Nat King Cole - Stardust (with lyrics)

Sung by Nat King Cole
Music by Hoagy Carmichael
Lyrics by Mitchell Parish
No copyright infringement intended.
-----
STARDUST
And now the purple dusk of twilight time
Steals across the meadows of my heart
High up in the sky the little stars climb
Always reminding me that we're apart
You wander down the lane and far away
Leaving me a song that will not die
Love is now the stardust of yesterday
The music of the years gone by
Sometimes I wonder why I spend
The lonely night dreaming of a song
The melody haunts my reverie
And I am once again with you
When our love was new
And each kiss an inspiration
But that was long ago
Now my consolation
Is in the stardust of a song
Beside the garden wall
When stars are bright
You are in my arms
The nightingale tells his fairy tale
of paradise where roses bloom
Though I dream in vain
In my heart it will remain
My stardust melody
the memory of love's refrain

[@MC-do4dw]

April 21, 2024. My 94 year old sweet mom passed today. During her last few hours, I played this song, and put my earplugs on her ears. I played this song repeatedly so she can hear it while she was crossing over. This beautiful song was her and my dad‘s theme song since their courtship days in the 1940s. I would like to believe that my dad, waiting for her in heaven, appeared and picked her up in this world as she was listening to their song. 💜🌸😢

[@MC-do4dw]

@@AmandaTabb1990Thank you for sympathizing with me 💜

[@shanazi1]

😢🎉❤🎉❤✴️✴️✴️

[@MC-do4dw]

@@shanazi1Thank you for your kindness 😢💜

[@rkenseth]

My mom also lived to 94. She loved this mans voice too. I wish I had thought to play a song like this for her but she passed during covid and they were very strict about letting anyone in the hospital then. She didn't die of covid, she died of old age. I'm sorry for your loss but I'm glad you comforted her with beautiful music.

[@patpolicastro6622]

This was also my mom’s theme song. I am sure it reminded of her first love, my dad.

[@tspwill1]

Just played this wonderful favourite of my Dad's on what would have been his 91st Birthday. He passed away on Nov 20th this year. Even with Alzheimer's, he could still recall this song and sing it so lovely. My mind can hear him. What a full life, lovely gentlemen, such an honour to have a Dad like him. So sweet and so missed xo

[@turbankraft]

My grandmother had Alzhemier's. At the end of her life she wasn't able to talk. But she could still sing and she could recall several songs. I miss her so much.

[@lettermines]

So touching...

[@Fran_van_der_Geld]

It was my father's favourite song as well.

[@surveretro5798]

My grandfather was the same just with Pavarotti

[@nkurstin]

My dad passed this February from dementia. He was 94. I love hearing these old songs, reminds me of my dad as well. I share every sentiment you have expressed. What a beautiful legacy of your Dad. He sounds like a beautiful person.

[@guyfroml]

Still the greatest song ever written and sung by the greatest voice ever recorded.

[@MoonlightNothing]

❤true❤

[@geoffrennox1840]

Hard to argue with that analysis. It’s so simply done, but, that’s where its brilliance lies. And along with that mellifluous vocal by Nat King Cole, it is silk on the ear. Hoagy Carmichael, genius.

[@celiasantos4167]

Haunting melody.❤

[@waynemoenkhaus486]

My distant relative, William Moenkhaus “Monk” was a best friend of Hoagy’s at IU, also referred to musically as a genius. Family lore says that William notated the song for Hoagy, likely at the Book Nook on campus.

[@leahgomez3710]

How fascinating!

[@nikkileverdier1957]

Lost my darling Mum to vascular dementia 6 years ago. She couldn't remember my name but as soon as I played any Nat King Cole song she'd sing along 😢

[@lesliekroll9848]

There are many people today who don’t really remember, but Nat King Cole sang this song with more heart and more soul than anyone else has ever done. He makes the melody sound as dreamy And melancholy as the song was meant to be

[@Mediumal]

So many on here commenting that this was either parents' or grandparents' most cherished song. And no wonder: You'd have to a complete souless moron not to feel the sheer beauty of the lyrics and the way Nat King Cole conveys them in this, one of the most sublime love songs ever written.

[@user-cd7iz7iy9f]

Today would have been my parents 88th wedding anniversary. This song was the soundtrack of our youth. Daddy would play this record, they would look at each other with a special smile, and then...oh the bliss of seeing them dance to their song. Daddy died in 2002 and Mama in 2008, but we have this beautiful melody still.

[@thegerman3480]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written

[@potdog1000]

I don't say this lightly but this has to be the best version ever recorded

[@LDixon007]

+john e Lawler - of anything.

[@scotnick59]

most of us would tend to agree!

[@potdog1000]

Kirk Barkley why thank you lol

[@mjrsnafu]

Neither lightly nor alone John

[@SubterraneanChick]

john e Lawler as far as I'm concerned, this is the only version ever recorded!

[@tango6nf477]

When I was a kid 50 or more years ago I once asked Dad what his favorite song was and he said Stardust. I remember we had one of those big reel to reel tape recorders at the time and he had a tape of NKC's greatest hits which he listened to. This is the first time I have summoned up the courage to listen to this since Dads funeral 2 years ago as we played it for him, he was 87 and had Alzheimers, I have to confess to shedding a tear or two, thank you for all the pleasure you have given people Nat.

[@hoosieronan]

My father never hesitated when asked. Hoagy's masterpiece performed by the master. This song will be sung for a thousand years !

[@stevestephens8925]

60 years ago i was 12 and my parents took us kids to see NKC at christmas time. we thought they were crazy but he was phenomenal and that night is one of my favorite memories.

[@jamescatoirejamesc9564]

My dad used to sing this around the house. (He died in 1960 when a flu turned to pneumonia.) In the mid-20th century, Stardust was considered the greatest song ever written. I don’t know which song that would be, now.

[@coraggio93]

The most beautiful cover of "Stardust". What lush and sad orchestration...

[@jesparker435]

My dad was always whistling this tune whilst out in the garden. Played it at his funeral yesterday. So many happy memories. Wonderful song. 😢

[@hrhqueene]

No one sings this like NKC. No one could ever match the poignancy, the yearning, the heartbreaking beauty. My parents played this a lot during my childhood, and now that I too am old I get it. All the longing of every love lost in human history is in this Stardust.

[@Thomas-kl5mo]

He was one of the Very Best Singers of all times, beyond that he was A real Class Act, even though at times in his illustraus Carrer, he was not always treated with the greatest respect, I am 60 years of age his Music was A part of my Goonight. from my Beloved Mother after prayers. She would go to her Beloved HiFi and play these wonderful artists, One of my favorite recorings of Mr. Cole's is his immortal Stardust, and of course Nature Boy. Thank You Mr.Cole for all the Stupendous Recordings that have filled my life with all of your wonderful interpretation, I know God his happy to have one of his Greatest Angels back in His Hevenly Choir.

[@ronalowable]

Lovingly dedicated to my deceased parents whom I miss very much. This was their favorite song and now became a meaningful part in my heart. They are my "Stardust", and the void they left in my heart since they both left for endless sleep and rest, will remain empty... Miss and love you a lot Mama and Papa.

[@tpatrick44]

Lord Bless Them 🙏🙌❤️

[@retire-up1hw]

NO ONE can sing this any better!!! Mr. Cole, you were the greatest......

[@bigreddes2000]

The only person who did this that would of made Nat proud, was Willie Nelson...

[@archmage33]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHm1paWmjJx5i9E

[@laaplicacionlogistica_]

Supersax and LA Voices

[@sampodiotetey4610]

Try Kenny's and Satch's

[@bertiepinchera3940]

Not matched then and still not matched today, the incomparable Nat King Cole.

[@5610winston]

We can only hope that heaven sounds like this!

[@dongossett110]

5610winston it does to me

[@keithkimmeysr953]

OMG This is beautiful

[@timothymiller1783]

Are you sure that you're going to heaven? Jesus said, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3).

[@kimkats]

This is the most beautiful, heartbreaking song ever written, and this is THE definitive version of it. Nearly brings me to tears every time I hear it.... Perfection in every way possible.

[@robertdicenzo3478]

To me, the song almost seems cosmic...as if the love he sings about transcends this very Earth...

[@jamessomers8495]

There’s not to many people who can sing this song the way it was meant to be sung Nat King Cole is one of them. It reminds me of you

[@larryjohnson-el8lv]

It has been said that this is the most beautiful song ever written and I tend to agree

[@robertmiller1655]

The greatest standard, sung by the greatest vocalist. I can't imagine how recorded popular music gets any better.

[@manzanero2008]

I think this can be the most beautiful and romantic song ever made ! ! !

[@scotnick59]

and thousands - if not millions of folks would agree with you!

[@TheIrishrogue68]

You just may be right...close contenders would be Unchained Melody and Shadow of Your Smile.

[@wandaalexander1972]

And not a single mindless repeated phrase. How skillful the lyrics writer was.

[@tessagodsAsset3N21]

Lol, I too, remember my Dad singing this song. I would sing along with him. Sometimes, we would dance to it... My brothers & I All have a "piece" of Dad's old soul. He's 80 yrs old & missing our Mom who passed in 2017. They had more than 50 yrs of marriage. What a Testimony!

[@James-qg7yc]

This was my mothers favourite song as she would tell me that when she was dating my father and was meeting him he was never early for their dates but then she would here him coming as he would be whistling this song and it made her smile 😊 they are no longer with me but I know they are walking hand in hand with my father whistling Stardust to her and I can see her smiling. So glad you are together Mom And Dad but so sad you are gone. 😢

[@headiero]

How be a beautiful and romantic.

[@andrewwilliams2105]

80 people don’t know what good music is how can anybody not like this song it’s my favorite Nat King Cole Song

[@elza32358]

It feels like I've left the planet when I listen to this song.

[@rrucka595]

This song is an ode to those who have love and lost, only those that have felt true love can really understand it’s meaning and undertone, a true song of loss and the longing desire to never let go.

[@Kekuahiwi]

...until you've flipped your heart and you have lost, you don't know what love is

[@paztacorda3407]

You hit the mark.

[@FrankeeLee223]

I will always love her..I will never let her go

[@copee2960]

How can this 50 year old man never have heard this song before....crazy...there are still wonders in this world .

[@LadyofCleves65]

I think this is the most romantic song in our time.

[@HappyComfort]

Beautiful lyrics even without music , but with Nat King Coles fantastic voice it's just amazing!

[@jkwiat114]

IMO! This is by far the most beautiful Love Song ever recorded in the USA. An absolutely INCREDIBLE FUSION OF MUSIC- LYRICS-ORCHESTRATION - and SENTIMENT!! Thank You --- Hoagey Carmichael and Nat King Cole etal for leaving the world with this SINGULAR MUSICAL MASTERPIECE!

[@MrCharleysmom]

Always loved this song. One of the most beautiful songs ever written. No one can sing this like Nat King Cole could. What a God given talent his voice was.

[@csclok]

Nat King Cole and Jonny Mathis were my first introduction to music, thanks to my mother way back in the 1950s. Mom had great taste in music. I still listen to both Nat King Cole and Johnny Mathis to this day. Thanks mom. :-)

[@jerseypooh4664]

Dad passed away last week, this song reminds me of pub quiz nights out and walking home from the pub, admiring the stars. He was so fascinated by outer space as am I. Rip.

[@StevenTorrey]

A lovely song simply rendered without being drowned out by orchestration. Nat "King" Cole's voice complements and compliments the song...

[@suzilindblad5207]

This song always makes me weep. I don't know why.

[@suntzu6122]

Is this the literal most lovely song ever?

[@nennepanrikefairytaleart4773]

One of the most magical songs I know .... Greetings from Nenne in Sweden

[@parsnip82]

Maybe the best popular song that was ever written and maybe the best rendition.

[@rjnordin]

Arguably the greatest pop standard ever written and masterfully done by a great singer.

[@Mswoman43]

When I read what this man has written for his wife Barbara, I was so deeply touched that I broke into tears... people who have loved one another so deeply are to my eyes, really fortunate... It is hopeful that there are still people like this man!

[@luzcortezhernal8732]

A very lovely sweet music that brings memories..

[@Nostalgiafor65]

If love lives on forever then it is transported through time; it is carried forth on the profound words of this majestic melody! Nat is singing it here to us left on earth. Someday we too will become stardust memories, but if we can join the ones we love, then we'll be happy once more.

[@dianenewton3953]

Pure silk on velvet. Can't get any richer than this. Nat King Cole was a true gentleman. Pure gold.

[@mauricioduron3193]

As if in foresight nearly 60 years ago upon first hearing Mr. Cole over the airwaves, and despite the considerable legacies of Sinatra; Bennett; Mathis and of others (or the inspiration of Berlin, Kern; Gershwin; Hart; Van Heusen; etc.), I regarded this particular song and rendition, an impeccable Gordon Jenkins arrangement from the 'Love is the Thing' LP album, the epitome of heartfelt romance in American popular music. I now know why. "...the little stars shine, always reminding me that we're apart... leaving me a song that will not die... the stardust of yesterday...the music of the years gone by." Upon the very recent passing of the love of my life, a 50-plus year relationship gone all-too-soon, I now find in it a deeper meaning still: the execution of every musical phrase enriches the poetic intention of either author, for Stardust to portray our experience and surely those of so many others. I am once again with her.

[@moviemaker60fps]

Mauricio Durón A beautifully written and heartfelt review thank you for sharing

[@petegolding2657]

This was one of Terry Wogans favourite songs and played it regularly on his show. My Dad often sang it and loved Nat Cole. It is pure romance, it calms the soul. The arrangement is pure class. Possibly THE greatest song ever made.

[@nt0807]

I played it over and over that night.

[@timsullivan1424]

That's nothing what heaven must sound like

[@MoonlightNothing]

Oh, my Lord, so Special! I've carried this love of this song and feeling before and until now. And, I am Thankful the meaning was always known in Spirit. ❤

[@jeanneodilesui]

In this today's crazy world, it's so good to listen to such a pure love song!!

[@OfficialNataly]

no one can ever sound just as perfect...no one.

[@countrysamurai]

Truly one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever composed, written and performed. Nat was born to sing this. My all time fave.

[@davidburke709]

"My Favorite Year" is one of the best movies ever and this song opens that world up to us.

[@DeliverTheWord1]

Thinking of my sweet Mom who I lost on July 3rd this year. She's with her love,my Dad now and this was their song. How I miss them both so much. A kid could not have asked for better parents.

[@elviegraceespinosa8190]

My papa's favorite song STARDUST...I missed my papa so much who are in heaven already...

[@redcardinalist]

Nat King Cole. A great artist among many greats. Too many sad songs.... "Love is now, the stardust of yesterday, the music of the years gone by" Bring's a tear to my eye every time. Melancholia. Thank you for this.

[@mekhalletasma]

what about his song "the sand and the sea"

[@duncanrichardson2167]

...every kiss an inspiration... ah yes

[@MrBuddyhollyfan]

The words, the melody, Nat's voice, the orchestra and the arrangement are simply incomparable. One of the greatest recordings I've ever had the pleasure of hearing, even though the song calls back to mind the emptiness and aching feelings that go with a lost love. Hard to find a superlative that adequately describes this masterpiece.

[@elleboucher]

The memories of my mother and father and the music they listened to brought me here..thank you so much mom, dad xoxoxo

[@mickeymousebiker1]

That would truly be wondrous! Perhaps in Heaven, someday, such a song will come to be. God keep you, good sir.

[@robertgriffiths6842]

Nats voice was hauntingly intimate ❤️❤️💯💯

[@charlotteswincicki2226]

No one sings this song like Nat. It is just perfection. Love it!!

[@susandonahue865]

It’s 2024, looks like we’re in the end times.. yet, I wonder . . … Is this the most beautiful song of all time? 🌹🌿

[@jerrylyons9279]

europe and usa voted at the end of last century that stardust was the most listened/liked song in 100 years. stardust changed the way music was played as it conatained syncopation, rather than common, usual rhythem. louisiana has contributed to so many forms of music that it was ironic that the lyrisist was from louisiana.

[@Mortimer3407]

Will there ever be A fantastic voice like Natking Cole 's?

[@pf5658]

My most favorite song of all time and I’ve loved it in every possible version I ever heard it.

[@LisaMaNod]

I cry every time I hear this song

[@brucephilp]

Beyond superb. Also, one of the very few complete versions of this great song

[@yasserrizwan8012]

Kudos to the Crown S5 for having this. Masterpiece

[@ScrittiSparkle]

when my mum used to visit me,i always played this,she cant now cause of anxiety and ive had anxiety for years,so we miss each other so much,i love you mum always xxx

[@renatonunes2550]

SO VERY BEAUTIFUL. ! 💖💖 A voice which will last for eternity.

[@lakpolmit]

My Mom used to walk afound the house singing this song when she was cleaning the house, when I was a kid. Oh, the memories.

[@gailhermosilla7097]

this was my grandma's favorite song with his husband in early 40's...she always play this music since i was 4yrs old i remember.i always remember her and i will always as she remain forever in my heart.i love my grandmother so so much

[@chellyrivas7926]

Thank u .... wish I was walking under the moon where millions of stars are guiding the path we walk on taking us to a place just for u and me ❤💙

[@jamesclee2]

This became my favourite song when I was in the early twenties and it remains now that I'm in my sixties.

[@phretbord]

Beautiful song and I can't think of anyone who sang it better than Nat King Cole! Hoagy Carmichael and Nat will be remembered for many many years because of this song and honestly, I'm glad you posted it as now I can sing it! 🤣

[@markpatterson7366]

when very young,from phoenix to our cabin under the mogollon rim,from desert to alpine garden,my irish father used to sing songs,i always reacted ,rather violently to this song,unaware,as young kid,it was to take its' place with my grandma Clara's Wagnerian juliard trained singing of ""evening star,and other wagner genius",i BELIEVE THIS SONG IS ""WAGNERIAN" AS THE TRAGIC "LIEBESTOD" OF HIS ""TRISTAN AND ISOLDE",it literally rips your heart,tears always fall,hoagy was inspired by a visionary song,true love,but tragic,sad,as love often is,how I miss all my family,and would love to hear dad sing ""stardust"",which is really,what we all become,one way or another,isolde knew this all too well

[@cyrilmitchell9726]

NAT king Cole Mr velvet voice himself a vocalist to treasure thank heavens we can still listen to his beautiful recordings

[@evalex71]

This song is so beautiful

[@kenwinston2245]

Overwhelmingly beautiful thank you Mr. Cole.

[@bookmarker7471]

"The Velvet Voice" and "The undisputed King 👑 of Christmas" Nat king Cole

[@jim1550]

One of the most awesome lullaby songs I have ever heard.

[@reevedavey]

I recall my Father singing fragments of this song; I never did find out what memories,thoughts,dreams it may have held for him..

[@lanacain]

Nat King Cole sings this so beautifully .

[@sharoninglima1217]

The most beautiful song and Nat’s gorgeous voice as only he can sing it. ❤❤

[@AnimalExplorer]

This song is too much of a classic I would have to disagree for a remake. Nat King Cole's voice is so perfect.

[@AureaTashiro-mm5dc]

Jamais haverá outra voz como essa.Morreu cedo tinha que ser eterno. 😢

[@paulspacco203]

So many people have performed this song....but no one ....no one ....even comes close to Nat’s version, incredable

[@user-ps1zx5ge8w]

MMXX present and still "...the memory of love's refrain..."

[@edvideojuegosycultura3712]

We're stardust

[@011258stooie]

My Dad want's this song played in church, when he's cremated, next thursday.He never really knew what he had, until she had gone.

[@marcmargolin4919]

So sorry for your loss.

[@vivacepuletti2944]

Questa bellissima interpretazione resta fino ad oggi una referenza discografica !

[@hankmartinez5535]

GRACIE SIGNORE.....ENRICO

[@hankmartinez5535]

GRACIE SIGNORE HANK MARTINEZ

[@johndavis7094]

The memories ...people long dead are alive again when I hear Nat"s rendition. So haunting, so beautiful! ..

[@mickeymousebiker1]

Somehow, I know that My Barbra is looking down from Heaven and smiling at me. Her warm and winning smile would melt the core of an iceberg. That same warm and loving smile won my heart when we first met. I cannot forget her or her smile. Every time I listen to The Shadow of Your Smile, by Tony Bennett, and other songs that Barbra and I enjoyed and shared, I think of My Barbra's love for me. I still long to be with My Barbra (forever in Heaven). All of Heaven's best to you.

[@mickeymousebiker1]

The stars signify Christ's Eternal Love for us all. The stars are beacons of Hope for Eternity. I can also see my Barbra Rose's eyes among the stars, as well. A Joyous and Hopeful Christmas to you and to all who listen to this wondrous tune sung by one of "the gentlemen of Christmas" -- Nat Cole!

[@mickeymousebiker1]

The Pleiades -- The Seven Sisters -- a beautiful loose star cluster. I think of My Barbra when I see those stars. I dedicate this sublime version (by Nat Cole) in very loving memory of My Heavenly-Resplendent Wife - Barbra Rose. Barbra - you are My Western Star with Stardust in your hair and love-eternal in your eyes for me. I pray that, every time I play or hear this song on the Net (or radio), you can hear it from your rose garden in Heaven. I miss you! Barbra - I love you beyond Space/Time!

[@albertstrickland2689]

all the great singers have a song that is theirs alone... These songs are like precious jewels that are kept in safe deposit boxes and taken out from time to time This song belongs to Nat King Cole, No one can touch his version of this beautiful song. I read that the lyrics were sent into a woman's magazine many years ago. The author was lost and nobody ever took ownership of the lyrics and till this day nobody knows who wrote the lyrics

[@myweightloss11928]

@AlbertStrickland -- Hoagy Carmichel wrote the lyrics in 1927 and Mitchell Parrish added the lyrics in 1929. Google it.!

[@brucescott4261]

@@myweightloss11928 ...Hoagy Carmichael wrote the music.

[@myweightloss11928]

@@brucescott4261 Yes I should have said music. Thank you for pointing that out. That is what happens when you reply at 2 am

[@missann1985]

Best rendition ever

[@terencejones9044]

"MY FAVORITE YEAR" brought me here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@carolgonzalez1758]

Nat was also my Mum’s favourite! She saw him in the 50’s in Trinidad 🇹🇹 and again in the 60’s in a concert inNorth London with her family. Nat died the following year. But, thank God, his beautiful voice goes on forever. He even sang with his daughter Natalie after he had passed.

[@rolphwartieda2707]

Must have been 1958 when I heard this song, and since then, I come back to listen to it dedicating all my attention alone, why would a kid of only 12 be enthralled with those words and melody? still dunno