The Meaning Behind The Song: Nancy (With the Laughing Face) by Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra is without a shadow of a doubt one of the greatest singers of all time. He will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most influential and talented musicians of the 20th century. Furthermore, his contribution to the Great American Songbook cannot be overstated. He was a powerful and magnetic performer that possessed an undeniable musical ability. His voice had a way of capturing a listener’s heart, and his genuine, warm personality would make people feel like they knew him personally.
One of his most beloved songs is “Nancy (With the Laughing Face).” It’s a beautiful and endearing ballad that continues to entice and excite music enthusiasts from many different generations. “Nancy” showcases the Golden Age of Hollywood brilliantly and encapsulates why Sinatra remains such a legendary entity. This article will dive deep into the meaning behind “Nancy (With the Laughing Face).”
The Story Behind the Song
Sinatra first sang “Nancy” in 1942 when he was the lead singer for the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. The song was written by Phil Silvers and Jimmy Van Heusen and was inspired by Nancy Barbato, Sinatra’s first wife.
According to Silvers’ daughter, Nancy, her father penned the lyrics to “Nancy” while in bed with his wife, in a rented apartment in Hollywood. Sinatra had serenaded Silvers and his wife, and Silvers and Van Heusen were inspired to write a song based on the event. Sinatra adored the composition so much that he picked it up immediately and performed it live to thunderous applause and enthusiastic cheers.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Nancy (With the Laughing Face)” are poetic and touching. The song encompasses the beauty of a happy relationship. It is a metaphor for the ideal woman, and in this instance, that woman is Nancy Barbato. The lyrics paint a picture of a woman who is full of joy, love, and laughter. A woman who is beautiful inside and out and whose presence lights up the room.
The opening line, “If I don’t see her each day, I miss her. Gee, what a thrill, each time I kiss her,” sets the tone for the entire song. It showcases the deep affection and love that the narrator holds for Nancy. The song’s chorus features the iconic line “Nancy (With the Laughing Face),” which is sung repeatedly as the narrator shares his adoration for her.
There is another beautiful moment in the song when Sinatra sings, “You make me feel so young. You make me feel as though spring has sprung. And every time I see you grin, I’m such a happy individual.” These lyrics convey the timeless nature of love and how being with the right person can make you feel like a carefree child.
The Melody
The melody of “Nancy (With the Laughing Face)” is simple, elegant, and memorable. It fits perfectly with the lyrics and adds to the overall romantic theme of the song. Sinatra’s smooth and crooning voice makes the melody shine. It’s a ballad that showcases Sinatra’s ability to tell a story through his voice.
The song is based on a 32-bar AABA form, which is a common structure in many jazz and standards songs. This structure is often used for songs that have lyrics that are more prevalent over the melody. It is in the key of F major and is moderately slow in tempo.
The Legacy of “Nancy”
“Nancy (With the Laughing Face)” has become an iconic standard and a classic in the Great American Songbook. The song, along with many others, has helped cement Sinatra’s place as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. “Nancy” has gone on to be covered by many different singers, including pianist Bill Evans, who recorded a beautiful instrumental version of the tune.
The song still resonates with listeners today, and it’s not difficult to see why. Its timeless message of love and the beauty of a happy relationship is something that we can all relate to, regardless of the era we live in.
FAQs
Q: What is the meaning behind the lyrics of “Nancy (With the Laughing Face)?”
The lyrics of “Nancy” are a metaphor for the ideal woman, who in this case, is Nancy Barbato, Sinatra’s first wife. The song describes the deep affection and love the narrator holds for Nancy, admired for her beauty, joy, love, and laughter.
Q: Who wrote “Nancy (With the Laughing Face)?”
Phil Silvers and Jimmy Van Heusen wrote “Nancy (With the Laughing Face).” The song was inspired by the real-life events of Sinatra serenading Silvers and his wife while in bed, which led Silvers and Van Heusen to pen the composition.
Q: When did Sinatra first perform “Nancy (With the Laughing Face)?”
Sinatra first sang “Nancy” in 1942 when he was the lead singer for the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.
Q: What is the legacy of “Nancy (With the Laughing Face)?”
“Nancy (With the Laughing Face)” is now an iconic standard and a classic in the Great American Songbook. It is a timeless tribute to the beauty of a happy relationship and remains a cherished song to this day.
Q: Who else has covered “Nancy (With the Laughing Face)?”
Many different singers have covered “Nancy,” including jazz pianist Bill Evans, who recorded a beautiful instrumental version of the song.
Q: What is the structure of “Nancy (With the Laughing Face)?”
The song is based on a 32-bar AABA form, a common structure in many jazz and standards songs. The tempo is moderately slow in the key of F major.
Q: What role did Nancy Barbato play in Sinatra’s life?
Nancy Barbato was Sinatra’s first wife, and they were married from 1939 to 1951. Sinatra famously referred to his union with Nancy as “the sweetest and saddest” experience he had ever known. The couple had three children together, Nancy, Frank Jr., and Tina.
Q: Why is “Nancy (With the Laughing Face)” considered a classic?
“Nancy” is considered a classic because of its beautiful and poetic lyrics, its timeless message of love and happiness, and its overall emotion. The melody is simple, elegant, and memorable, and Sinatra’s performance makes it stand out as one of his greatest works.
Q: What other songs are included in the Great American Songbook?
The Great American Songbook is a collection of the most important and influential American popular songs of the 20th century. Some other classics include “My Way,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” “New York, New York,” “Summertime,” and “It Had to Be You.”
Q: What influence did Frank Sinatra have on popular music?
Frank Sinatra had a significant influence on popular music, particularly in the Great American Songbook genre. He redefined the role of the singer and was a master of telling a story through his voice. His music continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world and has inspired countless artists.
Q: What were the biggest hits of Frank Sinatra’s career?
Frank Sinatra had many notable hits throughout his career, including “Strangers in the Night,” “My Way,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” “New York, New York,” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.”
Q: What is the meaning behind Frank Sinatra’s nickname, “Ol’ Blue Eyes”?
Frank Sinatra’s nickname, “Ol’ Blue Eyes,” is thought to refer to his bright blue eyes, which are said to have been one of his many attractive features and marked his unique appearance.
Q: How has Frank Sinatra’s music influenced other performers?
Frank Sinatra has been an inspiration to numerous artists who have followed in his musical footsteps. Sinatra’s contributions to American popular music still resonate today, and his influence can be heard in the music of countless performers, from jazz singers to rock bands.
Q: What is Frank Sinatra’s legacy?
Frank Sinatra’s legacy is one of the most significant in the history of American music. He will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most influential and iconic musicians of the 20th century. Sinatra’s music remains beloved by fans of all ages and will continue to inspire future generations.
