Dinah Washington’s “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes”: A Timeless Rendition of a Classic Standard
One of the most iconic songs in the American jazz and pop songbook is “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.” Written by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Otto Harbach in 1933, the song has been recorded by a variety of legendary artists, but perhaps no one captures its bittersweet beauty quite like Dinah Washington. Known for her powerful, emotive voice and masterful interpretation of both jazz and blues, Washington’s version of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” recorded in 1959, remains one of the most beloved renditions of this timeless standard.
The Song’s Heartfelt Theme
“Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” is a song about heartbreak, the painful emotions that follow a broken relationship, and the realization that love can sometimes deceive us. The lyrics tell the story of someone who is in love, but who, upon losing that love, feels their emotions clouded and blurred—”smoke gets in your eyes,” a metaphor for how the clarity of reason is lost in the midst of deep emotion. The lyric, “I gaze at you, and I see the smoke / I’m so in love, and yet, I am still the fool,” perfectly encapsulates the mix of longing and regret that often follows a failed romance.
While the song’s premise is one of melancholy, it also carries a timeless sense of nostalgia, with a delicate air of romanticism about the sorrow. The melody, though slow and wistful, still possesses a kind of elegance that makes it a favorite of jazz and pop singers alike.
Dinah Washington’s Signature Interpretation
Dinah Washington’s version of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” is a masterclass in vocal delivery. She takes a well-known song and infuses it with her unique sense of emotion, transforming it into something deeply personal and haunting. Washington’s voice is rich, velvety, and filled with nuanced emotion, which allows her to draw out the full depth of the song’s lyrics. Her phrasing, often subtle yet powerful, gives a sense of vulnerability and heartache that captures the essence of lost love.
What sets Washington’s interpretation apart from others is her ability to balance technical skill with raw emotion. She isn’t just singing the notes; she’s telling a story, and listeners can feel her own emotional journey in every line. Her dynamic range allows her to move from the tender, quiet moments of reflection to the passionate outbursts of pain and longing. The way she enunciates each word, carefully and deliberately, makes the lyrics hit harder and resonate longer.
The Jazz Influence: Smooth and Soulful
Musically, Washington’s rendition of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” is backed by lush orchestration, typical of the jazz era in which she thrived. The arrangement itself is sophisticated, with sweeping strings and gentle brass accents, giving it a smooth, almost cinematic quality. The orchestral backdrop serves to elevate Washington’s vocals, allowing her to shine while supporting the emotional gravity of the song.
What truly stands out is the way the rhythm section sways and the horns gently punctuate her delivery. The jazz influence can be felt in the subtle improvisations and the soft yet intricate nuances of the arrangement. It’s a masterful blend of traditional pop sophistication and jazz improvisation, giving the song a timeless appeal that continues to captivate audiences.
Dinah Washington’s Legacy
Dinah Washington was a versatile artist, renowned for her ability to cross genres, seamlessly blending jazz, blues, pop, and R&B into a style that was uniquely her own. She brought a sense of drama and theatricality to every song she performed, and “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” is no exception. It’s one of the many examples of her ability to make a song her own, even when it had been recorded countless times before.
Throughout her career, Washington recorded an extensive catalog of hits, including “What a Difference a Day Makes,” “Mad About the Boy,” and “Unforgettable.” But “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” is particularly special because it highlights her ability to take a song that could be viewed as a simple love ballad and turn it into a tour de force of emotion.
Why It Still Resonates Today
Despite being recorded over half a century ago, Dinah Washington’s rendition of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” still holds up as one of the definitive versions of this standard. Washington’s ability to convey heartbreak and longing with such clarity and depth continues to move listeners today, whether they are hearing it for the first time or revisiting it years later. The track’s universal themes of love, loss, and emotional vulnerability remain timeless, making it a classic in the true sense of the word.
Conclusion: A Timeless Classic
Dinah Washington’s “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” is more than just a cover of a popular song; it is a masterpiece in its own right. Through her powerful voice, emotional depth, and impeccable phrasing, she transforms a well-known tune into an intimate experience for the listener. As one of the most revered jazz and blues singers of her time, Dinah Washington’s rendition of this classic will always stand as a testament to her skill as a vocalist and her ability to communicate the depths of human emotion through music.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of listening to Washington’s version of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” it’s time to experience this beautiful performance. It’s a reminder of why she continues to be regarded as one of the greatest voices in jazz and blues history.
Lyrics
They ask me how I knewMy true love was trueI, I of course repliedSomething here inside cannot be denied, oh noThey said, “Someday you’ll findAll who are love are blind”When your heart’s on fire, you must realizeSmoke gets in your eyesSo I chaffed them and I gaily laughedTo think they could doubt my loveYet today, my love has flown awayI am without my loveNow laughing friends derideTears I cannot hide, boo hooSo I smile and say, “When a love flame diesSmoke gets in your eyes
