Billie Holiday - These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You) Mercury Records 1952

"These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You)" is a standard with words by Eric Maschwitz and music by Jack Strachey. The name of an American, Harry Link, sometimes appears as a co-writer, but his input was probably limited to changes to suit the US market. It is one of a group of 'Mayfair Songs', like "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square". Maschwitz wrote the song under his pen name, Holt Marvell. The copyright was lodged in 1936 and it was written for Joan Carr for a late-evening review broadcast by the BBC. Maschwitz was romantically linked to the Chinese-American actress Anna May Wong while working in Hollywood, and the lyrics of "These Foolish Things" are evocative of his longing for her after they parted and he returned to England.
Billie's accompanied by Oscar Peterson (p), Barney Kessel (g), Ray Brown (b), and Alvin Stoller (d). Recorded in Los Angeles, March 26,1952. (Mercury Records)
A cigarette that bears a lipstick's traces
An airline ticket to romantic places
And still my heart has wings
These foolish things remind me of you
A tinkling piano in the next apartment
Those stumbling words that told you what my heart meant
A fair ground's painted swings
These foolish things remind me of you
You came you saw you conquer'd me
When you did that to me
I knew somehow this had to be
The winds of March that make my heart a dancer
A telephone that rings but who's to answer?
Oh, how the ghost of you clings!
These foolish things remind me of you
First daffodils and long excited cables
And candle lights on little corner tables
And still my heart has wings
These foolish things remind me of you
The park at evening when the bell has sounded
The "Ile de France" with all the gulls around it
The beauty that is Spring's
These foolish things remind me of you
How strange how sweet to find you still
These things are dear to me
They seem to bring you near to me
The sigh of midnight trains in empty stations
Silk stockings thrown aside dance invitations
Oh, how the ghost of you clings!
These foolish things remind me of you
Gardenia perfume ling'ring on a pillow
Wild strawb'ries only seven francs a kilo
And still my heart has wings
These foolish things remind me of you
The smile of Garbo and the scent of roses
The waiters whistling as the last bar closes
The song that Crosby sings
These foolish things remind me of you
How strange how sweet to find you still
These things are dear to me
They seem to bring you near to me
The scent of smould'ring leaves, the wail of steamers
Two lovers on the street who walk like dreamers
Oh, how the ghost of you clings!
These foolish things remind me of you

[@BlakeandBleu]

By far my favorite Billie song. Absolutely love it- especially this version.

[@ack848]

Nobody but nobody sings a song like Billie. She turns me into jelly.

[@Cranberry1979]

The best version

[@discwatcher6320]

Recently widowed, no other great song could express how I feel.

[@trendy188]

A soul singer before the term became popular , she sang from her heart and soul. RIP Lady.

[@zharapatterson]

I prefer this version of this song.

[@Imani_AM]

What a beautiful voice she had. This song is perfect! 🎶

[@Imani_AM]

8.1.19

[@early60srcool]

"Oh how the ghost of you clings, these foolish things......." great lyrics and the best singer in the world to sing this melancholy song!

[@ocdiva26]

My favorite version.

[@dspreis]

best version ever recorded

[@schance1666]

Love how there's only one person who gave this a thumbs-down. Talk about proving yourself a loser all by yourself, more than you'd expect from a loser like that...good show!

[@susanj5591]

My favorite version

[@olschooldaze6463]

billie with her best late_at_night voice on this one. the line...that told what my heart meant...seals the deal.

[@Alcuin611]

Because the voice overpowers, let's not forget the amazing musical accompaniment and execution.

[@Alcuin611]

Overpowers is the wrong word. Shines. (They, music and lyrics, share the stage perfectly.)

[@beforeourveryeyes]

Oscar Peterson! Maybe the most perfect introduction ever.

[@charleskesner1302]

One of her best.

[@MarianoBulaBlackOrpheus]

the queen of jazz

[@Imani_AM]

Yes she is 💞

[@myrnas.3060]

love the images with the song!

[@BenjaminBarnes]

Beautiful video

[@GeorgeWhitney]

Interpreted to a T! Love it....Lady Day!

[@tarnashun]

love the tinkling piano photo.

[@stevoh5006]

tarnashun a tinkling piano in the next apartment ...

[@sergebarret205]

Je suis tellement heureux d'avoir découvert depuis peu cette chanson et cette version là particulièrement.

[@americanmum]

exquisite video to enjoy, well done. thank you.

[@trinityjackiewicz]

im crying its so beautiful

[@joynewsome6221]

OMG!!! This is just the best...

[@stenesk]

A revelation. Thanks!

[@JerryCernava]

This is the greatest vocal recording in history. Although I'm really liking young Angelina Jordan's version of Stay as well.

[@grofuss88]

Was fur eine schone Frau

[@yipeichoo]

billie holiday's 1936 version

[@zharapatterson]

1952

[@Onlymusical]

This song was written by swashbuckling Brit Eric Maschwitz in 1936 for legendary Chinese-American actress Anna May Wong after the breakup of a serious affair. Maschwitz later became an intelligence agent in WW2.

[@dee4823]

Really...?

[@plasteredbastard]

all hail the inimitable lady day

[@corychapin5470]

If you haven't heard Ella Fitzgeralds version of this go check it out. You're welcome.

[@ub85zwq]

I like Billie's version better than Ella's because Billie's sounds less polished more authentic and with more character and feeling.

[@kimothystorey136]

And that was the difference between these two great ladies. I LOVE THEM BOTH

[@Isaiah53_John3.16_ChangeUrLife]

0:50

[@beforeourveryeyes]

Oscar Pererson!

[@hughbartram8524]

i have heard the 1936 version as well, i think it was superior to this for two reasons.......Johnny Hodges and Harry Carney....although this one ain't bad!!!!!!!