One For My Baby (And One For The Road) Lyrics
Frank Sinatra
Lyrics
It's quarter to three
There's no one in the place 'cept you and me
So set 'em' up Joe
I got a little story, you oughtta know
We're drinking my friend
To the end of a brief episode
Make it one for my baby
And one more for the road
I got the routine
So drop another nickel in the machine
I'm feeling so bad
Wish you'd make the music pretty and sad
I could tell you a lot
But you gotta to be true to your code
So make it one for my baby
One more for the road
You'd never know it but buddy I'm a kind of poet
And I've got a lot of things to say
And when I'm gloomy, you simply got to listen to me
Till it's all talked away
Well, that's how it goes
And Joe I know you're gettin' pretty anxious to close
So thanks for the cheer, I hope you didn't mind
My bending your ear
This torch that I found must be drowned
Or it soon might explode
So make it one for my baby
And one more for the road, that long long road
Song & Lyrics Facts
Frank Sinatra's classic song "One For My Baby (and One for the Road)" was released in 1958 on his album Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely. The song is a bluesy ballad written by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer.
It has become one of Sinatra's signature songs and was included in his live performances throughout his career. His band members at the time were Nelson Riddle, who arranged the music, and guitarist Al Viola. The song tells the story of two old friends reminiscing over drinks late at night in a bar. It speaks to the loneliness of life and the need to find comfort in companionship. Its melancholic mood and heartbreakingly beautiful melody have made it a timeless classic. The lyrics are some of the most iconic ever written, and their poignancy still resonates today.