Stormy Weather
Dinah Washington With Quincy Jones And His Orchestra Lyrics

The song "Stormy Weather" by Dinah Washington with Quincy Jones and His Orchestra is a powerful and emotional ballad about the despair and loneliness that follows the end of a romantic relationship. The opening lines set the bleak tone of the song, as the singer laments the lack of sunshine and constant rain that coincide with her man's absence. The chorus reinforces the feeling of isolation and sadness, with the recurring phrase "Stormy weather" emphasizing the emotional storm that the singer is experiencing. The verse about the "blues" walking in and meeting the singer after her man leaves, and the line about her worrying that an old rocking chair will be her only companion if he doesn't return, are poignant reminders of the depths of her despair. The final lines of the song, repeated twice for emphasis, reinforce the central theme: that without her man, life seems devoid of joy and happiness.

"Stormy Weather" is considered a classic example of the "torch song" genre, which features lyrics that express the pain and longing of unrequited love or a lost relationship. The song was originally written in 1933 by composers Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler for the musical "Cotton Club Parade". The song has been covered by many artists over the years, but Dinah Washington's version is often cited as one of the best. Quincy Jones, who arranged and conducted the orchestration, also received praise for his work on the song. "Stormy Weather" was one of Washington's early hits, and helped establish her as a major talent in the jazz and blues world.