Nat King Cole – Mona Lisa

“Mona Lisa” is one of the most iconic songs performed by legendary American singer and pianist Nat King Cole. It was released in 1950 and became one of his signature hits. The song was written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston for the 1950 film Captain Carey, U.S.A. and was a major commercial success.

Key Features of “Mona Lisa”:

  1. Musical Composition: The song features a smooth, orchestral arrangement that complements Nat King Cole’s warm, rich baritone voice. The melody is lush and evocative, and the orchestration gives the song a romantic, timeless feel. The slow, seductive pace of the song mirrors the enigmatic qualities of the famous painting of the same name, which the lyrics reference.
  2. Lyrics and Theme: The lyrics of “Mona Lisa” describe a mysterious and captivating woman, comparing her to the famous portrait painted by Leonardo da Vinci. The song’s narrative suggests that, like the Mona Lisa, the woman in question holds a sense of mystery and allure that makes her endlessly fascinating. The line “Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa, men have named you / You’re so like the lady with the mystic smile” evokes the mystique surrounding both the woman in the painting and the idea of unattainable beauty.
  3. Chart Performance: “Mona Lisa” was a massive commercial success. It topped the Billboard charts and became one of Nat King Cole’s most popular songs, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Most Played in Jukeboxes chart and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s success helped cement Cole as one of the most respected crooners of his era.
  4. Legacy: The song has since become one of the most beloved and enduring tracks in Nat King Cole’s catalog. Its haunting melody and timeless lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, making it a staple of jazz and pop standards. “Mona Lisa” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Frank Sinatra, Willie Nelson, and Michael Bublé, but Cole’s original version remains the definitive rendition.
  5. Awards: In 1951, “Mona Lisa” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, further solidifying its place in music history.

Fun Fact:

Nat King Cole – Mona Lisa
Nat King Cole – Mona Lisa

Nat King Cole’s “Mona Lisa” was particularly notable for its widespread appeal, crossing over from the R&B charts to mainstream pop. It also marked a moment where Cole, initially known as a jazz pianist, truly became a pop star with an extensive vocal repertoire.

Overall, “Mona Lisa” is a timeless classic, showcasing Nat King Cole’s extraordinary vocal talent and the elegant simplicity of mid-20th-century pop music.

Lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa, men have named you
You’re so like the lady with the mystic smile
Is it only ’cause you’re lonely they have blamed you?
For that Mona Lisa strangeness in your smile?

Do you smile to tempt a lover, Mona Lisa?
Or is this your way to hide a broken heart?
Many dreams have been brought to your doorstep
They just lie there and they die there

Are you warm, are you real, Mona Lisa?
Or just a cold and lonely lovely work of art?

Do you smile to tempt a lover, Mona Lisa?
Or is this your way to hide a broken heart?
Many dreams have been brought to your doorstep
They just lie there and they die there

Are you warm, are you real, Mona Lisa?
Or just a cold and lonely lovely work of art?

Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa

 

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