The Gentleman Is A Dope
Sarah Vaughan · Other Songs - Sarah Vaughan
A man of many faults,
A clumsy Joe
Who wouldn't know
A rumba from a waltz.
The gentleman is a dope
And not my cup of tea;
Why do I get in a dither?
He doesn't belong to me!
The gentleman isn't bright,
He doesn't know the score;
A cake will come,
He'll take a crumb
And never ask for more!
The gentleman's eyes are blue,
But little do they see,
Why am I beatin' my brains out?
He doesn't belong to me!
He's somebody else's problem,
She's welcome to the guy!
She'll never understand him
Half as well as I.
The gentleman is a dope,
He isn't very smart;
He's just a lug
You'd like to hug
And hold against your heart
The gentleman doesn't know
How happy he could be,
But look at me cryin' my eyes out
As if he belonged to me;
He'll never belong to me!
The gentleman doesn't know
How happy he could be,
But look at me cryin' my eyes out
As if he belonged to me;
He'll never ever,
He'll never belong to me!
About The Gentleman Is A Dope
Sarah Vaughan's "The Gentleman Is A Dope" stands as a testament to her unparalleled mastery of jazz vocal improvisation and phrasing. Recorded during the height of her career, the track showcases her ability to blend swing with a sophisticated, almost conversational delivery that defined the mid-20th-century vocal jazz style. Vaughan's interpretation transforms the song's narrative into a dynamic interplay of rhythm and emotion, highlighting her status as one of the most influential singers of her era. The recording captures the essence of the Great American Songbook, where her voice served as both a storyteller and a musical instrument, influencing generations of vocalists who sought to emulate her technical precision and emotional depth. This performance remains a quintessential example of her artistry, reflecting the seamless integration of vocal technique and musicality that made her a legend in the jazz canon.