Something to Live For

Duke Ellington Band, Duke Ellington & His Orchestra, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington

About Something to Live For

"Something to Live For" is a 1939 jazz composition by Billy Strayhorn. It was the first collaboration between Strayhorn and Duke Ellington and became the first of many Strayhorn compositions to be recorded by Ellington's orchestra. The song was based on a poem Strayhorn had written as a teenager. According to an all-day tribute to Strayhorn on KCSM radio on 29 November 2008—Strayhorn's birthday—Strayhorn began working on this tune in 1933 when he was 18. The song has been recorded many times, by Ellington, Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Carmen McRae, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, Mel Torme and many others. Fitzgerald has called it her favorite song. 


3:34

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I have almost everything a human could desire
Cars and houses, bear skin rugs to place before my fire
But there's somethin' missin'
Somethin' isn't there
It seems I'm never kissin' the one whom I could care for

I want somethin' to live for
Someone to make my life an adventurous dream
Oh, what wouldn't I give for
Someone who'd take my life and make it seem
Gay as they say it ought to be

Why can't I have love like that brought to me?
My eyes is watching the noon sun
Searching the promenades, seeking a clue
To the one who will always be my
Somethin' to live for
I want somethin' to live for
I want somethin' to live for

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Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996), also known as the "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz", and "Lady Ella", was an American jazz and song vocalist. With a vocal range spanning three octaves (D♭3 to D♭6), she was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing and intonation, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing. more »

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Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON

Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC

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8 facts about this song

Song Creation and Design
"Something to Live For" is a song that was written by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn in 1939. The song was initially intended to be featured in Ellington's musical revue, "Jump for Joy."
Surrounding Artists
"Something to Live For" was first recorded by Duke Ellington's orchestra with a saxophone solo by Johnny Hodges. Over time, the song has been covered by several distinguished artists including Carmen McRae, Ella Fitzgerald, Johnny Mathis, Lena Horne, and Nina Simone.
Carmen McRae's Performance
Carmen McRae, a talented jazz singer known for her behind-the-beat phrasing, also performed "Something to Live For" with her sophisticated and smoky tones that perfectly suited the song's intense, longing theme.
Ella Fitzgerald's Interpretation
"Something to Live For" by Ella Fitzgerald was included in her album "Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook", an influential work that showcased her ability to interpret jazz classics with precision and vitality.
Johnny Mathis's Version
Johnny Mathis featured his own version of "Something to Live For" on his album "Open Fire, Two Guitars". His romantic and mellow performance brought a different touch to the Ellington classic.
Lena Horne's Rendition
"Something to Live For" was among Lena Horne's well-received songs. She recorded her version for her album "We'll Be Together Again". Her glamorous voice gave the song a sultry yet soulful touch.
Nina Simone's Cover
Nina Simone, a singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist, covered "Something to Live For" on her second album "The Amazing Nina Simone" released in 1959. Simone's passionate and unique style of singing contributed greatly to the song's visibility and acclaim.
Impact and Legacy
"Something to Live For" continues to be a popular choice for jazz singers even decades after its creation, underlining its timeless appeal and the universal resonance of its theme. The song is acknowledged as one of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn's most outstanding compositions.

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