Frank Sinatra

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Fly me to the moon
Let me play among the stars
And let me see what spring is like
On a-Jupiter and Mars
In other words, hold my hand
In other words, baby, kiss me

[Verse 2]
Fill my heart with song
And let me sing forevermore
You are all I long for
All I worship and adore
In other words, please be true
In other words, I love you

[Instrumental Bridge]

[Verse 2]
Fill my heart with song
Let me sing forevermore
You are all I long for
All I worship and adore
In other words, please be true
In other words, in other words
I love you

Fly Me to the Moon” is regarded as one of the most popular and influential standards in the Great American Songbook. It has a long and fascinating history, having been covered by several artists since its original release in 1954. However, Frank Sinatra’s version, featuring Count Basie, is the most famous and widely recognized rendition of this classic jazz tune. The song's popularity and success can be attributed to its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and the superb vocal performance of Sinatra.

About Fly Me to the Moon

The song originated in 1954 under the title “In Other Words” and was a part of a collection of unpublished songs. Bart Howard, who composed and wrote the song, was inspired by the space race taking place between the United States and the Soviet Union. The song was first introduced by Felicia Sanders in cabarets, however, it failed to gain popularity initially.

It was only after the publishers renamed the song, using the first line of the B verse, that it started to climb the charts. Bart Howard’s “In Other Words” became Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” and the rest is history. The song has since been covered by numerous artists and has also been used in countless films and television sitcoms.

Frank Sinatra’s version of “Fly Me to the Moon” was released as part of the album “It Might as Well Be Swing” in 1964. The song arrangement was done by the legendary Quincy Jones, who shifted the original waltz-time ¾ rhythm to 4/4 time and added a swing feel to it. This transformation breathed new life into the song and set Sinatra’s version apart from the others.

Sinatra's delivery of the song is as if he was relating his own personal emotions and feelings, which is where his genius as a singer truly shines. Sinatra wasn’t one to just sing a song, he interpreted it, and changed it on a personal level. He brings his unique sophistication and charm to the song, his impeccable phrasing and enunciation, and his signature delivery style which made a real impact on his listeners. Count Basie and his Orchestra’s contribution with their expertise and skill in performing jazz music, coupled with Sinatra’s beautiful voice, created something truly magical.

Two years after the release of “It Might as Well Be Swing,” Sinatra again performed “Fly Me to the Moon” with Basie and his Orchestra for the live album “Sinatra at the Sands” in Las Vegas. This version features longer and more playful intro and outro, and it became a fan favorite. It remains one of the most celebrated and cherished live performance recordings ever.

The song was also performed once more by Sinatra, this time with Brazilian tenor saxophonist and bossa nova pioneer, Antonio Carlos Jobim, in 1994 for the album “Duets II.” Their collaboration was a newfound discovery for the song, and it showcased Sinatra's ability to suit himself to any style of music. The combination of Sinatra’s signature singing combined with Jobim's contribution evokes a perfect blend of culture, melody, and vocal instrumentation.

Throughout its lifespan, “Fly Me to the Moon” has become synonymous with classic music and timeless musicianship. The song has maintained its popularity over the years and continues to attract new audiences of all ages. In 2007, it was even sent to the moon aboard the Japanese spacecraft SELENE Kaguya.

Conclusion

There’s no denying that “Fly Me to the Moon,” recorded by Frank Sinatra featuring Count Basie, is an iconic tune that has left an indelible mark on American pop culture. Its success can be attributed to the combined talents of Sinatra, Basie, and Quincy Jones, who each brought their unique flavor and expertise to this masterpiece. The song's distinctive lyrics and melody continue to inspire and captivate musicians and music lovers alike.

The longevity and continued success of this classic jazz tune continues to be a testament to the dedication, artistry, and brilliance of its creators and performers. Even decades after its initial release, it remains a favorite among listeners of all ages, and it’s difficult to imagine a world without the soothing and soul-filling sound of Frank Sinatra’s voice singing “Fly Me to the Moon”.

• Release Date: 1964
• Artist: Frank Sinatra