In 1994 he founded Brad Mehldau Trio, with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jorge Rossy; in 2005, Jeff Ballard replaced Rossy. Brad Mehldau started playing piano at the age of six, and has released more than ten albums.
The Way You Look Tonight /
Brad Mehldau Lyrics
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And the world is cold
I will feel a glow just thinking of you
And the way you look tonight
Yes, you're lovely
With your smile so warm, and your cheek so soft
There is nothing for me but to love you
With each word your tenderness grows
Tearing my fear apart
And that smile that wrinkles your nose
Touches my foolish heart
Lovely, never, never change
Keep that breathless charm
Won't you please arrange it, 'cause I love you
Just the way you look tonight
Just the way you look tonight
The cadence of Brad Mehldau's The Way You Look Tonight is gentle and elegant, allowing the lyrics to stand out and become imbued with deeper significance. The lyrics touch on love in a poignant and timeless manner, with a viewpoint that the familiarity of a person's appearance and character is what makes their presence special. Mundane and seemingly benign details like a smile that wrinkles a nose or a cheek that is so soft evoke strong expressions of emotion, showing how even the smallest of things hold deep meaning when in love. The lyrics showcase how love can give hope and light even in the coldest and loneliest of times. The line "With each word your tenderness grows/Tearing my fear apart" hints that there is something almost spiritual about love that can bring someone out of the darkness and into the light; it can provide them with strength, comfort, and hope, especially when they feel lost.
As the song continues it becomes clear that the lyrics are a reflection of an unchanging love. The singer revels in the beauty of their companion and desires that they never change anything about their charming attributes. The repeated use of "just the way you look tonight" is a nod to the theme of permanence and unwavering adoration for someone. Overall, the song seems to encapsulate the idea of love encompassing both the physical and emotional aspects of a person, and the importance of the familiar in relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Someday, when I'm awfully low
At some point in the future, when I feel sad and hopeless
And the world is cold
And the environment around me seems harsh and unforgiving
I will feel a glow just thinking of you
I will experience a warmth inside me by remembering you fondly
And the way you look tonight
Particularly when I recall the image of you looking beautiful tonight
Yes, you're lovely
I must admit that you are charming and captivating
With your smile so warm, and your cheek so soft
Your vibrant and welcoming smile paired with your pleasingly soft cheek
There is nothing for me but to love you
All I can do is adore and appreciate you
Just the way you look tonight
Precisely how I am viewing you on this evening
With each word your tenderness grows
As you express yourself, your compassionate nature becomes more evident
Tearing my fear apart
This quality of yours is helping me vanquish my apprehensions
And that smile that wrinkles your nose
In addition, your specific smile, where your nose scrunches, brings joy to my heart
Touches my foolish heart
It affects my overly passionate heart in a delightful way
Lovely, never, never change
You are fabulous. Simply stay the way you are forever
Keep that breathless charm
Maintain that breathtaking charisma you possess
Won't you please arrange it, 'cause I love you
By any chance, can you ensure your charm endures since I am enamored with you?
Just the way you look tonight
Precisely how you are appearing this evening
Lyrics © SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TADD DAMERON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind