Wonder Why

Michael Feinstein

About Wonder Why

"Wonder Why" is a song written by Nicholas Brodszky (music) and Sammy Cahn (lyrics), published in 1951. Brodszky and Cahn wrote for "Wonder Why" for the film Rich, Young and Pretty (1951, directed by Norman Taurog). In the film, the song is sung by Vic Damone, Jane Powell and The Four Freshmen. The song was nominated for an Oscar in 1952 in the category Best Song. The first few lines of the song are as follows: Wonder why I'm not myself of late I'm feeling strangely great, I wonder why I suppose some genius could explain Why I walk in the rain, just let him try. Vic Damone's recording of the song was issued by Mercury Records and reached #21 on the US charts in September 1951. "Wonder Why" was covered in the 1950s by numerous musicians, including Billy Eckstine, Tex Beneke, Milt Jackson, Maynard Ferguson, the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band, Tyree Glenn, Sam Donahue, Tal Farlow, Kay Armen, Melba Liston, Shelly Manne and Red Garland in the U. S., and Sonya Hedenbratt in Sweden. Tom Lord lists 85 cover versions of the song. In later years, "Wonder Why" was recorded by Alan Broadbent, Cedar Walton and Bill Evans (The Secret Sessions). Michael Feinstein recorded the song on his 1989 CD, The M. G. M. Album. Carmen McRae recorded it in 1991 on her last recording, Sarah: Dedicated to You. 


Year:
2002
3:47
89 

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

Wonder why I'm not myself off late
I'm feeling strangely great, I wonder why
I suppose some genius could explain
Why I walk in the rain, just let him try

I guess there is a simple explanation
Unless I've come up with a new sensation
It could be that she's caught up with me
And all the mystery I'm speaking of
Is simply that I went and fell in love

Wonder why I haven't been the same
Since I first heard your name, I wonder why
And what's more, I do peculiar things
Like gaze at wedding rings, I wonder why

What makes a man with two left feet a dancer
It takes a wiser man I guess to answer
It could be that she's caught up with me
And all the mystery I've mentioned above
Is simply that I went and fell in love

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Michael Feinstein

Michael Jay Feinstein (born September 7, 1956) is an American singer, pianist, and music revivalist. He is an interpreter of, and an anthropologist and archivist for, the repertoire known as the Great American Songbook. In 1988 he won a Drama Desk Special Award for celebrating American musical theatre songs. Feinstein is also a multi-platinum-selling, five-time Grammy-nominated recording artist. He currently serves as Artistic Director for The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana. more »

2 fans

Written by: NICHOLAS BRODSZKY, SAMMY CAHN

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Artist Information
"Wonder Why" is an American standard song performed by two renowned artists, Carmen McRae and Michael Feinstein.
Original Songwriters
The song was originally written by Nicholas Brodszky, a Ukrainian born film composer, and Sammy Cahn, a popular American lyricist.
Carmen McRae's Career
Carmen McRae was an American jazz singer, composer, pianist, and actress who is considered one of the most influential jazz vocalists of the 20th century.
Michael Feinstein's Career
Michael Feinstein is well known for his interpretations of the Great American Songbook, reviving and renewing classic American songs.
Song Release Date
Though the song "Wonder Why" has been covered by many artists, Carmen McRae and Michael Feinstein performed their version in 2005.
Album Information
The track is included in Michael Feinstein's album "Isn’t It Romantic".
Genre
The song falls under the 'Traditional Pop' and 'Jazz' genre, best characterized by its calming and soothing tempo and style.
Critical Reception
Critics praised the song's melodic quality and the stunning vocal performances by McRae and Feinstein.
Carmen McRae Interpretation
McRae's jazz influences are evident in her rendition of the song, with her rich tonal quality and expressiveness adding emotional depth to the lyrics.
Michael Feinstein Version
Feinstein's rendition is noted for its more traditional approach, highlighting his vocal range and emotional delivery. The blending of the two artists' styles gives the song a unique character.
Popularity and Influence
The song "Wonder Why" has become a standard in the Great American Songbook, covered by various artists, and is often performed at jazz festivals and cabarets worldwide.
Contribution to Music History
Both Carmen McRae and Michael Feinstein have been recognized for their contributions to the musical arts, with "Wonder Why" being a notable collaboration that reflects the richness and versatility of American music history.

Discuss the Wonder Why Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Wonder Why Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5540618/Michael+Feinstein/Wonder+Why>.

    Missing lyrics by Michael Feinstein?

    Know any other songs by Michael Feinstein? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Wonder Why

    70
    0     0

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "So come on, come on, do the ________ with me"
    A Self-Promotion
    B Countermotion
    C Misdevotion
    D Locomotion

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Michael Feinstein tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!