Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones in 1960
"Try to Remember" is a song that has echoed in the corridors of my mind since I first heard it - back in the nineteen sixties. It was written by Harvey Schmidt and Thomas Jones in 1960 for a musical comedy show called "The Fantasticks" and first released as a recording by Jerry Orbach in April of that year.
Other recording artistes have done better with the song in my view, slowing it down and pondering upon the lyrics - adding a poignancy to them that perhaps did not exist in Jerry Orbach's version. I especially like versions by Harry Belafonte, Barry McGuire and Gladys Knight and the Pips though many other people have recorded it.
In order to share the song with you I have chosen the version by arch-crooner Andy Williams who died in Branson, Missouri in 2012:-
Of course it is now September and in the northern hemisphere at least, it is a month that speaks of times past and summer's end. Somehow "Try to Remember" captures something of that shared sense of time passing and happy times gone by. One thing that has always intrigued me about the song is the advice or instruction to "follow". What can it mean?
Upon reflection, I think it is connected with the original comedy show from which the song came. There, "Try to Remember" was sung right at the beginning and the singer is probably inviting the audience to "follow" proceedings.- see how the show turns out.
I saw "The Fantasticks" years ago and I remember thinking that this song doesn't really go with the show -- I don't remember why, but maybe it's because (as you said) it's an introductory number with little relation to the rest of the plot.
ReplyDeleteI do like the song, though. As it's all about the passage of time, I thought "follow" meant follow along -- as in, we're all getting older. But who knows!
I like your interpretation of "follow". Hadn't thought of it that way.
DeleteIt's a lovely song and filled with nostalgia. Not unlike fall itself.
ReplyDeleteThere's a kind of sweet sadness in the air with September.
DeleteThe Fantasticks is said to be a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. I saw it at the Academy Theater in Atlanta the first month I was here in 1975. The first time I heard "Try To Remember" Gloria Loring sang it on The Merv Griffin Show. The performance that sticks in my mind most was not even sung, it was spoken by actor Jack Palance on somebody's television program. I don't remember whose.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't understand "Follow" then "Follow me" (what Jesus said) must be doubly opaque for you.
I like the way you twisted the knife in at the end Bob. It made me chuckle to myself.
DeleteNeil, I am so pleased to read that you like Harry Belafonte's version of "September"! I had the happy experience of seeing/hearing him sing it live at a concert in Stuttgart years ago. My Mum, who likes and respects this extraordinary gentleman as much as I do, went to two or three of his concerts with me when he performed in Stuttgart. I remember how she remarked to me that "September" was especially poignant for her, as she considered herself t be close to her autumnal years.
ReplyDeleteWhen Mr Belafonte introduced "September" as the next song he was going to sing, he talked about the late Audrey Hepburn, who was a good friend of his, and dedicated the song to her. I will never forget how he raised his face up at the end of the song and called "Good night, Audrey!" in such tender voice, even just thinking of it makes me well up.
Great story Meike. I am so pleased that this post resurrected such special memories.
DeleteI feel achy when I hear it. For me, it has to be Andy. But it has always been Andy for me. From the time I was a little girl and heard him singing on the oldies station coming out of Palm Springs on my grandpa's art studio radio.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you also appreciate Mr Williams's version Linda.
DeleteI usually think of this in a group with several other nostalgic songs such as The September Of My Years and It Was A Very Good Year. Jimi Hendrix didn't get round to recording any of them.
ReplyDeleteJimi Hendrix made great recordings of "The Star Spangled Banner" and "God Save the Queen", his soaring guitar imbued with bitter irony.
DeleteGuitar irony - not a technique I'm familiar with.
DeleteStick to Bucks Fizz Mr Dunham.
DeleteThis song always gives me a dreamy kind of nostalgic feeling. I love Andy Williams as I grew up hearing him and watching his TV show when it was on. He was my Mother's favorite singer. I always wished she would have lived long enough for me to take her to see him when he was performing in Branson.
ReplyDeleteI am happy that this blogpost brought back some sweet memories Bonnie. He had such a smooth voice. He was often on British TV.
DeleteThank you for the memory
ReplyDeleteI suddenly remembered that we sang that in choir in the last year of primary school
So long ago
It is a lovely song. Happy to have sparked that memory John.
DeleteSome of these songs have a very long history. It's surprising to see how many people try a song to see if they can make some bucks out of it.
ReplyDeleteNot like you to be so cynical Red.
DeleteI was great fan of Andy Williams, and think that this was on one of his LP's that I had many, many, years ago. He had just the right voice for the sentiments expressed in the song.
ReplyDeleteThank you for another trip down Memory Lane YP.
It was nice to take you there CG even though your little dog kept barking.
Delete"Little" dog is something of an understatement - she's a Labrador!
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