September Song
Lena Horne · Other Songs - Lena Horne
I played me a waiting game
If a maid refused me with tossing curls
I'd let the old Earth make a couple of whirls
While I plied her with tears in lieu of pearls
And as time came around she came my way
As time came around, she came
Oh, it's a long long while from May to December
But the days grow short when you reach September
When the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame
And you ain't got time for waiting game
When days dwindle down to a precious few
September November,
And these few golden days I'd share with you
Those golden days I share with you
When you meet with the young girls early in the Spring
You court them in song and rhyme
They answer with words and a clover ring
But if you could examine the goods they bring
They have little to offer but the songs they sing
And the plentiful waste of time of day
A plentiful waste of time
Oh, it's a long, long while from May to December
But the days grow short when you reach September
When the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame
One hasn't got time for the waiting game
Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few
September, November
And these few precious days I'll spend with you
These precious days I'll spend with you
September Song - Lena Horne
Lena Horne's 'September Song' stands as a definitive jazz standard, showcasing her exceptional vocal control and sophisticated phrasing within the swing era. Recorded in the mid-20th century, the track exemplifies the genre's emphasis on improvisation and melodic nuance, reflecting Horne's status as a pioneering figure in both film and live performance. Her delivery on this recording captures the warmth and technical mastery characteristic of her discography, offering a timeless example of vocal jazz that has influenced countless subsequent artists. The song remains a staple in the repertoire of jazz enthusiasts, celebrated for its enduring appeal and Horne's ability to bring emotional depth to complex arrangements.