Sammy Fain was born in New York City. In 1923, Fain appeared with Artie Dunn in a short film directed by Lee De Forest filmed in DeForest's Phonofilm sound-on-film process. In 1925, Fain left the Fain-Dunn act to devote himself full-time to composing.
Fain worked extensively in collaboration with Irving Kahal. Together they wrote classics such as "Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella". Another lyricist who collaborated with Fain was Lew Brown, with whom he wrote "That Old Feeling". His Broadway credits also include Everybody's Welcome, Right This Way, Hellzapoppin', I'll Be Seeing You, Flahooley, Ankles Aweigh, Christine and Something More.
Fain also composed music for more than 30 films in the 1930s, 40s and 50s. He was nominated for the best Original Song Oscar nine times, winning twice, with "Secret Love" from Calamity Jane in 1954 and with "Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing" from the movie of the same title in 1955. He co-wrote both songs with Paul Francis Webster, another long-time collaborator. Fain wrote the second theme to the TV series Wagon Train in 1958, which was called "(Roll Along) Wagon Train". He also contributed to the song scores for the Walt Disney animated films Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and The Rescuers.
In 1963, he collaborated with Harold Adamson in writing songs for the movie The Incredible Mr. Limpet, which came out in 1964, and such songs as "I Wish I Were a Fish", "Be Careful How You Wish" and "Deep Rapture" enhanced his fame.
Fain died in Los Angeles, California, and is interred at Cedar Park Cemetery, in Emerson, New Jersey.
That Old Feeling
Sammy Fain Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Last night my heart was so gay
Last night I found myself dancing
In my favorite cabaret
You were completely forgotten
Just an affair of the past
Then suddenly something happened to me
And I found my heart beating, oh, so fast
I saw you last night and got that old feeling
When you came in sight I got that old feeling
The moment that you danced by I felt a thrill
And when you caught my eye my heart stood still
Once again I seemed to feel that old yearning
And I knew the spark of love was still burning
There'll be no new romance for me, it's foolish to start
For that old feeling, is still in my heart
I saw you last night and got that old feeling
When you came in sight I got that old feeling
The moment that you danced by I felt a thrill
And when you caught my eye my heart stood still
Once again I seemed to feel that old yearning
And I knew the spark of love was still burning
There'll be no new romance for me, it's foolish to start
For that old feeling, is still in my heart
The lyrics to Sammy Fain's "That Old Feeling" tell a story of a person who had moved on from a former lover but unexpectedly encounters them at a nightclub. Despite feeling happy and carefree at the beginning of the night, the sight of their old flame sparks a rush of emotion and nostalgia, reigniting their romantic feelings. The lyrics convey a sense of helplessness as the singer admits that they cannot start a new romance because they are still consumed by the memories and feelings of their past relationship.
The opening verses describe the singer's preconceived notion that they had moved on from their past affair and were enjoying themselves at their favorite cabaret. However, the unexpected appearance of their former lover jolts them out of their comfort zone, and they are once again consumed by feelings of love and longing. The lyrics suggest that these emotions are beyond the singer's control, making it difficult for them to move on and start a new romance.
Overall, the lyrics emphasize the idea that love is not always something that can be planned or controlled. It can randomly resurface, even when a person believes they have moved on from it. The song conveys a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, underscoring the idea that memories of past loves can linger for a long time.
Line by Line Meaning
Last night I started out happy
Yesterday, I began the evening in a state of joy and contentment.
Last night my heart was so gay
During the same evening, I was experiencing great happiness and cheerfulness within my innermost being.
Last night I found myself dancing, in my favorite cabaret
I was moved to dance at my preferred club during this same happy evening.
You were completely forgotten, just an affair of the past
During this time, I had already let go of memories of a former relationship and had no feelings for you anymore.
Then suddenly something happened to me and I found my heart beating, oh, so fast
Suddenly a change occurred, and my heart began to beat rapidly.
I saw you last night and got that old feeling
Upon seeing you again after a long time, I felt a familiar emotion return.
When you came in sight I got that old feeling
The emotions that surfaced in me upon laying eyes on you were reminiscent of feelings past.
The moment that you danced by I felt a thrill
As you danced, a tingle ran through my body and sent a wave of excitement into my mind.
And when you caught my eye my heart stood still
Upon making eye contact with me, my heart momentarily stopped due to the intensity of my emotions.
Once again I seemed to feel that old yearning
I was filled with an ache for what had been lost, and a deep desire to experience it once more.
And I knew the spark of love was still burning
I understood that the affection that once blazed between us had not been extinguished, and still existed as a small flame.
There'll be no new romance for me, it's foolish to start
I decided not to risk opening my heart to love again due to the uncertainty of its outcome.
For that old feeling, is still in my heart
The emotions of the past were still alive and strong, evident through the physical sensations and churning thoughts that had overtaken me.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PD TRADITIONAL, SANFORD SCHMIDT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
B.P. DHANA
This movie is one of very few prime example of a masterfully-crafted and impecabbly-skilled film. It's near-perfection : 9.5 / 10 stars!
dahinsoncoj
Such a great film when the lead actors were in their prime. Another John Barry exquisite soundtrack with the inclusion of "That old feeling." But most importantly, a lesson for men, just how easily a woman can hunt, trap and eat you alive, and not give you a second thought.
Patrick J Whited
Such great music!!
RonaldWieck
A terrific film featuring the greatest femme fatale in the history of noir.
LilannB
Iconic scene when he first sees and falls for Matty. The music is perfect giving a film set in the1980s the feel of a 1940s noir.
Mike Morris
God how I love this film!
Richard B. Davis
Great Song
jim partridge
great movie great song
橋爪隆
This music is used in the first meeting with them.Wonderful Selection.
Robert Cruice
every thing about this is good