Carmen McRae

Click here to Support Jazz on the Tube

Carmen Mercedes McRae (April 8, 1920 – November 10, 1994) was an American jazz singer, composer, pianist, and actress. Considered one of the most influential jazz vocalists of the 20th century, it was her behind-the-beat phrasing and her ironic interpretations of song lyrics that made her memorable. McRae drew inspiration from Billie Holiday, but established her own distinctive voice. She went on to record over 60 albums, enjoying a rich musical career, performing and recording in the United States, Europe, and Japan.

Carmen McRae sings ‘Round Midnight, 1962.

Personnel: 

Carmen McRae, vocals
Norman Simmons, piano
Victor Sproles, bass
Walter Perkins, drums

A pale and lonely moon lights the sky in the dark, before the dawn,
I sit here in my room how I sigh for the day that’s come and gone,
Another lonely day passes by and a new day’s coming on,
At midnight,

Tears I’ve shed today,
Will pause, waiting until tomorrow,
Dreams of what could be come close to me, timidly,
A there’s a brand new day in sight,
At that time, round bout midnight,

Life’s a game of chance and you’re one of the minor players,
And you’re one of the minor players,
Look for what you love, the day to come, harbour some,
Let your eyes put our their light,
At that time, round bout midnight,

Every day’s gonna bring some sadness,
Every day’s gonna bring some gladness,
So take what you can from the glad times,
Don’t measure your pleasure in nickels and dimes,
Look back on today and you’ll know when you’ve been unhappy,
Fears not chased away just might at night, have their day,
Let your spirit stop the fight,
At that time, round bout midnight,

I’ll think no more about today, for in a while,
This old day will be yesterday,
Alone at midnight here in my room,
I sit here in the gloom,
And let my dreams,
Take flight,
Round bout,
Midnight…

Click here to Support Jazz on the Tube