These Foolish Things

Bing Crosby · Other Songs - Bing Crosby

Oh! Will you never let me be?

Oh! Will you never set me free?

The ties that bound us

Are still around us

There's no escape that I can see

And still those little things remain

That bring me happiness or pain



A cigarette that bears a lipstick's traces

An airline ticket to romantic places

And still my heart has wings

These foolish things remind me of you

A tinkling piano in the next apartment

Those stumbling words that told you what my heart meant

A fair ground's painted swings

These foolish things remind me of you

You came you saw you conquer'd me

When you did that to me

I knew somehow this had to be

The winds of March that make my heart a dancer

A telephone that rings but who's to answer?

Oh, how the ghost of you clings!

These foolish things remind me of you



First daffodils and long excited cables

And candle lights on little corner tables

And still my heart has wings

These foolish things remind me of you

The park at evening when the bell has sounded

The "Ile de France" with all the gulls around it

The beauty that is Spring's

These foolish things remind me of you

How strange how sweet to find you still

These things are dear to me

They seem to bring you near to me

The sigh of midnight trains in empty stations

Silk stockings thrown aside dance invitations

Oh, how the ghost of you clings!

These foolish things remind me of you



Gardenia perfume ling'ring on a pillow

Wild strawb'ries only seven francs a kilo

And still my heart has wings

These foolish things remind me of you

The smile of Garbo and the scent of roses

The waiters whistling as the last bar closes

The song that Crosby sings

These foolish things remind me of you

How strange how sweet to find you still

These things are dear to me

They seem to bring you near to me

The scent of smould'ring leaves, the wail of steamers

Two lovers on the street who walk like dreamers

Oh, how the ghost of you clings!

These foolish things remind me of you

These Foolish Things - Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby's 1944 recording of 'These Foolish Things' stands as a definitive example of the crooner's mastery of balladry. The track captures the gentle, intimate style that defined his career, blending vocal warmth with a sophisticated arrangement typical of the era's popular standards. As one of his most beloved compositions, the song reflects the era's focus on sentimental storytelling and acoustic elegance. Crosby's delivery, characterized by its understated emotion and clear enunciation, helped cement the song's status as a timeless classic. It remains a staple of his discography, showcasing his ability to convey deep feeling without excessive ornamentation, making it a cherished piece in the canon of American popular music.