In The Wee Small Hours – 70 Years Of a Masterpiece. Chapter 12 – Repertoire: “I’ll Be Around”
“I’ll Be Around”(Alec Wilder, 1942)
Written by Alec Wilder in 1942, “I’ll Be Around” came about spontaneously: while riding a taxi through Baltimore, Wilder jotted down the title on the back of an envelope. Days later, upon rediscovering the note, he composed the melody in about 20 minutes—though the lyrics took a bit longer to finish. The song was first recorded by Cab Calloway in 1942, but its most popular early version was by The Mills Brothers in 1943.
In Sinatra’s “I’ll Be Around,” Riddle offers a delicate arrangement of strings and woodwinds that supports the singer’s restrained and heartfelt vocal performance.
The song conveys unconditional love: the narrator accepts that his loved one may leave and find someone new, but he promises to be there in case it doesn’t work out. It’s a mature view of love, free of bitterness—something Sinatra expresses with subtlety and emotional depth.
“I’ll be around
No matter how
You treat me now
I’ll be around from now on
Your latest love
Can never last
And when its past
I’ll be around when he’s gone
Good-bye again
And if you find a love like mine
Just now and then
Oh drop a line to say you’re feeling fine
And when things go wrong
Perhaps you’ll see
You’re meant for me
So I’ll be around when he’s gone”
Article written by Mahnuel Muñoz (Al Mal Tiempo, Frank Sinatra) https://www.facebook.com/groups/120950148274703/
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