Lush Life
Johnny Mathis · Other Songs - Johnny Mathis
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 THERE had sad and sullen gray faces
With distengue 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
About Lush Life
Johnny Mathis's "Lush Life" stands as a definitive example of his mastery over the romantic ballad, blending smooth crooning with lush orchestration to create an intimate atmosphere. Released during the height of his career in the 1960s, the track exemplifies the soft, velvety vocal style that became his signature, characterized by a gentle delivery that invites listeners into a world of quiet longing. The song's composition, featuring a gentle melody and a piano-driven arrangement, captures the essence of mid-century pop and jazz standards, resonating deeply with audiences who appreciated its emotional subtlety. Mathis's interpretation of "Lush Life" has endured as a staple of his extensive discography, often appearing on compilations that highlight his greatest hits. The recording showcases his ability to convey complex emotions without excessive drama, relying instead on the power of his tone and the song's inherent beauty. This particular version remains a cherished piece in the canon of classic American pop, celebrated for its timeless appeal and its role in cementing Mathis's status as one of the era's most beloved vocalists.