Song No. 24 "Autumn Leaves"

Words and Music by
Joseph Kosma, Jacques Prevert and Johnny Mercer

This lovely, mood-inspiring song began as a French poem, "Les Feuilles Mortes," by Jacuqes Prevert. It was set to music by Hungarian-born Joseph Kosma and became a favorite among the better French cafe singers after World War II.  Mercer, America's most prolific lyricist, was also, at that time, a busy recording executive and singer, but he loved the song and agreed to write the English lyrics. Then he became preoccupied with other matters. Reminded of his commitment, he hurriedly scribbled the lyrics in a cab on his way to a plane, stopping off enroute to slip them under the publisher's door. The song really hit its stride, however, in 1955 when a young pianist, Roger Williams, made a recording of a piano version which went on to sell  2 1/2 million copies.

Lyrics

The falling leaves
drift by the window
The Autumn Leaves
of red and gold

I see your lips
The summer kisses
The sunburned hands
I used to hold

Since you went away
The days grow long
And soon I'll hear..old winter's song

But I miss you most of  all my darling
When Autumn Leaves start to fall

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