Nat “King” Cole

Pride, sad, splendid liar
Sworn enemy of love
Kept my lips from saying
Things I was thinking of
But now my pride you've humbled
I've cast it to the winds
Broken, beaten, sick at heart
My confession begins

We've played the game of stay away
But it cost more that I can pay
Without you I can't make my way
I surrender, dear

I may seem proud, I may act gay
It's just a pose, I'm not that way
'Cause deep down in my heart I say
I surrender, dear

Little mean things we were doing
Must have been part of the game
Lending a spice to the wooing
But I don't care who's to blame
When stars appear and shadows fall
Why then you'll hear My poor heart call
To you my love, my life, my all
I surrender, dear

We've played the game of stay away
But it cost more that I can pay
Without you I can't make my way
I surrender, dear

I may seem proud, I may act gay
It's just a pose, I'm not that way
'Cause deep down in my heart I say
I surrender, dear

Little mean things we were doing
Must have been part of the game
Lending a spice to the wooing
But I don't care who's to blame
When stars appear And shadows fall
Why then you'll hear My poor heart call
To you my love, my life, my all

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

Penthouse Serenade

From the album

Penthouse Serenade (1952)

Nat “King” Cole popular songs

I Surrender DearNat “King” Cole

Nat “King” Cole

Penthouse Serenade