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September Song

September Song

Music: Kurt Weill / Lyrics: Maxwell Anderson

Oh, its a long, long while
From May to December,
But the days grow short
When you reach September.

When the autumn weather
Turns the leaves to flame
One hasn't got time
For the waiting game.

Oh the days dwindle down
To a precious few
September…
November…

And these few precious days
I'll spend with you.
These precious days
I'll spend with you.

Rich Coffey: Arrangement, Keyboards, Trombone, Vocal
Recorded at Mistura Productions - 2017

Woody Allen once stated that this song may be the best American popular song ever written. It was written for the 1938 Broadway musical production Knickerbocker Holiday. After the song was used in the 1950 film “September Affair", it quickly became established as a modern standard.

Quiet and introspective, September Song is a plaintive plea for love from an older suitor. On a deeper level, it is really a reflection on our own mortality and the overwhelming wish to make the most of life while we can…

In keeping with the introspective nature of the lyrics, my arrangement is a stripped down version featuring a jazz guitar and strings.

Recordings:

Surprisingly Willie Nelson does a simple yet touching version. Chet Baker’s instrumental version is so tender it is amazing and of course Andy Williams nails it!