Cuddle Up A Little Closer

Julie London · Other Songs - Julie London

On the summer shore, where the breakers roar

Lovers sat on the glist'ning sand

And they talked of love while the moon above

And the stars seemed to understand

Then she grew more cold, and he grew more bold

Till she tho't that they had better go

But altho' he heard, he not even stirred

Only murmured in tones soft and low



Cuddle up a little closer, lovey mine

Cuddle up and be my little clinging vine

Like to feel your cheek so rosy

Like to make you comfy, cozy

'Cause I love from head to toesie, lovey mine



Then she deigned to rest on his manly chest

Her dear head with its flowing curls

And she said, "I'd stay on this lap for aye

How I envy the Capland girls!"

For Miss Esquimaux, 'mid the ice and snow

Has no steam-heat when he comes to call

Not a single glim, so it's up to him

To whisper in summer or fall



Cuddle up a little closer, lovey mine

Cuddle up and be my little clinging vine

Like to feel your cheek so rosy

Like to make you comfy, cozy

'Cause I love from head to toesie, lovey mine

Cuddle Up A Little Closer

Julie London's "Cuddle Up A Little Closer" stands as a quintessential example of her intimate, smoky vocal style that defined the cool jazz era. Known for her sultry delivery and understated phrasing, London transformed standard pop and jazz material into deeply personal statements. This recording captures her signature ability to convey warmth and vulnerability, making the listener feel as though the performance is happening in a private room. Her extensive discography showcases a consistent mastery of the Great American Songbook, often recorded with small, sophisticated ensembles that allowed her voice to remain the central focus. The track reflects the broader appeal of her work, which bridged the gap between traditional jazz and accessible pop music, securing her legacy as one of the most distinctive female vocalists of the mid-twentieth century.