Twilight World
Marian McPartland
| PROFILE | |
| Composer | Marian McPartland |
| Lyricist | Johnny Mercer |
| Year Written | 1957 |
| About Twilight World | |
| This ballad by Marian McPartland has proven to be one of her most enduring and popular songs. The tune itself is a lovely mid-tempo ballad, often played in a bossa nova style. The lyrics by Johnny Mercer are quite good, and the combination makes for nearly perfect jazz song. Tony Bennett said “well, that song will last forever. It’s a beautiful song.” | |
Lyrics
Twilight world
Over the China sea
Sings me a melody
From ages ago
In a twilight world
Watching the sampans pass
I fill a frosty glass
As lanterns burn low
Life is a changing panorama
Love is a dancing butterfly
Catch them both while we may
Come to Spain or Cathay
I don’t want to miss that will o’ the wisp
Passing by
Life is holding out a twilight world
Don’t let it slip away
Come take it while we may
Make it begin
Let’s find our twilight world
Before the night sets in
Session / Album Information
1971
“Twilight World” was recorded on October 1, 1971 and released the following year on the album With Love. It was arranged by Robert Farnon.
This recording released on:
- 1972: Columbia 45: 4-45573
- 1972: Columbia LP 12″: KC 31460 — With Love
- 1972: Columbia LP 12″: CBS-64849 — With Love (UK)
- 2011: Disc #44 in The Tony Bennett Complete Collection (88697874602-JK43) With Love