Stardust

Every so often, I start thing about the bests in this world.  What was the best book I've ever read, the best movie,  the best meal, etc., etc.? When it comes to the best song ever written, there is no contest. It is "Stardust" as sung by Nat King Cole, music by Hoagy Carmichael,  lyrics by Mitchell Parish. It is perfection. I never hear this song without  being touched by it. "Stardust" was my Dad's favorite. Once while visiting my daughter, Jennifer,  shortly after Dad died, I got in my car to drive away.  I was wondering how Dad was and if he was alright in whatever the next life  brought to him. I turned on the radio and "Stardust," by Nat King Cole  started just as I switched the radio button to on.  After listening, I had the message: Dad was just fine. "Stardust" has been around for a long time. It was written in 1927.  The Nat King Cole version, a triumph not only of music but also of arrangement,  was a 1950's endeavor. It has never been equalled. If you are purely a fan of  rock and roll or acid rock, you probably won't like it. But if you are like me,  a romantic at heart with love of things quiet, smooth and a little sad,  you'll love "Stardust." The lyrics don't make a lot of sense, but that's the point.  One who has just lost love (haven't we all?) doesn't make a lot of sense either.  It is the mood the song communicates that matters. And what a mood! You can hear the Nat King Cole version on You Tube. Just type in "Stardust" and  Nat King Cole. You'll find several visuals to go with it. You can listen to  Frank Sinatra's or Hoagy Carmichael's versions,  but genius is in the Nat King Cole version. I include the lyrics below,  but you haven't heard "Stardust" until you hear Mr. Cole sing it! 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 a garden wall When stars are bright You are in my arms The nightingale tells his fairy tale A paradise where roses bloom Though I dream in vain In my heart it will remain My stardust melody The memory of loves refrain.