The Ballad Of The Sad Young Men
Anita O'Day · Other Songs - Anita O'Day
Glasses full of rye
All the news is bad again so
Kiss your dreams goodbye
All the sad young men
Sitting in the bars
Knowing neon nights
Missing all the stars
All the sad young men
Drifting through the town
Drinking up the night
Trying not to drown
All the sad young men
Singing in the cold
Trying to forget
That they're growing old
All the sad young men
Choking on their worth
Trying to be brave
Running from the truth
Autumn turns the leaves to gold
Slowly dies the heart
Sad young men are growing old
That's the cruelest part
All the sad young men
Seek a certain smile
Someone they can hold for a little while
Tired little girl does the best she can
Trying to be gay for her sad young man
While the grimy moon
Watches from above
All the sad young men
Play of making love
Misbegotten moon
Shine for sad young men
Let your gentle light
Guide them home tonight
All the sad young men
The Ballad Of The Sad Young Men
Anita O'Day's 1947 recording of 'The Ballad Of The Sad Young Men' stands as a defining example of the swing era's vocal jazz style. Her clear, expressive delivery captures the melancholic yet rhythmic spirit of the piece, which was originally composed by Jimmy Van Heusen and Dorothy Fields. The track exemplifies O'Day's ability to blend pop sensibilities with sophisticated jazz phrasing, becoming a staple of her discography and a frequent cover subject for subsequent artists. Released during the height of big band popularity, the song reflects the era's characteristic blend of upbeat instrumentation and introspective lyrical themes, cementing O'Day's reputation as a leading vocalist of her time.