Someone to Watch Over Me
Ella Fitzgerald · The Essential Collection: Great American Songbook [2007]
Still we're often told, "seek and ye shall find"
So I'm going to seek a certain lad I've had in mind
Looking everywhere, haven't found him yet
He's the big affair I cannot forget
Only man I ever think of with regret
I'd like to add his initial to my monogram
Tell me, where is the shepherd for this lost lamb?
There's a somebody I'm longin' to see
I hope that he, turns out to be
Someone who'll watch over me
I'm a little lamb who's lost in the wood
I know I could, always be good
To one who'll watch over me
Although he may not be the man some
Girls think of as handsome
To my heart he carries the key
Won't you tell him please to put on some speed
Follow my lead, oh, how I need
Someone to watch over me
Won't you tell him please to put on some speed
Follow my lead, oh, how I need
Someone to watch over me
Someone to watch over me
Someone to Watch Over Me
Ella Fitzgerald's rendition of "Someone to Watch Over Me" stands as a definitive interpretation within the Great American Songbook. Composed by George Gershwin, the ballad showcases Fitzgerald's signature warmth and impeccable phrasing, transforming the material into a timeless standard. This recording captures her ability to convey deep emotion through subtle vocal dynamics, avoiding excessive ornamentation to let the melody breathe. As a cornerstone of her extensive discography, the track exemplifies her mastery of jazz and pop crossover, securing her legacy as the First Lady of Song. The performance remains a beloved example of mid-20th-century vocal artistry, resonating with listeners through its gentle optimism and sophisticated arrangement.