Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, to Italian immigrants, Sinatra began his musical career in the swing era with bandleaders Harry James and Tommy Dorsey. Sinatra found success as a solo artist after he signed with Columbia Records in 1943, becoming the idol of the "bobby soxers". He released his debut album, The Voice of Frank Sinatra, in 1946. Sinatra's professional career had stalled by the early 1950s, and he turned to Las Vegas, where he became one of its best known residency performers as part of The Rat Pack. His career was reborn in 1953 with the success of From Here to Eternity, with his performance subsequently winning an Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor. Sinatra released several critically lauded albums, including In the Wee Small Hours (1955), Songs for Swingin' Lovers! (1956), Come Fly with Me (1958), Only the Lonely (1958) and Nice 'n' Easy (1960).
Sinatra left Capitol in 1960 to start his own record label, Reprise Records, and released a string of successful albums. In 1965, he recorded the retrospective September of My Years, starred in the Emmy-winning television special Frank Sinatra: A Man and His Music, and released the tracks "Strangers in the Night" and "My Way". After releasing Sinatra at the Sands, recorded at the Sands Hotel and Casino in Vegas with frequent collaborator Count Basie in early 1966, the following year he recorded one of his most famous collaborations with Tom Jobim, the album Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim. It was followed by 1968's collaboration with Duke Ellington. Sinatra retired for the first time in 1971, but came out of retirement two years later and recorded several albums and resumed performing at Caesars Palace, and reached success in 1980 with "New York, New York". Using his Las Vegas shows as a home base, he toured both within the United States and internationally until a short time before his death in 1998.
Sinatra forged a highly successful career as a film actor. After winning an Academy Award for From Here to Eternity, he starred in The Man with the Golden Arm (1955), and received critical acclaim for his performance in The Manchurian Candidate (1962). He appeared in various musicals such as On the Town (1949), Guys and Dolls (1955), High Society (1956), and Pal Joey (1957), winning another Golden Globe for the latter. Toward the end of his career, he became associated with playing detectives, including the title character in Tony Rome (1967). Sinatra would later receive the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1971. On television, The Frank Sinatra Show began on ABC in 1950, and he continued to make appearances on television throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Sinatra was also heavily involved with politics from the mid-1940s, and actively campaigned for presidents such as Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan, though before Kennedy's death Sinatra's alleged Mafia connections led to his being snubbed.
While Sinatra never formally learned how to read music, he had an impressive understanding of it, and he worked very hard from a young age to improve his abilities in all aspects of music. A perfectionist, renowned for his dress sense and performing presence, he always insisted on recording live with his band. His bright blue eyes earned him the popular nickname "Ol' Blue Eyes". Sinatra led a colorful personal life, and was often involved in turbulent affairs with women, such as with his second wife Ava Gardner. He went on to marry Mia Farrow in 1966 and Barbara Marx in 1976. Sinatra had several violent confrontations, usually with journalists he felt had crossed him, or work bosses with whom he had disagreements. He was honored at the Kennedy Center Honors in 1983, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Ronald Reagan in 1985, and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1997. Sinatra was also the recipient of eleven Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Trustees Award, Grammy Legend Award and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. After his death, American music critic Robert Christgau called him "the greatest singer of the 20th century", and he continues to be seen as an iconic figure.
Sinatra died with his wife at his side at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on May 14, 1998, aged 82, after a heart attack. Sinatra had ill health during the last few years of his life, and was frequently hospitalized for heart and breathing problems, high blood pressure, pneumonia and bladder cancer. He was further diagnosed as having dementia. He had made no public appearances following a heart attack in February 1997. Sinatra's wife encouraged him to "fight" while attempts were made to stabilize him, and his final words were, "I'm losing." Sinatra's daughter, Tina, later wrote that she and her sister, Nancy, had not been notified of their father's final hospitalization, and it was her belief that "the omission was deliberate. Barbara would be the grieving widow alone at her husband's side." The night after Sinatra's death, the lights on the Empire State Building in New York City were turned blue, the lights at the Las Vegas Strip were dimmed in his honor, and the casinos stopped spinning for a minute.
Sinatra's funeral was held at the Roman Catholic Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills, California, on May 20, 1998, with 400 mourners in attendance and thousands of fans outside. Gregory Peck, Tony Bennett, and Sinatra's son, Frank Jr., addressed the mourners, who included many notable people from film and entertainment. Sinatra was buried in a blue business suit with mementos from family members—cherry-flavored Life Savers, Tootsie Rolls, a bottle of Jack Daniel's, a pack of Camel cigarettes, a Zippo lighter, stuffed toys, a dog biscuit, and a roll of dimes that he always carried—next to his parents in section B-8 of Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, California.
His close friends Jilly Rizzo and Jimmy Van Heusen are buried nearby. The words "The Best Is Yet to Come", plus "Beloved Husband & Father" are imprinted on Sinatra's grave marker. Significant increases in recording sales worldwide were reported by Billboard in the month of his death.
Autumn in New York
Frank Sinatra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why does it seem so inviting
Autumn in New York
It spells the thrill of first-knighting
Glittering crowds and shimmering clouds
In canyons of steel
They're making me feel, I'm home
It's autumn in New York
That brings the promise of new love
Autumn in New York
Is often mingled with pain
Dreamers with empty hands
They sigh for exotic lands
It's autumn in New York
It's good to live it again
This autumn in New York
Transforms the slums into Mayfair
Autumn in New York
You'll need no castles in Spain
Lovers that bless the dark
On benches in Central Park
It's autumn in New York
It's good to live it again
Frank Sinatra's song 'Autumn in New York' is a nostalgic ode to the season of autumn in the bustling city of New York. The song begins with a question, "Why does it seem so inviting?", which sets the tone of the song as one of wonder and excitement. The lyrics go on to describe the appeal of autumn in the city, with its "glittering crowds and shimmering clouds" against the backdrop of towering steel buildings that feel like home.
The song's chorus emphasizes the romantic potential of autumn in New York, with its promise of new love mingled with the pain of lost love. The lyrics present a picture of dreamers with empty hands who long for adventure in exotic lands, but find solace in the familiar surroundings of the city. Sinatra paints a vivid picture of fall in New York, transforming the city's slums into Mayfair and depicting lovers embracing on park benches. Overall, the song speaks to the universal appeal of the autumn season, and the beauty of finding familiarity and love in even the most bustling of cities.
Line by Line Meaning
Autumn in New York
The beginning of the song sets the scene for the rest of the lyrics; the singer is referring to a specific time in New York City.
Why does it seem so inviting
The singer is curious as to why the fall season in New York is so alluring and has the power to entice so many people.
Autumn in New York
Again, the singer repeats the title of the song as a way to emphasize the significance of this season in the city.
It spells the thrill of first-knighting
The use of the phrase 'first-knighting' is a play on words that means the excitement of beginning a new relationship, which is a common occurrence during the fall season in the city.
Glittering crowds and shimmering clouds
The sleek, modern architecture that dominates NYC gives the impression of being glamorous and sophisticated. The bright lights and darkness of the buildings make the singer feel as if he is at home in the city.
In canyons of steel
The towering buildings and bustling streets of the city give the impression of being in a canyon.
They're making me feel, I'm home
Despite the hectic nature of the city, the singer still finds comfort in the surroundings and feels as though he's at home.
It's autumn in New York
The change in season is often associated with the start of something new, including relationships, and the singer feels optimistic about the opportunities ahead.
That brings the promise of new love
As previously stated, autumn in the city often leads to the beginning of new romantic relationships, and the singer is anticipating the possibility of something new in his life.
Is often mingled with pain
However, the thrill of beginning something new is often accompanied by the possibility of heartbreak, which is also a common occurrence during the fall season.
Dreamers with empty hands
The singer refers to people who long for the beauty of far-off places and a life different from their own, but lack the resources to make their dreams a reality.
They sigh for exotic lands
These dreamers long to escape the mundane and monotonous routines of their everyday lives and dream of far-off lands that are more exciting and exotic.
It's autumn in New York
The singer reiterates the significance of the season in the city and the opportunities it brings.
It's good to live it again
The singer is grateful for the chance to experience autumn in the city once again and take advantage of the things it has to offer.
This autumn in New York
The singer is referring to a specific year and season of autumn in the city when these events were taking place.
Transforms the slums into Mayfair
The beauty of the autumn season in the city can make even the most run-down areas appear more sophisticated and elegant, as if they were part of a high-end neighborhood like Mayfair in London.
You'll need no castles in Spain
Even though one may dream of traveling and visiting exotic locations like castles in Spain, the beauty of autumn in the city can be just as fulfilling and satisfying.
Lovers that bless the dark
The darker, more intimate corners of the city, such as benches in Central Park, offer a sense of romance and opportunity for lovers to connect on a deeper level.
On benches in Central Park
Central Park is an iconic location in the city and perfectly embodies the natural beauty of the season, making it a popular spot for lovers and a source of inspiration for the singer.
It's autumn in New York
The singer once again highlights the importance of the season in the city.
It's good to live it again
The singer expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to experience the beauty of autumn in the city once again.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Vernon Duke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Grey Romande
Autumn in New York
Why does it seem so inviting
Autumn in New York
It spells the thrill of first-knighting
Glittering crowds and shimmering clouds
In canyons of steel
They're making me feel, I'm home
It's autumn in New York
That brings the promise of new love
Autumn in New York
Is often mingled with pain
Dreamers with empty hands
They sigh for exotic lands
It's autumn in New York
It's good to live it again
This autumn in New York
Transforms the slums into Mayfair
Autumn in New York
You'll need no castles in Spain
Lovers that bless the dark
On benches in Central Park
It's autumn in New York
It's good to live it again
Mark Blackburn
The only one of his hit songs for which composer Vernon Duke wrote the words as well as the tune. Recorded by so many artists but Sinatra's was the only version to achieve chart success ( No. 27 in 1948) .
Vernon Duke's lyricists included many of the greats (Johnny Mercer, Ogden Nash and Sammy Cahn); his best known melodies were given words by John Latouche (TAKING A CHANCE ON LOVE) Yip Harburg (APRIL IN PARIS) and Ira Gershwin (I CAN'T GET STARTED).
This arrangement sounds like Nelson Riddle, but this lovely strings orchestration was by Billy May -- for Sinatra's 1958 classic COME FLY WITH ME album.
Tom Henneberry (below) put it so well (7 years ago): " . . . Frank gently caresses a lyric as if in the act of lovemaking, and the sublime arrangements [of Nelson Riddle] complement his voice perfectly. If you're not deeply touched by AUTUMN IN NEW YORK, then you are not really alive."
[p.s. Trivia: When he first visited New York Vladimir Dukelsky was befriended by George Gershwin who suggested he truncate and Americanize his name. As a classical composer born in Belarus (Russia) he retained his birth name for his classical compositions. For all his hits he was Vernon Duke, and officially changed his name when he became an American citizen.
Thanks for sharing, MissFioredipesco
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jerry mitchell
I grew up with a view of the NYC skyline from my bedroom window. I took it and a lot of things for granted. Now when I hear this song I start to tear up. People come from all over the world to see what I got to see everyday. I love this song and I especially love Autumn here in the greatest city in the world.
Bob Watson
I hear you as a truck driver i got to see the greatest skyline in the U.S.A for free 4 or 5 times a week making my delivers in all five boroughs
Mark Blackburn
Thanks for your evocative memory of why you "start to tear up" when you hear this song. "People come from all over the world to see what I got to see every day . . . growing up."
robert broad
Having lived in NJ I really appreciated NY
Crystal Sola
jett woodward Things will get better.. Be still and stay well💆♂️👌🙏😉
jerry mitchell
jett woodward I lived in California for three years and all people talk about is going to New York.
John Haggerty
It's good to live it again. Thanks.
Sinatra, Ella, Rosie Clooney and Tony Bennett made the gold standard recordings of this wistful number.
MW
This song... there's just no words for how beautiful it is, and how he sings it, the arrangement.... brings tears to my eyes it's that beautiful
Joel Houlette
Frank's the best.
Esteven Nurkin
There are a lot of great talent out there, but Frank Sinatra was in his own league.