Nat “King” Cole

Songwriter: Gordon Jenkins

Producer: Lee Gillette

As I approach the prime of my life
I find I have the time of my life
Learning to enjoy at my leisure
All the simple pleasure
And so I happily concede
This is all I ask
This is all I need

Beautiful girls, walk a little slower when you walk by me
Lingering sunset, stay a little longer with the lonely sea
Children everywhere, when you shoot at bad men, shoot at me
Take me to that strange enchanted land
Grownups seldom understand
Wandering rainbows, leave a bit of color for my heart to own
Stars in the sky, make my wish come true
Before the night has flown
And let the music play as long as there's a song to sing
Then I will stay younger than spring

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

The Very Thought of You

From the album

The Very Thought of You (1958)

Nat “King” Cole popular songs

This Is All I AskNat “King” Cole

Nat “King” Cole

The Very Thought of You