Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise

Jeanette MacDonald, Nelson Eddy

About Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise

"Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise" is a song with music by Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein II from the 1928 operetta The New Moon. One of the best-known numbers from the show, it is a song of bitterness and yearning for a lost love, sung in the show by Philippe (tenor), the best friend of the hero, Robert Mission (baritone). The original song was composed as a tango, and features a dance as accompaniment to the choral reprise, but many versions of the song have changed the tempo completely (there have been many jazz renditions). What some may consider the most ludicrous version is the one featured in the 1940 film version of the operetta, in which it is actually sung as a cheerful ditty by Nelson Eddy while he shines his shoes, despite the melancholy nature of the song's lyric. The song is featured twice in Deep in My Heart, MGM's 1954 musical biopic of Romberg, when it is sung by Betty Wand (dubbing for Tamara Toumanova) and by Helen Traubel. 


Year:
2001
3:28
782 
#3

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Love came to me
Gay and tender
Love came to me
Sweet surrender

Love came to me
In bright romantic splendor
Fickle was she
Faithful never

Fickle was she
And clever
So will it be, forever, forever
Softly, as in a morning sunrise

The light of love comes stealing
Into a new born day, oh
Flaming with all the glow of sunrise
A burning kiss is sealing

The vow that all betray
For the passions that thrill love
And lift you high to heaven
Are the passions that kill love

And let you fall to hell
So ends the story
Softly, as in an evening sunset
The light that gave you glory
Will take it all away

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Nelson Eddy

Nelson Ackerman Eddy (June 29, 1901 – March 6, 1967) was an American singer and actor who appeared in 19 musical films during the 1930s and 1940s, as well as in opera and on the concert stage, radio, television, and in nightclubs. A classically trained baritone, he is best remembered for the eight films in which he costarred with soprano Jeanette MacDonald. He was one of the first "crossover" stars, a superstar appealing both to shrieking bobby-soxers as well as opera purists, and in his heyday was the highest paid singer in the world. more »

4 fans

Written by: OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN, II, OSCAR II HAMMERSTEIN, SIGMUND ROMBERG

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Background
"Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise" is a popular song that was written for the 1928 operetta "The New Moon" by Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein II.
Notable Performer
One iconic rendition of this song is sung by Nelson Eddy, an American singer and actor who was famous for his deep baritone voice.
Popularity
The song became a standard in the jazz repertoire, gaining its status primarily through recordings by various jazz artists. Despite being penned for an operetta, it is known less for its original context and more for the jazz interpretations.
Interpretive Contrast
The song's melody is light and gently rhythmic, suiting the imagery of a rising sun. However, its lyrics hold a stark contrast, hinting at a love lost and a heart filled with sorrow.
Jazz Influence
While Nelson Eddy's version takes a more classical approach to the song, jazz renditions by artists like John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and Artie Shaw have added improvisational elements to this standard.
Historical Relevance
Eddy's version of "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise" was released around the height of his popularity in the 1930-40s, a time when operatic pop was mainstream.
Nelson Eddy's Career
Eddy was one of the first "crossover" stars in music, bridging the gap between classical music and popular music. This is reflected in his performance of "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise," which maintains the song's operetta roots while introducing it to a wider audience.
Screen Adaptation
The song was performed by Nelson Eddy in the 1940 movie version of "The New Moon," cementing its fame further.
Classical Use of Song
While it has been adapted by many genres, "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise" remains a showcase piece for vocalists in the world of classical music, with Eddy's version often held as the standard.
Heartfelt Connection
Eddy's deep, rich, baritone delivery of this emotive song resonates with listeners even today, underlining the timeless appeal of his music and this classic melody.

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