Penthouse Serenade
Sarah Vaughan Lyrics


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Picture a penthouse way up in the sky
With hinges on chimneys for stars to go by
A sweet slice of heaven for just you and I
When we're alone

From all of society we'll stay aloof
And live in propriety there on the roof
Two heavenly hermits, we will be in truth
When we're alone

We'll view life's mad pattern
As we view old Manhattan
Then we can thank our lucky stars
That we're living as we are

In our little penthouse we'll always contrive
To keep love and romance forever alive

In view of the Hudson, just over the drive
When we're alone

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Sarah Vaughan's song "Penthouse Serenade" depict a romantic and dreamy vision of a penthouse high up in the sky where the two lovers can escape from the rest of society and live in their own world. The first stanza sets the scene, describing the penthouse as a "sweet slice of heaven" with stars passing by and a breathtaking view. The next two stanzas reveal the couple's desire to stay away from society and live in their own propriety, enjoying the simple life of "heavenly hermits." They want to observe the chaos of life happening below them, like watching the "mad pattern" of Manhattan, and feel grateful for the peace they've found. Finally, the last stanza talks about keeping their love alive by constantly putting in effort with each other, always keeping the romance alive overlooking the Hudson River.


The song's lyrics convey the couple's yearning to escape the world's noise and foolishness, instead choosing to revel in each other's company in a serene environment. The song's clarinet and piano pairing evoke a sense of nostalgia and tranquility, adding to the romanticism of the lyrics. Sarah Vaughan's delivery of the lyrics carries a sense of ease and warmth, echoing the sentiments of the song's message. The lyrics to "Penthouse Serenade" provide the listener with an idyllic world where love, peacefulness, and solace prevail.


Line by Line Meaning

Picture a penthouse way up in the sky
Imagine a luxurious home placed at great heights


With hinges on chimneys for stars to go by
At that distance, the stars will orient themselves on the chimneys


A sweet slice of heaven for just you and I
It is a heavenly abode exclusively for us


When we're alone
It will exclusively be for our solitude


From all of society we'll stay aloof
We will isolate ourselves from society, avoiding any association


And live in propriety there on the roof
We will honor our moral principles by living on the roof


Two heavenly hermits, we will be in truth
We will live like hermits, enjoying each other's company on this heavenly home


When we're alone
It will exclusively be for our solitude


We'll view life's mad pattern
We will observe the insane behavior of life


As we view old Manhattan
Observing New York City as one watches the famous Manhattan view


Then we can thank our lucky stars
We will be grateful to the stars above


That we're living as we are
For living the way we do, we are truly blessed


In our little penthouse we'll always contrive
We will consistently develop ways to maintain our luxurious penthouse


To keep love and romance forever alive
It will ensure that the fire of love and romance in our lives always flickers


In view of the Hudson, just over the drive
With an excellent view of the Hudson river outside our door


When we're alone
It will exclusively be for our solitude




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CARLIN AMERICA INC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: VAL BURTON, WILL JASON

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

@divvy1400yam600

Lovely melody.
Sarah Vaughan before  she went 'bend the notes ' bonkers.
but my goodness the lyrics

Hinges on chimneys.
Live in propriety on the roof
Heavenly hermits

Oh dear / oh dear oh dear / oh dear oh dear oh dear



All comments from YouTube:

@princeandrey

I used to listen to this as a young kid & yearned to leave in New York. And that's what I did! (not in a penthouse but I'm on the top floor!)

@truthbetoldagain

The spectacular Sarah Vaughan .

@divvy1400yam600

Lovely melody.
Sarah Vaughan before  she went 'bend the notes ' bonkers.
but my goodness the lyrics

Hinges on chimneys.
Live in propriety on the roof
Heavenly hermits

Oh dear / oh dear oh dear / oh dear oh dear oh dear

@jamesswell3612

note bending is a gift...thank god for sarah...

@Siko5987

This song works wonderfully and it makes me wan to be high class.

@johnvancor5049

Amazing.

@beforeourveryeyes

thank YOU!

@lucianoantoniomoraeszanell2374

Autores: Val Burton e Will Jason. Gravação de 19 de agosto de 1946 com Ted Wilson ao piano e seu octeto. (27/abril/2016).

@Thedivineonesassy

I'm agree:)

@warrenbarnes9653

Does anyone know the identity of the backup musicians, especially the pianist and clarinetist?

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