crosby

About I Wished on the Moon

"I Wished on the Moon" is a song composed by Ralph Rainger, with lyrics by Dorothy Parker. Bing Crosby sang the song in The Big Broadcast of 1936. Crosby recorded the song on August 14, 1935 with The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra and it reached the charts of the day peaking at No. 2 during a 7-week stay. At the end of the long recording session, Crosby decided to sing only a single chorus of the song in the middle of an orchestral version instead of the full ballad treatment used in the film. This led to a long argument between the singer and producer Jack Kapp. Eventually Crosby prevailed. Crosby recorded the song again in 1954 for his album Bing: A Musical Autobiography. Little Jack Little recorded the song for Columbia (catalog 3068) on June 28, 1935 and also enjoyed chart success with the song in 1935 reaching the #13 spot. Ruth Etting also recorded the song for Columbia (3070) on July 1, 1935. 


Year:
2002
36 

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I wished on the moon, for something I never knew
Wished on the moon, for more than I ever knew
A sweeter rose, a softer sky, an April day
That would not dance away

I begged of the stars to throw me a beam or two
Wished on the stars and asked for a dream or two
I looked for every loveliness, it all came true
I wished on the moon for you

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Bing Crosby

Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby (May 3, 1903 – October 14, 1977) was an American singer and actor. Crosby's trademark bass-baritone voice made him one of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century, with over half a billion records in circulation. more »

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Written by: Dorothy Parker, Ralph Rainger

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release and Reception
"I Wished on the Moon" was released by Bing Crosby in 1935. The song was a big hit during its initial release and is still well-regarded today.
Composers
The song was written by two renowned songwriters: Ralph Rainger and Dorothy Parker. Rainger composed the music, while Parker penned the lyrics.
Dorothy Parker's Contribution
Known primarily for her wit and satirical verse, "I Wished on the Moon" is a rare instance of Dorothy Parker's foray into songwriting. She often remarked, with characteristic self-deprecation, that she was not a real songwriter.
Film Appearance
The song was first introduced in the movie "The Big Broadcast of 1936" in which Bing Crosby performed it.
Repetitions and Recordings
Since its first release, "I Wished on the Moon" has been performed and recorded by numerous artists, including Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra, each bringing unique interpretations to the classic tune.
Musical Style
"I Wished on the Moon" often considered a jazz standard, is a prime example of the Great American Songbook, a collection of the most important and influential American popular songs of the 20th century.
Artists' Collaboration
The song is one of several collaborations between Crosby and Rainger. Their partnership produced multiple popular hits throughout the 1930s and 1940s.
Bing Crosby's Influence
Bing Crosby's rendition set the standard for later interpretations of the song. His easy-going baritone voice and masterful sense of timing greatly influenced the way the song is typically performed today.
Popularity
The song's longing melody and poignant lyrics have made "I Wished on the Moon" a favourite among jazz vocalists and audiences alike, ensuring its enduring popularity.
Song's Legacy
Despite being written over 80 years ago, "I Wished on the Moon" continues to be performed and recorded, proving its timeless appeal.

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