The Sweetest Sounds
Diahann Carroll & Richard Kiley Lyrics

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The sweetest sounds I'll ever hear
Are still inside my head
The kindest words I'll ever know
Are waiting to be said
The most entrancing sight of all
Is yet for me to see

And the dearest love in all the world

Is waiting somewhere for me
Is waiting somewhere, somewhere for me

The sweetest sounds I'll ever hear
Are still inside my head
The kindest words I'll ever know

Are waiting to be said
The most entrancing sight of all
Is yet for me to see

And the dearest love in all the world
Is waiting somewhere for me
Is waiting somewhere, somewhere for me

The sweetest sounds I'll ever hear
Are still inside my head
The kindest words I'll ever know

Are waiting to be said
The most entrancing sight of all
Is yet for me to see

And the dearest love in all the world
Is waiting somewhere for me
Is waiting somewhere,
Somewhere for me

Somewhere for me

The sweetest sounds I'll ever hear
Are still inside my head
The kindest words I'll ever know

Are waiting to be said
The most entrancing sight of all
Is yet for me to see

And the dearest love in all the world
Is waiting somewhere for me
Is waiting somewhere,
Somewhere for me

Is waiting somewhere

Somewhere for me

Overall Meaning

The song "The Sweetest Sounds" by Diahann Carroll and Richard Kiley is a song about the hope and anticipation of finding love. The lyrics talk about how the sweetest sounds that the singer will ever hear are inside their head, suggesting that they have already experienced love at some level. However, the kindest words they'll ever know and the most entrancing sight they'll ever see are still waiting for them. The song closes with the hope that the dearest love in the world is waiting somewhere for them, concluding on a note of optimism and hope.

The song is a classic love song that speaks to the human craving for companionship and affection that has resonated with audiences for decades. The melody and lyrics are both simple and beautiful, emphasizing the emotion and sentimentality behind the words. The song has been used in various productions, including stage musicals and films, and is often included in compilations of classic love songs.

Line by Line Meaning

The sweetest sounds I'll ever hear
My fondest memories come from within my mind

Are still inside my head
They are vivid recollections I keep close to my heart

The kindest words I'll ever know
The best compliments and phrases I'll ever receive

Are waiting to be said
Have yet to be vocalized and expressed to me

The most entrancing sight of all
The most captivating view for me to experience

Is yet for me to see
I have not witnessed it, but it's out there waiting for me to discover

And the dearest love in all the world
The most precious affection I'll ever feel

Is waiting somewhere for me
I have yet to meet and fall in love with my soulmate

Is waiting somewhere, somewhere for me
I believe that special someone is out there somewhere, waiting for me too

Somewhere for me
Although I haven't found them yet, I have faith that my true love exists

Writer(s): Richard Rodgers

Contributed by Layla C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@varadero1839

10y↑1

Hi Jane Smith,
Think we're thinking alike! I've always thought that his musical contributions were amazing, until I heard this score. It's really brilliant, and he wrote both music and lyrics! He literally could do it all. I can't comment on his "Sweetest Sounds."

I'm thinking, like you, that it's one of those enigmas! Either way, all the melodies/lyrics he wrote for this particular show are uplifting, and ultimately beautiful! Thanks so much for writing!

Jane, almost forgot. Have you ever seen the 1997 TV version of the "RandH" Cinderella, which starred Whitney Houston, and Brandy? I've no idea what it cost the producers of this show to include this, and several other songs that were performed in the made for TV version. Actually, it's really a delight! Only a hint: Bernadette Peters sings "Falling in Love with Love." It's amazing, and I think helped to inculcate a couple of million teen-agers to learn about Mr. Rodgers! Just now I tried to apologize by saying, "sorry for the prattle, then sorry for the palaver." Both were rejected by the YT spell checker. Sorry about that! Suspect I'll have to return to late grammar-school!

Best wishes,

varadero

@varadero1839

Hi Deb Mar….Glad to hear from you, especially about Ms. Carroll! Here's another with Mr. K and Diahann.
https://youtu.be/13OVmIRL8mo

These next 2 are from "House of Flowers," her 1st show:
https://youtu.be/Ry4frYxipqo

http://jdm364.net/I%20Never%20Has%20Seen%20Snow.mp3
Sorry, this one's audio only!
Enjoy!
varadero

All comments from YouTube:

@bethlearyhegedus839

I heard this on a Broadway showstopper album; I was 8 years old...in the 50s..still love it

@barbaraellis8273

6y↑5

This is still so beautiful I live in the words and my tears are flowing!

@nancymccracken3663

John Trotta did an amazing arrangement of this tune. I am glad to find this version.

@walterbenjamin1386

My glamorous uncle gave me the album from this show when I was a young kid. It was probably 1962. I loved it and listened over and over. Although I saw the artists on the cover and knew who they were, the fact that this was the story of an (unspoken) interracial romance never dawned on me until now. I grew up in an urban, liberal family where I never heard a racist word spoken and was taught to respect people of all backgrounds. Even back then I knew this was unfortunately rare. My early heroes were Earl Warren and Madelyn Murray O'Hair.

@ninstone3457

Loved this song since HS - in the '70s - my HS choir sang it at contest.

@dangerouslycheeky3746

5y↑4

Rest in Peace, Miss Carrol

@markrubin2470

9y↑4

the most memorable duet sung in Broadway history as far as I am concerned

@varadero1839

Hi mark rubin,
Thanks so much for your comment on this brief slide-show! I love it also, and given the then controversial nature of the story, it was quite a ground-breaker! I'm grateful that you wrote, and more so that this pleased you!
Best regards,
varadero

@jackrenglish

5y↑3

I WORKED WITH RICHARD IN NYC ...NICE MAN..HE HELPED ME...JACK ENGLISH..ACTOR/SINGER...WEHO...10/30/2018

@uptownflavor

5y↑1

This is bringing me comfort today as I come to terms with her no longer being here.

@jackiemcmeekin6551

6y↑1

What a beautiful song sung by two performers with great voices! Thank you for the download.

@varadero1839

Thank You! This was a great show, and was quite controversial at the time. It was from 1962, and Richard Rodgers first solo attempt at both music and lyrics. Another musical hit was from 1964, "Golden Boy." It, too, brought out some racist themes that we're seeing reborn today. Scary! Have a look:
https://youtu.be/U82VJTdmxfA

Best wishes,
varadero

@robertmeyer7836

Varadero! Thank you for this posting. I was in the Army when I first heard this on the radio. I thought then, and now that The Sweetest Sound sung by Diahann Carrol and Richard Kiley was one of the most touching and beautiful songs I'd ever heard. I had begun to think I was the only person in the world that had heard it!! Kiley was great in anything he did, and I absolutely loved Diahaan as Clara in Porgy and Bess with Dandridge and Belafonte about 1959! What a treasure!!
Thanks, again.

@janesmith9630

10y↑10

Thanks so much for posting! Listening to this always makes me wish Richard Rodgers had written more lyrics than he did... I always wonder if this song is a little about himself - especially the first line about the "sweetest sounds I've ever heard are still inside my head"...

@varadero1839

10y↑1

@evelync.pantel690

5y↑1

Had a bit of a "Dulcinea" afternoon. When I was still living in Beverly Hills, CA, a friend had refurbished a small sail boat... From junk to lovely - and asked me to paint a name on the back end. "Dulcinea" it was! We took it for a sail to Catalina Island...the wind died coming back. Holy moly, that was 8 hr. tack this way and that way before we hit land again...

@MrShelbyrose84

10y↑5

This is stunning. Thank for putting it up

@barbararene4200

8y↑2

Read the below comments, and am listening to the song. I think the song, and the performers, are terrific. Beautiful music, done beautifully.

@varadero1839

+Barbara Rene Thanks so much Barbara Rene! So happy to know that Diahann is still with us, but will miss Mr. Kiley a lot! Wish I'd seen him at the original Ziegfeld Theater when he performed in "Kismet!' What an amazing performer he was indeed! I never know in what order comments will appear here on YT. At the moment the performance I'd love you to see is below. Just in case; please hit the YT search box, and copy and paste this: The Night of My Nights! - Richard Kiley
Best wishes,
varadero

@MsCatreona

9y↑1

Ah, the magnificent Richard Kiley! I don't much care for Diahann Carroll, but I'd listen to almost anything for the chance to hear that glorious baritone! One tends to think of tenors as having the voices of angels - Andy Williams for instance - but Richard Kiley did, or perhaps an archangel.

Thanks for posting this. I've always loved the song but never before heard Richard sing it. I was privileged to see him in the touring company of "Man of La Mancha" as a little girl and have never forgotten it.

@varadero1839

MsCatreona Thanks so much for your comments! Never sure how I'll please, and/or displease the powers that be here on YT, please go to the search box on YT and just copy in the following:

The Night of My Nights! - Richard Kiley
He never ceases to amaze! Grateful to hear from you, and best regards.
varadero

@jondickman1651

Oh my! So glorious!

@mackjay2

5y↑1

R.I.P. Diahann Carroll

@Jeanbean4420

hey!!! loved it!! thank you for putting that on here to watch. Kiley was on the other end doing her dance and we can now see great! and it was so fun to concentrate on her in this video!! woooo wooooo! Super Job!!!!! xxoo GJ and Papa :-D

@varadero1839

+Jean Bean Grateful to hear from you, and GJ and Papa too! Not my most successful upload, but I still love it and what it represented at that time, and your thanks have made my week! Happy to say I still may love Ms. Carroll, but I miss Mr. Kiley. Though both super-professionals, we've lost 1/2 the duo!
Best,
varadero

@goback3spaces

10y↑3

Ever see Kiley in the Colombo episode "A Friend in Deed"? That's the REAL Kiley!

@debmar5771

I love this song, but I always heard it as an instrumental piece. This is gorgeous. I never knew Diahann Carroll sang! Nice to hear Kiley!!!

@varadero1839

11y

Thank you so much for your comment! I'm so grateful to hear from you!

@davedrolett6890

10y↑6

Diahann Carroll stayed most attractive during her latter days. As a teenager I had a crush on this woman.

@varadero1839

10y

Hi dave,
Trying something different these days. I'm on my YT account and just replying to published comments. I think it works! I just saw Diahann the other night on something very recent, but memory fails me, and I can't remember what it was! She still looks lovely! Her face is a littler fuller, but so is mine! I think many ladies from The Bronx were amazing! They were opera, dance, acting and all the other theatrical bits put together!
Again, I'm very glad to hear from you!
varadero

@CarlDuke

And what a brilliant performer Richard Kiley was, an incredible voice and a special dramatic talent.

Try the Eddie Fisher version of this. It is outstanding and was recorded live on Broadway.

@varadero1839

5y↑1

I was always an Eddie F fan! I'll look for his rendition. Thanks so much!
Varadero

@CarlDuke

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R59Pf_XA4iA

@Jamesmac30

11y

thanks, I've not heard this original before

@varadero1839

11y

James, thanks so much for your comment! Though I was too young at the time to see this show, I didn't miss the controversy in the "papers!" The music and lyrics, were from Richard Rodgers on his own, after the passing of Oscar Hammerstein. This show really pushed many buttons based on its theme of miscegenation. That mere word seems so silly nowadays, but in the early '60s it still packed a punch! Thanks so much for writing! Know you've seen Look No Further! Thanks for your friendship!

@Juliaflo

10y

Richard Rodgers' first post-ampersand effort.

@varadero1839

10y

Juliaflo And a wonderful effort it was! I'm hoping Mr. Rodgers was pleased, as I think most of us were with his 1st solo triumph! Hi Juliaflo! I'm grateful to hear from you. Given what it costs to mount a show on B'Way these days, I suspect we'll never see this performed again in NYC. This had some of the most beautiful melodies, and finest lyrical craftsmanship we're ever likely to hear. Delighted to hear from you!
varadero

@jsgeare

I saw it. Huge.

@zriter59escritor33

Carroll was a stunningly beautiful woman and a fine performer overall. But I never cared much for her voice. Bright and ringing, but also somewhat sharp and shrill, with little warmth.
I'm sure it carried well and sounded better in the theater. But even today, exceptionally vibrant voices are difficult to record effectively.
Kiley said once that when he began studying voice and learning to sing, he realized that singing "could be a wonderful extension of my acting."

@kaylaschulz54322

11y

Love

@davidjudson3569

)

@blackbutterfly233ify

cool I had no idea the music in Cinderella were covers . what year is this song

@varadero1839

Hi blackbutterfly233ify,
This is from 1962, and the Broadway show, "No Strings." Know you've heard of Rodgers and Hammerstein, but this was the 1st show where Mr. Rodgers composed both the music, and wrote the lyrics. Think Mr. H had died a year or so before. The second song "pirated" from another show was sung by Bernadette Peters. It's "Falling in Love with Love." That one was from "The Boys from Syracuse," another Broadway hit. Then the composer was Richard Rodgers, and the lyricist was Jerome Kern. Thank you for writing! Please keep in touch!
Best wishes,
varadero

@blackbutterfly233ify

8y↑1

varadero1839 thanks for replying. I loved the 1997 version I had the VHS tape then. Lol i think I replayed it like 50 times, twirling around in my room at 8

@varadero1839

Happy to hear back from you! Wish I could say I was 8 when I saw the Brandy version! Hopefully, age shouldn't matter when beautiful people, singing even more lovely music is concerned! You might not have ever heard of this, but it's a lovely duet from the same original Broadway show, "No Strings!" Hope you like!
Best to you!
https://youtu.be/13OVmIRL8mo
varadero

@blackbutterfly233ify

varadero1839 how old were you in 1997

@varadero1839

Don't laugh! I was 52 in 1997! Even carrying those advanced years I recognized the genius of the show. I had seen the original Black and White TV version in 1957 that starred Julie Andrews in the Brandy role. Then there was the 2nd TV version in 1965 with Leslie Ann Warren. This show is so good, they made it 3 times!
Best always,
varadero

2 More Replies...

@dangerouswoman3757

4y↑2

Ariana story anyone?!

@varadero1839

Thanks for your message. Sorry to be out of the loop, but I don't know who Ariana is. Would you let me know?
Regards,
varadero

@JacobHayden911

@@varadero1839 Ariana Grande. Know the name? lol

@KBAFourthtime

10y↑2

"Have you ever seen such a lazy girl in your life!"

@varadero1839

10y

Ricky M Hi Ricky M!
I wanted to thank you for writing, but I'm not clear on the quote about the "lazy girl." Is that a line from her original debut in "House of Flowers?" I love the music from that show, and it's nice to know that is was Ms. Carroll's 1st real Broadway break. Richard Rodgers "The Sweetest Sounds" is so elegant! Please, if you have time, would love to hear back from you!
Best wishes,
varadero