Frank Sinatra

Lyrics

[MIKE:]
I have heard among this clan
You are called the forgotten man

[DEXTER:]
Is that what they're saying? Well, did you ever
What a swell party this is

[MIKE:]
And have you heard the story of
A boy, a girl, unrequited love

[DEXTER:]
Sounds like pure soap opera

[MIKE:]
I may cry

[DEXTER:]
Tune in tomorrow
What a swell party this is
What frills, what frocks

[MIKE:]
What broads!
[DEXTER:]
What furs, what rocks!

[MIKE:]
They're beautiful

[DEXTER:]
Why, I've never seen such gaity

[MIKE:]
Neither have I

[DEXTER:]
Its all just too, too exquis, really

[MIKE:]
This french champagne

[DEXTER:]
Domestic

[MIKE/DEXTER:]
So good for the brain

[MIKE:]
That's what I was going to say
[DEXTER:]
You know you're a brilliant fellow?

[MIKE:]
Why, thank you

[DEXTER:]
Drink up, chap
And please don't eat that glass, my friend
Have you heard about dear Blanche?
Got run down by an avalanche

[MIKE:]
No!

[DEXTER:]
Oh, don't worry, she's a game girl, you know
Got up and finished 4th

[MIKE:]
This kid's got guts

[DEXTER:]
Having a nice time? Grab a line

[MIKE:]
Have you heard that Mimsie Starr
[DEXTER:]
Oh, what now?

[MIKE:]
She got pinched in the Astor bar

[DEXTER:]
Sauced again, eh?

[MIKE:]
She was stoned

[DEXTER]
Well, did you ever?

[MIKE:]
Never!

[DEXTER/MIKE:]
What a swell party this is!

[MIKE:]
It's great

[DEXTER:]
Ah, it's great

[MIKE:]
It's grand

[DEXTER:]
So grand

[MIKE/DEXTER:]
It's wonderland!
La da da da...

[DEXTER:]
We sing

[MIKE:]
Oh, we sing

[DEXTER:]
So rare

[MIKE:]
So rare

[DEXTER/MIKE:]
Like old Camembert
Like Baba au Rhum!

[DEXTER:]
Bababababum

[MIKE:]
Don't dig that kind of crooning, chum!

[MIKE/DEXTER:]
Have you heard, it's in the stars
Next July we collide with Mars?
Well, did you ever?
What a swell party, a swell party
A swellegant, elegant party this is!

[DEXTER:]
I drink to your health

[MIKE:]
Nah, lets drink to your wealth

[DEXTER:]
You're my bon ami

[MIKE:]
Hey, that's french

[DEXTER:]
Liberty

[DEXTER/MIKE:]
Fraternity
Have you heard, it's in the stars
Next July we collide with Mars?
Well, did you ever?
What a swell party, swell party
Swellegant, elegant party this is!Embed

Well Did You Evah! by Cole Porter, featuring Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, is a classic song that was composed for the 1936 musical film DuBarry Was a Lady. This song is a parody of small talk and gossip that typically occurs at polite social gatherings. The song has resonated with music lovers since its first release and is a favorite among many.

About Well Did You Evah!

The song opens with the lyrics "Have you heard about dear Blanche? Got run down by an avalanche." These lines, along with others in the song, parody the trivial discussions that happen in polite social gatherings. Although the lyrics may seem nonsensical at first glance, they are cleverly crafted to create a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the idle chitchat that can occur in social situations.

The melody of Well Did You Evah! is catchy, with a jazzy, upbeat tune that is characteristic of Cole Porter's style. The composition also features the vocal stylings of two iconic crooners, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. Both vocalists bring their own unique style to the song, with their smooth, velvety voices blending perfectly together.

What makes Well Did You Evah! stand out is its playful and lighthearted nature. The song is designed to evoke a sense of fun and revelry, and it succeeds in doing just that. The clever lyrics, catchy tune, and vintage vocal stylings create an ambiance that transports listeners to a time when jazz music and witty wordplay reigned supreme.

Since its initial release, Well Did You Evah! has become a staple of many jazz and swing music playlists. Its legacy has endured for over 80 years, a testament to the enduring appeal of Cole Porter's songwriting and the incredible vocal talents of Crosby and Sinatra.

The Legacy of Well Did You Evah!

Well Did You Evah! has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Robbie Williams and Jon Lovitz. The song was also featured in the 1956 film High Society, which starred Crosby, Sinatra, and Grace Kelly. The film version of the song featured additional lyrics and a slightly different arrangement but still managed to capture the essence of the original.

Furthermore, Well Did You Evah! has become a part of popular culture and has been referenced in various TV shows, movies, and books. For example, the song is featured prominently in the musical adaptation of the film Kinky Boots. Its inclusion in modern pop culture continues to draw new fans to this classic tune, securing its place in music history for future generations to enjoy.

All in all, Well Did You Evah! remains a beloved classic for many music lovers. Cole Porter's deft songwriting, along with the vocal talents of Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, make this song a masterpiece of wit and musicality. Those who love jazz, swing, and clever lyrics can appreciate and relish the playful energy of this tune today, just as audiences did over eight decades ago.

• Release Date: None
• Artist: Frank Sinatra