From the recording Blue Again, but That's Life
James Anthony sings a touching rendition of the classic ballad "Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry." This arrangement was by Nelson Riddle 1958 for Frank Sinatra and originally written by Jule Styne with lyrics by Sammy Cahn in 1944.
The original arrangement was introduced on stage by film star Jane Withers in the show "Glad to See You", which featured the adventures of a USO troupe. The show closed in Philadelphia and never made it to Broadway.
The torchy song "Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry" would fare well over the years, receiving many recordings and becoming a popular standard. This dark torch song has touched many sad souls in need of lyrics to relate to as they sulk their sorrows.
It is important to keep the torch songs alive for those in need of words that may heal, provoke and bring peace of mind.
Lyrics
The year is 1958 in New York. A man, in his 50s, has feelings of failure and is feeling depressed as he sits in a dark room and recalls his past. He listens to a song called "Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry" to offer a bit of purpose from when was in love.
The torch I carry is handsome,
It's worth its heartache in ransom.
And when that twilight steals,
I know how the lady in the harbor feels.
When I want rain, I get sunny weather,
I'm just as blue as the sky.
Since love has gone... can't pull myself together,
Guess I'll hang my tears out to dry.
Friends ask me out... I tell them I'm busy,
I've must get a new alibi.
I stay at home, and ask myself: who is he?
Guess I'll hang my tears out to dry.
Dry little tear drops, my little tear drops
Hanging on a stream of dreams,
Fly little memories, my little memories,
Remind me of our crazy schemes.
Somebody said, just forget about her,
So I gave that treatment a try.
Strangely enough, I got along without her,
Then one day she passed me right by - oh well
I guess I'll hang my tears out to dry.