One flower-based song, three great voices doing their versions, all intense, intimate and intoxicating. Let's drink all of them in, interpreting this song written by James Shelton in 1950. The warbly-voiced Kitt came first on her 1953 album That Bad Eartha. Simone's version came on Wild Is The Wind (1966) and Buckley on his own classic of 1994, Grace. All three artists were at the peak of their powers, and this song is all about an ex-lover seeking solace in the wine of the lilac tree. It's hard to choose between them, but while many other versions have also been done, such by the jazz singer Helen Merrill, and other pretenders including Elkie Brooks and Katie Melua, these three are clearly the best.
I lost myself on a cool damp night
I gave myself in that misty light
Was hypnotized by a strange delight
Under a lilac tree.
I made wine from the lilac tree
Put my heart in its recipe
It makes me see what I want to see
And be what I want to be.
When I think more than I want to think
Do things I never should do
I drink much more that I want to drink
Because it brings me back you.
Lilac wine is sweet and heady
Like my love
Lilac wine, I feel unsteady
Like my love.
Listen to me, I cannot see clearly
Isn’t that she, coming to me, nearly here
Lilac wine is sweet and heady
Where’s my love
Lilac wine, I feel unsteady
Where’s my love.
Listen to me, why is everything so hazy
Isn’t that she, or am I just going crazy, dear
Lilac wine, I feel unready for my love
Feel unready, for my love.
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