About the song
“The Shadow of Your Smile” is one of the most beloved standards in American popular music, and Perry Como’s 1965 live performance of this song is a memorable interpretation that highlights his smooth vocal style and emotional depth. Originally composed by Johnny Mandel with lyrics by Paul Francis Webster, “The Shadow of Your Smile” was first introduced in the 1965 film *The Sandpiper*. The song quickly gained popularity, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song and becoming a favorite among both artists and audiences.
Perry Como, known for his warm and easygoing vocal delivery, brought his own unique touch to “The Shadow of Your Smile” during a live performance in 1965. By this time in his career, Como was already an established star, with a string of hits and a reputation for delivering heartfelt performances that resonated with his listeners. His interpretation of this song is no exception, as he masterfully captures the poignant, reflective mood that the lyrics evoke.
“The Shadow of Your Smile” is a song that speaks to themes of love and loss, with lyrics that convey the lingering memories of a past romance. The phrase “the shadow of your smile” suggests a bittersweet reminiscence, where the joy of a past love is forever tinged with sadness. Como’s rendition is tender and intimate, drawing the listener in with his gentle phrasing and nuanced expression. His ability to convey deep emotion without overwhelming the song’s delicate melody is a testament to his artistry.
During his 1965 live performance, Como’s voice was at its peak, and he effortlessly delivered the song’s challenging vocal lines with grace and precision. The performance was marked by its simplicity—just Como and his voice, allowing the beauty of the song and the sincerity of his interpretation to shine through. This minimalist approach helped to emphasize the song’s lyrical content and melodic beauty, creating a performance that has stood the test of time.
Como’s live rendition of “The Shadow of Your Smile” is a reminder of why he was one of the most beloved vocalists of his era. His ability to connect with an audience through his music, combined with his impeccable vocal technique, made this performance a standout moment in his career. The song itself has continued to endure as a classic, covered by countless artists over the years, but Como’s version remains one of the most cherished interpretations.
For fans of Perry Como and lovers of classic American songs, this 1965 live performance is a treasure. It captures the essence of Como’s appeal—a singer who could take a song and make it his own, imbuing it with warmth, emotion, and an effortless charm that continues to resonate with audiences to this day. “The Shadow of Your Smile” is more than just a beautiful song; in Como’s hands, it becomes a timeless expression of love, memory, and the delicate interplay between joy and sorrow.
Video
Lyrics
One day we walked along the sand
One day in early spring
You held a piper in your hand
To mend its broken wing
Now, I’ll remember many a day
And many a lonely mile
The echo of a piper’s song
And the shadow of a smile
The shadow of your smile
When you are gone
Will color all my dreams
And light the dawn
Look into my eyes, my love, and see
All the lovely things you are, you are to me
Our wistful little star was far too high
A teardrop kissed your lips and so did I
Now, when I remember spring
All the joy that love can bring
I will be remembering
The shadow of your smile
Now, when I remember spring
All the joy that love can bring
I will be remembering
The shadow of your smile