Introduction
“Just The Way You Look Tonight” is a popular jazz standard composed by Jerome Kern, with lyrics written by Dorothy Fields. It was originally written for the movie “Swing Time” in 1936, where it was performed by Fred Astaire. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Michael Buble.
Verse 1
Someday, when I’m awfully low
And the world is cold
I will feel a glow just thinking of you
And the way you look tonight
The first verse of the song sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics. The narrator is feeling down, but thinking about their loved one makes them feel warm inside. The imagery of feeling a “glow” just from thinking about their partner is a powerful one.
Chorus
Yes, you’re lovely
With your smile so warm
And your cheeks so soft
There is nothing for me but to love you
And the way you look tonight
The chorus emphasizes the beauty of the narrator’s partner. They describe their smile as “warm” and their cheeks as “soft.” The narrator is completely in love with their partner and can’t imagine anything else but loving them.
Verse 2
With each word your tenderness grows
Tearing my fear apart
And that laugh that wrinkles your nose
Touches my foolish heart
In the second verse, the narrator describes how their partner’s tenderness is tearing apart their fear. The image of their partner’s laugh wrinkling their nose is endearing, and the narrator’s heart is described as “foolish” because it’s so completely enamored with their partner.
Chorus
Yes, you’re lovely
With your smile so warm
And your cheeks so soft
There is nothing for me but to love you
And the way you look tonight
Verse 3
Never, never change
Keep that breathless charm
Won’t you please arrange it?
‘Cause I love you
Just the way you look tonight
The third verse is a plea for their partner to never change, to keep their “breathless charm.” The narrator loves their partner just the way they are and doesn’t want anything to change.
Chorus
Yes, you’re lovely
With your smile so warm
And your cheeks so soft
There is nothing for me but to love you
And the way you look tonight
Conclusion
“Just The Way You Look Tonight” is a timeless love song that has resonated with audiences for over 80 years. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, and the melody is unforgettable. It’s a song that captures the feeling of being completely in love with someone and appreciating everything about them, just the way they are.
