Avalon
Anita O'Day · Other Songs - Anita O'Day
Every morning memories stray
Across the sea where flying fishes play
And as the night is falling
I find that I'm recalling
That blissful all enthralling day
Just before I sailed away
She said the word I longed to hear her say,
I tenderly caressed her
Close to my heart I pressed her
Upon that golden yesterday
I found my love in Avalon
Beside the bay
I left my love in Avalon and sailed away
I dream of her and Avalon
From dusk 'til dawn
And so I think I'll travel on
To Avalon
Across the sea where flying fishes play
And as the night is falling
I find that I'm recalling
That blissful all enthralling day
Just before I sailed away
She said the word I longed to hear her say,
I tenderly caressed her
Close to my heart I pressed her
Upon that golden yesterday
I found my love in Avalon
Beside the bay
I left my love in Avalon and sailed away
I dream of her and Avalon
From dusk 'til dawn
And so I think I'll travel on
To Avalon
Avalon - Anita O'Day
Anita O'Day's 1940 recording of 'Avalon' stands as a quintessential example of the swing era's vocal jazz style. As one of the first female singers to achieve major stardom in the swing era, O'Day delivered a performance characterized by her distinctive contralto voice and rhythmic phrasing that perfectly complemented the upbeat tempo. The track exemplifies the genre's blend of bluesy inflection and danceable energy that defined the mid-1940s. While often associated with the broader swing movement, the song highlights O'Day's unique ability to navigate complex arrangements with a vocal style that bridged the gap between traditional jazz and popular songwriting of the time.