Where Or When
Frank Sinatra Lyrics


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It seems we stood and talked like this before
We looked at each other in the same way then
But I can't remember where or when

The clothes you're wearing are the clothes you wore
The smile you are smiling you were smiling then
But I can't remember where or when
Some things that happened for the first time
Seem to be happening again

And so it seems that we have met before
And laughed before, and loved before
But who knows where or when?

Some things that happened for the first time
Seem to be happening again
(I can't remember, my darling, I can't remember when)

And so it seems that we have met before




And laughed before, and loved before
But who knows where or when?

Overall Meaning

Frank Sinatra's song "Where or When" portrays the feeling of familiarity and nostalgia associated with encountering someone from the past. The lyrics indicate a sense of déjà vu and confusion as the singer tries to pinpoint the moment or place where they previously met the person. The singer notes that they are experiencing a sense of repetition, with the clothes and smile of the person resonating with their memories. The closing lines express a sense of uncertainty, as the singer muses on the possibility of having met, laughed, and loved before.


Overall, the lyrics of "Where or When" evoke a sense of longing and introspection, as the singer grapples with the intangible nature of memory and the persistence of past experiences in the present. The song speaks to universal themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, reminding listeners of the power of nostalgia and the importance of cherishing meaningful moments.


Line by Line Meaning

It seems we stood and talked like this before
We are in a situation that feels familiar, like we have been here before.


We looked at each other in the same way then
Our gaze at each other is reminiscent of a time when we were in a similar situation.


But I can't remember where or when
Despite the familiarity, I cannot recall the exact time or place where we met before.


The clothes you're wearing are the clothes you wore
Your attire right now is similar to what you wore in the past, adding to the feeling of déjà vu.


The smile you are smiling you were smiling then
Your smile right now resembles the one you had during the previous encounter, further emphasizing the déjà vu effect.


Some things that happened for the first time
Events that occurred for the initial time in the past.


Seem to be happening again
These events are reoccurring, creating the illusion of familiarity.


And so it seems that we have met before
It appears that we have met in the past, but the exact time and date are unclear.


And laughed before, and loved before
We've shared happy moments and might have even been in love previously.


But who knows where or when?
But the question remains: when and where did we meet before?


(I can't remember, my darling, I can't remember when)
Even though I want to remember, my memory doesn't permit me to do so.




Lyrics © Kanjian Music, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

MARIANA Martins

☝😅 Que fantástico ! Um Show assim faz parte das boas coisas que não se faz mais. Onde estão cantores de qualidade, as grandes orquetras, as melhores musicas? Quantas porcarias temos hoje? Nào há nada que se compare, que pena.......Quanta saudade !!!!







tbj



Mark Blackburn

Favorite 'live' TV performance of WHERE OR WHEN
New favorite 'live' performance (How have I managed never to see this before right this minute?) The very next offering sent to me by YouTube's not-so-random shuffle play. My favorite opera singer when I was a teenager was Robert Merrill. And there he is, allowing his mouth to be shaped by Frank who impersonates with a 'strong man' gesture Mr. Merrill's mighty voice.

Just look at Frank, at the peak of his powers, a TV audience of millions in the palm of his hand. Really, did it ever get better than this?

[An informed note from “Frank Sinatra” nearing 2.8 million “views”]

Frank Sinatra's "Where Or When'" performance from the "Sinatra and Friends" special, featuring guests Loretta Lynn, Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, Dean Martin, Leslie Uggams, John Denver and Robert Merrill. This performance is part of the Frank Sinatra: Concert Collection 7-DVD box set.


Thanks for sharing Frank Sinatra. Celebrated this day at Sinatra Family - Forum - "Siriusly Sinatra" - MY FAVORITE VERSION, YOURS TOO? https://sinatrafamily.com/forum/showthread.php/50225-My-Favorite-Version-%28yours-too-%29?p=1287608#post1287608



All comments from YouTube:

Ron A

How can you not love Frank's showmanship, talented, charming and that voice. We miss you Mr. Sinatra!

FAS RICHARD

If you love this song, be sure to seek out Sinatra's studio recording of September 11, 1958. At the recording session, a piano solo by Bill Miller--Sinatra's long-time pianist and close friend--accompanies Sinatra until 1:43 into the track, when a 32-piece orchestra joins him at the bridge and propels the song for 41 seconds to an astonishing climactic note by the singer. Truly...one of Sinatra's finest recordings...EVER!!!

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Usa Christmas

Terrific ! Helping Frank in order were Loretta Lynn, Tony Bennett , Natalie Cole, Dean , Leslie Uggams, John Denver and Robert Merrill. Frank holds that last note FOREVER! Nobody will ever do it better baby!

Paolo Chiorino

that’s nelson riddle with his orchestra!

Ineluctable Smith

Thank you so much for the list!

Kapil Sharma

Elvis

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Boris Greff

Great show, and what a splendid voice Robert Merrill had! One of the most outstanding baritone voices of all times.

Jazz Riverside Dr

'Indeed !!

Janie Golden

Terrific performances by all invited and especially by the man himself.

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