HISTORY OF A SONG: THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF THE END

 

I have always like the 1940s song "This Is The Beginning Of The End". It was written by the great Mack Gordon for the 1940 film Johnny Apollo which starred Tyrone Power, Dorothy Lamour, and Edward Arnold. Dorothy Lamour sang the song in the film and subsequently made a record of the song. Probably the best version of the song was by Tommy Dorsey and his young vocalist Frank Sinatra. However, I love versions by Lamour, Will Bradley & His Orchestra, Bob Crosby & His Orchestra, and Don Cornell to just name a few....

The lyrics are simple but touching...

This is the beginning of the end
I can see it in your eyes, in everything you do
And you're afraid to tell me that we're through
But I can tell by looking at you
This is the beginning of the end
You just give yourself away with everything you say
And though you never told me we must part
Still I can read the writing in your heart
Why is it now when I hold your hand
There is some little something that I miss
What has become of the warmth in your smile
And where is that little mischief in your goodnight kiss?
This is the beginning of the end
I can see the thrill is gone, why let it linger on
Why lie to me and say it isn't so
For when I hold you in my arms I know
That this, this is the beginning of the end