Nat “King” Cole

So I walk a little too fast, and I drive a little too fast
And I'm reckless it's true, but what else can you do
At the end of a love affair?

So I talk a little too much, and I laugh a little too much
And my voice is too loud when I'm out in a crowd
So that people are apt to stare

Do they know, do they care, that it's only
That I'm lonely, and low as can be?
And the smile on my face isn't really a smile at all

So I smoke a little too much, and I joke a little too much
And the tunes I request are not always the best
But the ones where the trumpets blare

So I go at a maddening pace, and I pretend that it's taking his place
But what else can you do at the end of a love affair?

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

Love Is the Thing

From the album

Love Is the Thing (1957)

Nat “King” Cole popular songs

The End of a Love AffairNat “King” Cole

Nat “King” Cole

Love Is the Thing