Night And Day
Cole Porter
Eternal Longing in Cole Porter's 'Night And Day'
Cole Porter's 'Night And Day' is a timeless classic that delves into the depths of unrelenting love and desire. The song's lyrics are a poetic expression of an all-consuming passion that transcends time and space. Porter uses vivid imagery and rhythmic repetition to convey the relentless nature of this longing. The beat of the tom-tom, the ticking of the clock, and the dripping of raindrops all serve as metaphors for the persistent thoughts of a loved one that echo in the mind of the singer, day and night.
The song's structure emphasizes the constancy of this yearning. The repetition of 'night and day' and 'day and night' underscores the idea that this love is omnipresent, unaffected by the passage of time or changes in the environment. Whether in the bustling noise of traffic or the quiet solitude of a lonely room, the singer's thoughts are dominated by the beloved. This universality of emotion is a hallmark of Porter's songwriting, making the song relatable to anyone who has experienced the pangs of love.
Ella Fitzgerald's interpretation of 'Night And Day' adds another layer of depth to the song. Her smooth, emotive voice captures the essence of the lyrics, bringing the listener into the heart of the singer's longing. The 'hungry yearning burning inside' is palpable in her delivery, making the listener feel the intensity of the singer's desire. This torment, as described in the song, will only be alleviated when the singer can spend their life with the beloved, highlighting the idea that true fulfillment comes from being with the one you love.