MIAGD: Make it a great day
September Song (sung by Willie Nelson) is generally the first thing to cross my mind every year on September 1. In fact, it sticks to me most of August 31.
I was introduced to this song in 1984 or 1985 by Joshua Logan who directed the 1938 musical, KNICKERBOCKER HOLIDAY, for which the song was composed by Kurt Weill.
I accompanied Mr. Logan’s energetic, bellowing voice, even following his gestures of when to slow or increase the tempo. I could tell he loved this song.
And he did.
And, I love the song, too.
It appears many others loved the song, too, as it’s been recorded by Willie Nelson, Sarah Vaughn, Pat Boone, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby (twice), Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Johnny Hartman, Howard McGhee, Nat King Cole, Jimmy Durante, Maurice Chevalier, Lou Reed, Lindsey Buckingham, Matt Monro, Mel Tormé, Will Holt, Theodore Bikel, Liberace, Francis Langford, Elaine Paige, Rosemary Clooney, Andy Williams, The Four Freshmen, The Platters, Mario Lanza, James Brown, Peter Paul & Mary, Betty Buckley, Dean Martin, and scores of contemporary artists. Opera singers Ezio Pinza, Billy Eckstine, Leontyne Price and Lottie Lehman also made recordings. Jazz ensembles and orchestras have also produced many recordings.
As we prepare for this seasonal change, let’s always do our best to make it a great day!
Oh, it’s a long long while
From May to December
But the days grow short
When you reach SeptemberWhen the autumn weather
Turns leaves to flame
One hasn’t got time
For the waiting gameOh, the days dwindle down
To a precious few
September, NovemberAnd these few precious days
I’ll spend with you
These precious days
I’ll spend with youOh, the days dwindle downTo a precious fewSeptember, NovemberAnd these few precious daysI’ll spend with youThese precious daysI’ll spend with youThese precious daysI’ll spend with you
