Poinciana

The Four Freshmen

About Poinciana

"Poinciana" is a song by Nat Simon with lyrics by Buddy Bernier written in 1936. The song has been identified as a development of a Cuban folk song entitled "La Canción del Árbol" whose title translates as "the song of the tree", the royal poinciana being a favorite Caribbean flowering plant. However composer Nat Simon would claim the song's tune came to him while he was dining at Manhattan Theater District restaurant Leone's, and that he jotted down a rough draft of the melody on his table's cloth which - with Leone's permission - he took home to work out the completed melody at his piano. Lyrics for the song were completed in about thirty minutes by Buddy Bernier, who cited as his inspiration a postcard of a royal poinciana tree he'd recently received from Florida. Reportedly "Poinciana" was largely overlooked for several years being somewhat longer than a typical contemporary song. Orchestra leader Jerry Wald was a rare early aficianado of the song, and Wald's showcasing of "Poinciana" during his 1943 gig at the Hotel New Yorker has been credited with boosting its profile, "Poinciana" being recorded in 1943 by Glenn Miller with his Army Air Force Band, with three 1944 recordings of the song afforded hit status, being those by Benny Carter and His Orchestra; Bing Crosby (recorded October 1, 1943); and David Rose and His Orchestra. Its popularity reinforced by its appearance in the 1952 film Dreamboat, "Poinciana" has become a standard of Latin jazz: the theme song of pianist Ahmad Jamal - whose version, introduced on the 1958 album At the Pershing: But Not for Me, would be showcased on the soundtrack of the 1995 film The Bridges of Madison County - the song has also been recorded by Frank Sinatra, George Shearing, Dave Brubeck & Paul Desmond, Johnny Mathis, Nat King Cole, Vic Damone, Keith Jarrett, Percy Faith, McCoy Tyner, Diane Schuur, Caterina Valente, Robert Goulet, The Four Freshmen, MFSB, The Manhattan Transfer, Steve Lawrence (his inaugural disc and a chart hit with #21 peak), Lew Tabackin, Gerry Mulligan with Chet Baker, Cal Tjader, Jerome Richardson, Shelly Manne, Billy Taylor, Booker Ervin, Aaron Goldberg, Gato Barbieri, Gary Burton, Lou Donaldson, and Vulfpeck. In 1978, disco duo Paradise Express recorded a version which made the top 20 on the disco charts. Paquito D'Rivera & Chano Domínguez also recorded the song 


Year:
2000
3:03
127 
#1

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Blow Tropic wind, sing a song to the trees
Trees sigh to me, soon my love I will see

Poinciana, your branches speak to me of love
Pale moon is casting shadows from above

Poinciana, somehow I feel the jungle heat
Within me there grows a rhythmic savage beat

Love is ev'rywhere, its magic perfume fills the air
To and fro you sway, my heart's in time, I've learned to care

Poinciana, though skies may turn from blue to gray
My love will live forever and a day

Poinciana, from now until the dawning day
I'll learn to love forever, come what may

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The Four Freshmen

The Four Freshmen is a multiple (six) Grammy-nominated American male vocal band quartet that blends open-harmonic jazz arrangements with the big band vocal group sounds of The Modernaires (Glenn Miller), The Pied Pipers (Tommy Dorsey), and The Mel-Tones (Artie Shaw), founded in the barbershop tradition. The Four Freshmen is considered a vocal band because the singers accompany themselves on guitar, horns, bass, and drums, among other instrumental configurations. more »

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Written by: BUDDY BERNIER

Lyrics © THE SONGWRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Original Composition
"Poinciana" was originally a song composed by Nat Simon, with lyrics by Buddy Bernier. It was written in 1936 and is also known as "Song of the Tree."
Bing Crosby's Version
Bing Crosby recorded his version of "Poinciana" in 1944. His rendition spent five weeks at No. 1 in the Billboard charts.
Frank Sinatra's Rendition
Frank Sinatra recorded his version for his album "Come Fly with Me" in 1958. His interpretation is well-known for having a slower tempo.
Nat King Cole's Coverage
Nat King Cole's rendition of "Poinciana" is included in his 1952 album "Penthouse Serenade”. His smooth vocals added a unique touch to the song.
Robert Goulet's Version
Robert Goulet, best known for his musical theatre performances, also recorded "Poinciana". His version is featured on his 1966 album "Robert Goulet’s Wonderful World of Christmas."
Steve Lawrence's Edition
Steve Lawrence recorded his version of "Poinciana" for the album "Steve Lawrence Sings Sinatra" in 2003. The album is a tribute to Frank Sinatra, and Lawrence's interpretation of "Poinciana" is often compared to Sinatra's.
The Four Freshmen's Coverage
The Four Freshmen, an American vocal quartet known for their innovative harmonies, also recorded a version of "Poinciana". It features their distinctive four-part harmony arrangement.
The Manhattan Transfer's Rendition
The multiple Grammy-winning group, The Manhattan Transfer, included "Poinciana" in their 1991 album "The Offbeat of Avenues." It showcases the band's talents in jazz and vocal harmonies.
Popularity
"Poinciana" remains a popular song even many years after its initial release. It's frequently performed by various artists, indicating its enduring appeal.
Instrumental versions
"Poinciana" has not just been popular among vocalists. Its melodious tune has made it popular among musicians of various instruments - especially jazz pianists like Ahmad Jamal whose instrumental version brought about a resurgence in the song's popularity in the late 1950s.
Use in Films
Because of its beautiful melody and romantic lyrics, "Poinciana" has been used in several films, including 1952's 'Dreamboat' and 1995's 'Leaving Las Vegas.'

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