Peggy Lee (May 26, 1920 – January 21, 2002) was an American jazz and popular music singer, songwriter, composer, and actress in a career spanning six decades.
From her beginning as a vocalist on local radio to singing with Benny Goodman’s big band, she forged a sophisticated persona, evolving into a multi-faceted artist and performer. She wrote music for films, acted, and created conceptual record albums—encompassing poetry, jazz, chamber pop, and art songs.
IS THAT ALL THERE IS?
Peggy Lee
Our house caught on fire
I’ll never forget the look on my father’s face as he
Gathered me up in his arms and
Faced through the burning building out on the pavement
And I stood there
Shivering in my pajamas and
Watched the whole world go up in flames
And when it was all over
I said to myself
Is that all there is to a fire?
Is that all there is
Is that all there is?
If that’s all there is my friends
Then let’s keep dancing
Let’s break out the booze and have a ball
If that’s all there is
My daddy took me to the circus
The greatest show on Earth
There were clowns and elephants, dancing bears
And a beautiful lady in pink
Tights flew high above our heads
And as I sat there watching
I had the feeling that something was missing
I don’t know what, but
When it was over
I said to myself
Is that all there is to the circus?
Is that all there is
Is that all there is?
If that’s all there is my friends
Then let’s keep dancing
Let’s break out the booze and have a ball
If that’s all there is
With the most wonderful boy in the world
We’d take long walks by the river or
Just sit for hours gazing into each other’s eyes
We were so very much in love
Then one day
He went away
And I thought I’d die, but I didn’t
And when I didn’t
I said to myself
Is that all there is to love?
Is that all there is
Is that all there is?
Then let’s keep dancing
I know what you must be saying to yourselves
If that’s the way she feels about it
Why doesn’t she just end it all?
Oh, no, not me
I’m not ready for that final disappointment
Because I know
Just as well as I’m standing here talking to you
That when that final moment comes
And I’m breathing my last breat
I’ll be saying to myself
Is that all there is
Is that all there is?
Then let’s keep dancing
Let’s break out the booze and have a ball
If that’s all there is
THE NIGHT HOLDS NO FEAR
Peggy Lee
The night holds no fear for the lover
for one of a love of his own
The night holds no fear for the lover
So love me and be mine alone
Hurry, hurry darling, love me
Come, be my all
Hurry, hurry darling, love me
Soon the night will fall
Be mine dear, and you will discover
that night is for dreams, not for tears
The night holds no fear for the lover
Be mine, and we’ll dream through the years
Hurry, hurry darling, love me
Come, be my all
Hurry, hurry darling, love me
Soon the night will fall
Be mine dear, and you will discover
that night is for dreams, not for tears
The night holds no fear for the lover
Be mine, and we’ll dream through the years