About the song
“Misty,” sung by Lesley Gore, is a classic jazz standard written by Erroll Garner with lyrics by Johnny Burke. Gore’s rendition, released in 1963, brought the song to a wider pop audience.
Background:
- Originally an instrumental piece: Erroll Garner composed “Misty” as an instrumental piece in 1954. It quickly gained popularity in jazz circles.
- Lyrics added later: Johnny Burke added lyrics to the melody in 1955, transforming it into a ballad.
- Covered by many artists: “Misty” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, including Johnny Mathis, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Stevens.
- Gore’s version: Lesley Gore’s rendition became a hit in 1963, reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Her youthful and innocent interpretation contrasted with the song’s melancholic themes, contributing to its appeal.
Themes:
- Longing and unrequited love: The lyrics express a deep longing for someone who may not reciprocate those feelings. The singer feels vulnerable and “helpless as a kitten up a tree,” clinging to the hope of a love that might never be fully realized.
- Vulnerability and uncertainty: The imagery of mist evokes a sense of haziness and uncertainty. The singer’s emotions are obscured, and they struggle to understand their own feelings and the object of their affection.
- Romantic idealization: The lyrics depict the beloved in an almost ethereal light, suggesting an idealized vision of love. The singer is captivated by the person’s touch and presence, finding beauty even in the uncertainty of their relationship.
Lesley Gore’s “Misty” is a timeless ballad that explores the complexities of love, longing, and vulnerability. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its emotional resonance and the power of music to evoke universal human experiences.
Video
Lyrics
Look at meI’m as helpless as a kitten up a treeAnd I feel like I’m clinging to a cloudI can’t understandI get misty just holding your hand (just holding your hand)
Walk my wayAnd a thousand violins begin to playOr it might be the sound of your helloThat music I hearI get misty the moment you’re near (the moment you’re near)
You can say that you’re leading me onBut it’s just what I want you to doDon’t you notice how hopelessly I’m lostThat’s why I’m following you
On my own (on my own)I wander through this wonderland alone (alone)Never knowing my right foot from my leftMy hat from my gloveI’m too misty, and too much in love (too much in love)I’m too misty, and I’m too much in love(Too much in love)