Friday Song: “You Make Me Feel So Young”
A Sinatra classic ushers in a smile with bounce, melody, and lyrics
If you’re having a case of the winter blahs — or blahs of any kind — here’s a song that can transform any mood into a giddy glow and put some pep in your step.
“You Make Me Feel So Young” was written in 1946 by Josef Myrow with lyrics by Mack Gordon (who also wrote “Chattanooga Choo-Choo,” among many others). The song has been recorded by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Helen Reddy, and Michael Buble. However, Frank Sinatra’s 1956 recording for the album Songs for Swingin’ Lovers remains the definitive version. (Despite this, I’ve opted for a filmed version from 1962 just so we can see Sinatra swinging.) It has had a long and glorious life, and was most recently featured in the movie Elf.
Written in A with a peppy tempo of 125 bpm — a fast walk, perfect for someone feeling young — it will make you grin. Sinatra’s mastery of phrasing brings the lyrics to life, and underscores words like “bounce” and “moon” effectively and memorably.
Enjoy!