Nat “King” Cole

(cy coleman, carolyn leigh)

So these are the ropes
The tricks of the trade
The rules of the road

You're one of the dopes
For whom they were made
The rules of the road

You follow that kiss and recklessly miss
A bend of the road
Then suddenly this--
The end of the road

So love is a hoax
A glittering stream
Of little white lies
But these are the jokes

And what if they bring
The tears to your eyes?

Well, love often shows a funny return
The brighter it glows
The longer you burn
And lord only knows
Love has little concern for the fools of the road

But that's how it goes
You live and you learn
The rules of the road

But that's how it goes
You live and you learn
The rules of the road

And everyone knows that that's how it goes
The rules of the road

Nathaniel Adams Coles (17 March 1919 – 15 February 1965) was born in Montgomery, Alabama and used the stage name Nat “King” Cole throughout his career as a jazz pianist and later as a singer.

Cole’s first mainstream hit was “Straighten Up and Fly Right” in 1943. Bo Diddley, who performed similar folk-based material said that song was a big influence on him.

In the late 40s, Cole began recording more pop-oriented material. His stature as a pop singer was cemented by hits like “Route 66”, “Mona Lisa” and “Unforgettable”. In the 50s, virtually every home had a copy of his Christmas album.

more tracks from the album

Let’s Face the Music!

From the album

Let’s Face the Music! (1964)

Nat “King” Cole popular songs

The Rules of the RoadNat “King” Cole

Nat “King” Cole

Let’s Face the Music!