Johnny Mathis – Misty

About the song

When discussing the legacy of Johnny Mathis, one cannot overlook his timeless classic, “Misty.” This song, originally written as an instrumental by jazz pianist Erroll Garner, found its lyrical soul through Johnny Burke’s evocative words. But it was Johnny Mathis who brought “Misty” into the heart of popular music, transforming it into an indelible piece of American songbook history.

Johnny Mathis, with his velvet-smooth voice and impeccable phrasing, embodies the very essence of romantic balladry in “Misty.” His rendition, released in 1959, captures an emotional intimacy that speaks directly to the listener’s soul. Mathis’s ability to convey the tender vulnerability within the lyrics is nothing short of masterful. Each note he sings feels like a personal confession, drawing the audience into a shared moment of introspection and longing.

The song itself is a lyrical journey through the bewildering and enchanting experience of love. Lines like “Look at me, I’m as helpless as a kitten up a tree” and “On my own, would I wander through this wonderland alone” paint a vivid picture of the intoxicating effect love has on the senses. The juxtaposition of feeling both lost and euphoric is a universal experience, making “Misty” resonate with listeners of all ages.

Johnny Mathis delivers these lines with a blend of sincerity and elegance that has become his trademark. His voice, rich and warm, glides effortlessly over Garner’s gentle, swaying melody. The arrangement, lush yet understated, provides the perfect backdrop for Mathis’s vocal artistry. It’s a performance that feels both timeless and immediate, capturing the listener’s heart from the very first note.

Moreover, “Misty” stands as a testament to Johnny Mathis’s versatility as an artist. While many of his contemporaries were exploring the burgeoning rock ‘n’ roll scene, Mathis remained dedicated to the lush, orchestral sounds that defined the Great American Songbook. His interpretation of “Misty” is a perfect example of this commitment, showcasing his ability to bring out the emotional depth and complexity of a song with subtlety and grace.

In conclusion, Johnny Mathis’s “Misty” is not just a song; it’s an experience. It’s a tender, heartfelt expression of love that transcends time and genre. Mathis’s exquisite performance ensures that “Misty” remains a beloved classic, continuing to touch the hearts of listeners around the world. For anyone who appreciates the beauty of a well-crafted ballad, “Misty” is an essential listen, and Johnny Mathis is the artist who brings it to life with unparalleled warmth and sophistication.

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCQRZbisuMA

Lyrics

Look at me,
I’m as helpless as a kitten up a tree
And I feel like I’m clinging to a cloud
I can’t understand,
I get misty just holding your hand.

Walk my way,
And a thousand violins begin to play
Or it might be the sound of your hello
That music I hear,
I get misty the moment you’re near

You can say that you’re leading me on
But it’s just what I want you to do
Don’t you notice how hopelessly I’m lost
That’s why I’m following you.

On my own,
Would I wander through this wonderland alone?
Never knowing my right foot from my left,
My hat from my glove,
I’m too misty, and too much in love.

On my own,
Would I wander through this wonderland alone?
Never knowing my right foot from my left,
My hat from my glove,
I’m too misty, and too much in love.
Look at me…