She is noted for her elegant interpretations of standards, ballads, and blues. Her characteristic inflections have sometimes prompted comparisons to stylistic devices employed by Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Jones' recordings, particularly her debut record (Don't Go To Strangers, 1960), have earned wide admiration in a new generation of listeners.
She had three Grammy nominations, for the Don't Go to Strangers LP in 1960, Save Your Love for Me in 1981, and My Buddy in 1999.
Jones had a musical partnership of more than thirty years with tenor sax player Houston Person, who received equal billing with her. He also produced her albums and served as her manager.
Jones was born in Aiken, South Carolina, and raised in Harlem. She died at the age of 72 from cancer. She was survived by her husband, John Medlock, and a granddaughter.
The Way You Look Tonight
Etta Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 lyrics of the song "The Way You Look Tonight" by Etta Jones express an undying affection for someone special. The song's upbeat tune, accompanied by Jones's soulful voice, makes for a perfect romantic ballad. The song talks about how even when someone is feeling low and the world seems cold, remembering that special someone can bring back a glow. The simple thought of the way they look, "just the way you look tonight," has the power to uplift them.
The singer goes on to describe the person in loving terms, mentioning their warmth, tenderness, and charming smile. The simple act of smiling touches the singer's heart, making them feel foolishly enamored. They ask the person never to change and to keep that "breathless charm." The singer acknowledges their affection for the person, saying, "There is nothing for me but to love you, just the way you look tonight."
The lyrics of the song evoke a pure and deep emotional connection between two people. The simplicity of the melody and the passionate lyrics make this song timeless and universally relatable.
Line by Line Meaning
Someday, when I'm awfully low
At some point in the future, when I am feeling very down emotionally
And the world is cold
When everything around me seems bleak and uninviting
I will feel a glow just thinking of you
Reminiscing about you will give me a warm, fuzzy feeling
And the way you look tonight
Especially when I recall how gorgeous you looked in that moment
Yes, you're lovely
You are truly beautiful and captivating
With your smile so warm, and your cheek so soft
Your friendly smile and soft cheeks are irresistible to me
There is nothing for me but to love you
My heart is yours, and I cannot help but adore you
Just the way you look tonight
You are perfect just the way you are in this moment
With each word your tenderness grows
Every time you speak to me with gentleness, I feel even more drawn to you
Tearing my fear apart
You dispel my worries and anxieties by caring for me
And that smile that wrinkles your nose
When you smile and wrinkle your nose, it shows your genuine joy and happiness
Touches my foolish heart
Your smile and joy makes me feel so very foolishly in love with you
Lovely, never, never change
You are perfect in every way, and I hope you will never change
Keep that breathless charm
Please continue to be charming and breathtaking in every way
Won't you please arrange it, 'cause I love you
I hope you will work with me to keep this beautiful love story going, because I am hopelessly in love with you
Just the way you look tonight
In this moment, you are absolutely perfect and enchanting
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jerome Kern
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind