Polka Dots and Moonbeams

Sarah Vaughan

About Polka Dots and Moonbeams

"Polka Dots and Moonbeams" is a popular song with music by Jimmy Van Heusen and lyrics by Johnny Burke, published in 1940. It was Frank Sinatra's first hit recorded with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. The song is one of the top 100 most-frequently recorded jazz standards with arrangements by Gil Evans and others and notable recordings by Bill Evans, Blue Mitchell, Wes Montgomery, Sarah Vaughan (for the 1954 album Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown, and the 1957 album Swingin' Easy), Bud Powell, Lester Young, Gerry Mulligan, Lou Donaldson, Dexter Gordon and many others American songwriter and guitarist John Denver also covered the song on his 1976 Spirit album. Bob Dylan covered this song in his 2016 album Fallen Angels. The song has a notable lyric: the man discovers love at a country dance by accidentally bumping into a woman who has a pug nose. The others at the dance are looking strange at this, since her nose makes her someone they wouldn't think romantically about. But he has the last laugh: she becomes the love of his life, and he settles down with her. 


Year:
2003
2:34
88 

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A country dance was being held in a garden
I felt a bump and heard an "Oh, beg your pardon"
Suddenly I saw polka dots and moonbeams
All around a pug-nosed dream

The music started and was I the perplexed one
I held my breath and said "May I have the next one?"
In my frightened arms, polka dots and moonbeams
Sparkled on a pug-nosed dream

There were questions in the eyes of other dancers
As we floated over the floor
There were questions but my heart knew all the answers
And perhaps a few things more

Now in a cottage built of lilacs and laughter
I know the meaning of the words "Ever after"
And I'll always see polka dots and moonbeams
When I kiss the pug-nosed dream

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Sarah Vaughan

Sarah Lois Vaughan (March 27, 1924 – April 3, 1990) was an American jazz singer, described by Scott Yanow as having "one of the most wondrous voices of the 20th century." more »

4 fans

Written by: JAMES VAN HEUSEN, JIMMY VAN HEUSEN, JOHNNY BURKE

Lyrics © SONGS OF MOJO, LLC, BOURNE CO., Spirit Music Group, Broma 16, MOJO MUSIC & MEDIA GROUP LTD, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Bill Evans
"Polka Dots and Moonbeams" is one of the many jazz standards that Bill Evans performed and recorded. His interpretation of the song was known for its tender, emotive quality.
Blue Mitchell
Blue Mitchell was a jazz trumpeter who also played "Polka Dots and Moonbeams". His rendition of the song was known for its clear, impressive trumpet playing.
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan has never covered "Polka Dots and Moonbeams", however, his music often spans a variety of genres including some elements of swing and jazz.
Bud Powell
Bud Powell, a renowned jazz pianist, also performed "Polka Dots and Moonbeams". His version is celebrated for its exquisite technique and deep emotional resonance.
Dexter Gordon
Dexter Gordon, known for his robust, hard-bop saxophone style, has performed "Polka Dots and Moonbeams". His rendition infuses the standard with a fresh, powerful energy.
Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra recorded "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" with Tommy Dorsey's orchestra in 1940. This version became a hit and is possibly the most well-known rendition of the song.
Gerry Mulligan
Gerry Mulligan, renowned baritone saxophonist, also recorded a version of "Polka Dots and Moonbeams". His rendition is known for its smooth, cool jazz vibe.
Gil Evans
Gil Evans, renowned jazz pianist and arranger, never recorded "Polka Dots and Moonbeams", but he was known for his inventive and diverse arrangements of other jazz standards.
John Denver
There is no recorded rendition of "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" by John Denver. He was more associated with the folk and country genres, rather than jazz.
Lou Donaldson
Lou Donaldson was a jazz alto saxophonist who included "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" in his repertoire. His version of the song displays his soulful, blues-infused saxophone playing.
Sarah Vaughan
Sarah Vaughan, a distinguished jazz vocalist, also recorded a version of "Polka Dots and Moonbeams". Her version is known for its stunning, passionate voice and emotional depth.
Tommy Dorsey
"Polka Dots and Moonbeams" was recorded by Tommy Dorsey's Orchestra with Frank Sinatra on vocals in 1940. This was one of the first recordings of this song, and it became very popular, helping to establish the song as a jazz standard.

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