Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh

Lyrics

When in Spain, for reasons I don’t explain,
I remain enjoying a brew,
Don’t deplore my fondness for Fundador –
You know how a Fundador can lead to a few –
And baby when in Rome, I do as the Romans do.

If per chance I’m saying farewell to France,
And romance drops in from the blue;
Cher amour, I beg of you, please endure
My taking a brief detour with somebody new –
It’s just that when in Rome, I do as the Romans do.

And though from Italy I lie to you prettily,
Why think of me bitterly? You know that I’m true –
‘Cept now and then in Rome, I get that old yen in Rome
And naturally when in Rome, I do as the Romans do.

If I write happily, “Best wishes from Napoli,”
Don’t cable me snappily to tell me we’re through,
‘Cause once again in Rome, in somebody’s den in Rome
Well pussycat, when in Rome, I do as the Romans,
Disregard the signs and the omens,
When in Rome I do as the Romans do.

Session / Album Information

1975-1

“When In Rome” was recorded in June, 1975 and was released that year on The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album.

This recording released on:

1975-2

“When In Rome” (alternate take #11) was recorded in June, 1975 and was released that year on The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album.

This recording released on: