Hey Look Me Over
Mel Torme · Other Songs - Mel Torme
Fresh out of clover, mortgage up to here
Don't pass the plate folks, don't pass the cup
I figure whenever you're down and out, the only way is up
And I'll be up like a rosebud high on the vine
Don't thumb your nose, but take a tip from mine
I'm a little bit short of the elbow room, so let me get me some
And look out world, here I come
Hey look me over, lend me an ear
Fresh out of clover, mortgage up to here
Don't pass the plate folks, don't pass the cup
I figure whenever you're down and out, the only way is up
And I'll be up like a rosebud high on the vine
Don't thumb your nose, but take a tip from mine
I'm a little bit short of the elbow room, so let me get me some
And look out world, here I come
Nobody in the world was ever without a prayer
How can you win the world if nobody knows you're there?
Kid, when you need the crowd, the tickets are hard to sell
Still, you can lead the crowd if you can get up and yell
Hey look me over, lend me an ear
Fresh out of clover, mortgage up to here
I'm a little bit short of the elbow room, so let me get me some
And look out world, here me shout world
And look out world, here I come
Hey Look Me Over
Mel Tormé, often celebrated as the Velvet Fog, delivered a masterclass in phrasing and diction on "Hey Look Me Over." This track exemplifies his sophisticated approach to the Great American Songbook, blending jazz sensibilities with a polished pop delivery. The recording captures Tormé's signature ability to convey wit and warmth simultaneously, making the material feel intimate despite its theatrical origins. As a staple of his extensive discography, the song highlights his versatility in navigating complex arrangements while maintaining a clear, resonant vocal presence. It remains a testament to his enduring influence on vocal jazz and his capacity to elevate standard repertoire through nuanced interpretation and impeccable timing.