Speak Low
Anita O'Day · Other Songs - Anita O'Day
Our summer day withers away
Too soon, too soon.
Speak low when you speak, love,
Our moment is swift, like ships adrift,
We're swept apart too soon.
Speak low, darling speak low,
Love is a spark lost in the dark,
Too soon, too soon,
I feel wherever I go
That tomorrow is near, tomorrow is here
And always too soon.
Time is so old and love so brief,
Love is pure gold and time a thief.
We're late darling, we're late,
The curtain descends, everything ends
Too soon, too soon,
I wait darling, I wait
Will you speak low to me,
Speak love to me and soon.
Speak Low - Anita O'Day
Anita O'Day's 1937 recording of "Speak Low" stands as a definitive example of the swing era's vocal style. As a pioneering jazz vocalist, O'Day brought a unique blend of bluesy phrasing and rhythmic precision to the genre, influencing generations of singers who followed. The track exemplifies her ability to navigate complex jazz standards with both technical skill and emotional depth, capturing the spirit of the mid-1930s dance floor. Her performance on this recording showcases the intimate connection between the artist and the music, highlighting the importance of vocal nuance in swing jazz. The song remains a staple in jazz repertoires, celebrated for its melodic beauty and O'Day's distinctive voice that bridged the gap between traditional blues and modern jazz expression.