Lush Life
Nat King Cole · Forgotten 1949 Carnegie Hall Concert [2010]
I used to visit all the very gay places
Those come what may places
Where one relaxes on the axis of the wheel of life
To get the feel of life...
From jazz and cocktails.
The girls I knew had sad and sullen gray faces
With distant gay traces
That used to be there you could see where they'd been washed away
By too many through the day...
Twelve o'clock tales.
Then you came along with your siren of song
To tempt me to madness!
I thought for a while that your poignant smile was tinged with the sadness
Of a great love for me.
Ah yes! I was wrong...
Again,
I was wrong.
Life is lonely again,
And only last year everything seemed so sure.
Now life is awful again,
A troughful of hearts could only be a bore.
A week in paris will ease the bite of it,
All I care is to smile in spite of it.
I'll forget you, I will
While yet you are still burning inside my brain.
Romance is mush,
Stifling those who strive.
I'll live a lush life in some small dive...
And there I'll be, while I rot
With the rest of those whose lives are lonely, too..
Lush Life
Nat King Cole's 'Lush Life' stands as a quintessential example of mid-century jazz balladry, showcasing his mastery of smooth phrasing and emotional depth. Originally recorded for the album 'Forgotten 1949 Carnegie Hall Concert [2010]', the track exemplifies the sophisticated style that defined Cole's career, blending vocal elegance with a rich, swinging rhythm section. The song captures a reflective mood characteristic of Cole's greatest hits, where his voice effortlessly navigates complex harmonies to convey a sense of quiet longing. As a staple of the Great American Songbook, 'Lush Life' remains a defining recording that highlights Cole's unique ability to transform standard compositions into intimate, personal narratives. Its enduring appeal lies in its timeless quality, making it a favorite among jazz enthusiasts and vocalists alike who appreciate the artistry of this legendary performer.