Where or When
Johnny Smith and Stan Getz Lyrics
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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
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
The song "Where or When" by Johnny Smith is a beautiful ballad that talks about the feeling of déjà vu that people sometimes experience when they are with someone, and they just can't seem to place where or when they've met them before. The song begins with the lines, "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." These lines perfectly sum up the feeling of confusion and uncertainty that comes with trying to remember where and when someone was previously met.
The next verse talks about the clothes and the smile of this person, and how they seem so familiar, as if they were seen before. The lines, "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" add to the mystery and intrigue of the song.
The chorus, "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" talks about the feeling of familiarity and the possibility that these people have known each other in some other time and place but are unable to recall when or where. The song, with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, creates a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time that cannot be remembered.
Line by Line Meaning
It seems we stood and talked like this before
It feels like we've had this conversation before, like history is repeating itself.
We looked at each other in the same way then
The way we're looking at each other now is the same way we did in the past, but I can't remember when.
But I can't remember where or when
I'm unable to recall the specific time and place where we met before, but I know it happened.
The clothes you're wearing are the clothes you wore
You're wearing the same outfit you wore when we last met, further contributing to the sense of déjà vu that I'm experiencing.
The smile you are smiling you were smiling then
The expression on your face right now is exactly the same as it was when we last saw each other.
But I can't remember where or when
Again, I'm struggling to place the exact moment in time when we last crossed paths.
Some things that happened for the first time
Sometimes, when something happens for the first time, it feels so powerful and memorable that when it occurs again it feels like we’ve experienced it before.
Seem to be happening again
It feels like we are reliving a past experience, even though it's happening in the present.
And so it seems that we have met before
Based on the similarities in our current interactions, it feels like we have met before and had a similar conversation.
And laughed before, and loved before
This sense of familiarity makes it feel like we've shared more than just a conversation before, like we've laughed and loved together in the past.
But who knows where or when
Despite this feeling of familiarity, neither of us can actually pinpoint the moment when we met and shared these experiences.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
doubleotwentyone
One of the great sounds of jazz! Love it!
michael thomas
Great performance and arrangement on beautiful standard! Johnny Smith and Stan Getz - masters of their instruments.
Rob Bourassa
Every bit of this was so well arranged.
Conor Smith
Do you suppose Getz sax part was written/arranged or busked?
jazzman5494
Groups don't get much tighter than this!
Rob Bourassa
RIP Mr. Smith. You were the best.
Mrbrbusby .busby
It's remarkable that nobody has done extensive research on Mr. Smith's string choice. As they've done on mr. Pc's catgut. Surely they must be round wound. His tone is unsurpassed prolly only ever nearly equaled by Wes.
Karl
Charles, It's Stan Getz without a doubt! I'd know his sound anywhere.
HITMANfirdaus
Thanks for uploading.
Ob Bop
Groovy.