Gloomy Sunday

Billie Holiday

About Gloomy Sunday

"Gloomy Sunday" (Hungarian: Szomorú vasárnap), also known as the "Hungarian Suicide Song", is a popular song composed by Hungarian pianist and composer Rezső Seress and published in 1933. The original lyrics were titled “Vége a világnak” (The world is ending) and were about despair caused by war, ending in a quiet prayer about people's sins. Poet László Jávor wrote his own lyrics to the song, titled Szomorú vasárnap (Sad Sunday), in which the protagonist wants to commit suicide following his lover's death. The latter lyrics ended up becoming more popular while the former were essentially forgotten. The song was first recorded in Hungarian by Pál Kalmár in 1935. "Gloomy Sunday" was first recorded in English by Hal Kemp in 1936, with lyrics by Sam M. Lewis, and was recorded the same year by Paul Robeson, with lyrics by Desmond Carter. It became well known throughout much of the English-speaking world after the release of a version by Billie Holiday in 1941. Lewis's lyrics referred to suicide, and the record label described it as the "Hungarian Suicide Song". There is a recurring urban legend which claims that many people have committed suicide while listening to this song. 


Year:
2015
3:12
40 
#2

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Sunday is gloomy
My hours are slumberless
Dearest the shadows
I live with are numberless

Little white flowers
Will never awaken you
Not where the black coach
Of sorrow has taken you

Angels have no thoughts
Of ever returning you
Would they be angry
If I thought of joining you

Gloomy Sunday

Gloomy is Sunday
With shadows I spend it all
My heart and I
Have decided to end it all

Soon there'll be candles
And prayers that are said I know
Let them not weep
Let them know that I'm glad to go

Death is no dream
For in death I'm caressin' you
With the last breath of my soul
I'll be blessin' you

Gloomy Sunday

Dreaming, I was only dreaming
I wake and I find you asleep
In the deep of my heart here

Darling I hope
That my dream never haunted you
My heart is tellin' you
How much I wanted you
Gloomy Sunday

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Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday (born Eleanora Harris April 7, 1915 – July 17, 1959) was an American jazz singer and songwriter. Nicknamed "Lady Day" by her friend and musical partner Lester Young, Holiday had a seminal influence on jazz and pop singing. Her vocal style, strongly inspired by jazz instrumentalists, pioneered a new way of manipulating phrasing and tempo. more »

6 fans

Written by: Laszlo Javor, Rezso Seress, Sam M. Lewis

Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Historical Significance
"Gloomy Sunday" by Billie Holiday, also known as the "Hungarian Suicide Song," was initially written in 1933 by Hungarian pianist and composer Rezső Seress.
Lyric Contribution
While Seress composed the music, the lyrics were penned by László Jávor, a Hungarian poet. The Billie Holiday version, however, contains English lyrics by Sam M. Lewis.
Cover Version
Billie Holiday's rendition of "Gloomy Sunday" is arguably the most famous version of the song, although it is a cover. She recorded it in 1941.
Controversial Fame
The song gained infamy because it was supposedly linked to a spate of suicides during its peak popularity in Hungary and the United States.
BBC Ban
As a result of its rumored association with inciting suicides, the BBC banned "Gloomy Sunday" from being played on its channels until 2002.
Track Theme
"Gloomy Sunday" has a somber tone and expresses the despair and sadness of a lover mourning the death of his or her beloved.
Pop Culture Reference
The infamous reputation of the song has made it a frequent reference in pop culture. It was mentioned in the songs "Gloomy Sunday" by McFly and "SOS" by Rihanna.
Movie Inspiration
The song didn't just stir controversy, but it also inspired filmmaking. In 1999 a German-Hungarian film, "Gloomy Sunday - Ein Lied von Liebe und Tod (A Song of Love and Death)," was made, depicting a love triangle story against the background of the song's creation.
Composer Tragedy
Coincidentally, composer Rezső Seress faced a tragic end himself, similarly to the unfortunate fame of his composition, when he committed suicide in 1968.
Unique Jazz Style
Even within her discography, "Gloomy Sunday" stands out as a unique piece due to Billie Holiday's emotive and haunting interpretation, showcasing her unique jazz vocal style.
Legacy
Despite the tragic lore surrounding it, "Gloomy Sunday" remains an iconic recording in the jazz genre, further cementing Billie Holiday's status as a legendary jazz artist.

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