It Had Better Be Tonight
Horne Lena Lyrics


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Meglio stasera, baby, go go go!
Or as we natives say, "Fa subito!"

If you're ever gonna kiss me
It had better be tonight
while the mandolins are playing
and stars are bright
If you've anything to tell me
it had better be tonight
or somebody else may tell me
and whisper the words just right

Meglio stasera, baby, go go go!
Or as we natives say, "Fa subito!"

For this poor Americano
who knows little of your speach
be a nice Italiano
and start to teach.

Show me how in old Milano
lovers hold each other tight
but I warn you sweet paisano,
it had better be tonight.

Meglio stasera, baby, go go go!
Or as we natives say, "Fa subito!"


...
MEGLIO STASERA

Meglio stasera, che domani o mai
Domani chi lo sa, quel che sara

Non mi dire d'aspettare
Il domani che verra
E una porta che tu chiudi
Fra me e te

Se stasera ti decidi
a rispondermi di si,
I domani che verrano
li dedico solo a te

Megglio stasera, che domani o mai
Domani chi lo sa, quel che sara

Nasce il giorno e il giorno muore,
e la notte portera
L'incertezza del domani,
chissa, chissa

Basta un desiderio solo
a non farti riposar,

e una pulce sul lenzuolo
che dormire non ti fa

Meglio stasera, che domani o mai
Domani chi lo sa, quel che sarra.





Esta parte em italiano é cantada pela personagem interpretada por Claudia Cardinale (melhor dizendo, dublada por Fran Jeffries) no filme "Pink Panther", de 1963.

Overall Meaning

The song "It Had Better Be Tonight" by Horne Lena is a playful and passionate call to action. The lyrics emphasize the urgency of the moment and the importance of seizing the opportunity to be together. Lena urges her lover to make a move and kiss her while the mandolins are playing and the stars are bright. She warns that someone else may come and whisper the words just right, so it's important for her lover to act fast. Lena also shows an interest in Italian culture and asks her lover to teach her how lovers hold each other tight in old Milano. She reminds him, "it had better be tonight," and repeats the Italian phrase, "fa subito."


The lyrics of "It Had Better Be Tonight" express the idea of living in the moment and not waiting for tomorrow. Lena sings that it's better to have tonight than tomorrow or never, as the uncertainty of the future can bring doubt and hesitation. She also uses playful language to convey her desire for passion and romance, with lines like "and a flea on the sheet, won't let you sleep." Overall, the lyrics celebrate the joy and excitement of being with someone you love and encourage listeners to take risks and pursue their desires.


Line by Line Meaning

Meglio stasera, baby, go go go!
It's better tonight, baby, let's go!


If you're ever gonna kiss me
If you're going to kiss me, there's no time like the present


It had better be tonight
Do it now or regret it later


while the mandolins are playing
In the romantic atmosphere of the moment


and stars are bright
Under the beautiful night sky


If you've anything to tell me
If you have something to say, now's the time


it had better be tonight
Speak up or someone else might beat you to it


or somebody else may tell me
If you don't speak up, someone else might reveal your secret


and whisper the words just right
If someone else tells me, they might do it more effectively


For this poor Americano
As someone who is unfamiliar with Italian culture


who knows little of your speach
And doesn't speak much Italian


be a nice Italiano
Please be patient and help me out


and start to teach.
Teach me about your culture and how to be a good lover


Show me how in old Milano
Show me how things are done in Milan


lovers hold each other tight
Demonstrate the art of romantic physical affection


but I warn you sweet paisano,
But be warned, my sweet new friend


it had better be tonight.
I want to learn quickly, before it's too late




Contributed by Madison F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Michael Cornett

Music by Henry Mancini, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, vocals by Lena Horne....this song is KILLER and the best track on that album. Even the bridge at 1:06 is killer. There's an old-school glamour about this that can't be duplicated.

Maria Clemencia Medina

Can't understand why so few have sing this wonderful song. Although the original still the best I love Lena's version. Is there a video?? Thanks for sharing

purplegurl79

Miss Lena Horne....such a class act! When I was a kid, I wanted to sound like her, Judy Garland, too. Still singing to them! They Don't make them like they used to.

JOHN MARSICOVETERE

Lena is great!!!!!!Wonderful rendition..

J.W. Cook

Buble can try, but Horne will always have me!

John Moser

For some reason this CD identifies the artist as Peggy Lee.

nick thomas

Now I know where Buble arrangement came from. Interesting. Nonetheless, he to did a terrific job and does Ms. Horne Recently recorded this song. Please listen and give feedback Thanks

Michael Morales

Buble must have been influenced by Lena, pretty similar. Anyway, this is amazing

Susanna Marina

it was not Claudia...Fran Jeffries!

gsj612

Same arrangement and charts.

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