Lullaby Of Birdland
Al Cohn · Other Songs - Al Cohn
Always hear when you sigh
Never in my wordland
Could there be ways to reveal
In a phrase how I feel
Have you ever heard two turtle doves
Bill and coo when they love?
That's the kind of magic
Music we make with our lips when we kiss
And there's a weepy old willow
He really knows how to cry
That's how I'd cry in my pillow
If you should tell me farewell and goodbye
Lullaby of Birdland whisper low
Kiss me sweet and we'll go
Flyin' high in Birdland
High in the sky up above
All because we're in love
About Lullaby Of Birdland
Al Cohn's "Lullaby Of Birdland" stands as a quintessential example of the cool jazz aesthetic that defined the early 1950s. As a saxophonist and composer for the Birdland Orchestra, Cohn crafted this melody with a distinctive, melancholic quality that became a standard in the jazz repertoire. The piece exemplifies his ability to blend lyrical phrasing with sophisticated harmonic structures, characteristic of the swing era's transition into bebop. Recorded during a pivotal period for the genre, the track showcases Cohn's mastery of the tenor saxophone, delivering a sound that was both intimate and expansive. It has since been covered by numerous artists across various genres, cementing its status as a timeless composition. The song remains a staple in jazz collections, illustrating the enduring influence of Cohn's work on the development of modern saxophone playing and the broader landscape of American music.