Summer, Donna - Lush Life Lyrics






I used to visit the very gay places
Those come what may places
Where one relaxes on the axis
Of the wheel of life
To get the feel of life
From jazz and cocktails

All the men I knew had sad and
Sullen gray faces
With distingue traces
That used to be there
You could see where
They'd been washed away
By too many through the day
Twelve o'clock tales

Then you came along with your
Siren song
To tempt me to madness
I knew all the while
That your poignant smile
Was tinged with the sadness of a
Great love for me
Oh, yes I was wrong
Again I was wrong

Now life is lonely again
And only last year everything
Seemed so sure
Now life is awful again
A troughful of hearts would only
Be a bore
A week in Paris will ease the bite
Of it
But all I really care
Is to smile in spite of it
I'll forget you
I will and yet you are still
Burning inside my brain

Romance is mush, stifling those
Who strive
I'll live a lush life in some
Small dive
And there I'll be
While I rot with the rest
Of those whose lives are
Lonely too





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Summer, Donna Lush Life Comments
  1. M.... E....

    Donna was not just a Disco Queen ... So much more..

  2. R.... G....

    Thank you to mr. Quincy Jones who compose and directed the music to this song what a tremendous magical gift to us all , and to Donna Summer for lending her voice that gave it all the wonder and sounds wow" just out of this world

  3. B.... ....

    Donna & Grusin & Watts!!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏

  4. M.... M....

    Wonderful, underrated interpretation

  5. F.... T....

    magnifique extraordinaire je t' adore

  6. z.... w....

    It's amazing that a 17 year old teen wrote this beautiful song the kids now a days are like dumb down zombies all they want to do is smoke weed all day while sitting on the couch playing video games and listening to their crappy music they are lost

  7. B.... Z....

    Wish this was on Spotify 😍

  8. K.... G....

    Donna, the Queen sings it beautifully.

  9. T.... ....

    MY GAWD!!!! this is GORGEOUS!!! I've worked on Ronstadts Version for eons...BUT THIS IS CreativITY!!! thank you DONNA AND QQQQQQQ!!!!! the Man!

  10. B.... R....

    WOW!! DONNA IS AMAZING!! I LOVE HER SO MUCH!

  11. S.... M....

    This sounds excellent slowed down to 0.75 speed.

  12. P.... W....

    The "queen of disco" was so versatile, and to handle such a difficult song (composed by a then 16 year old Billy Strayhorn), is amazing.

  13. A.... R....

    This song should have been nominated for best vocal performance at Grammy's. I wished the company would have pushed this song because it's really good.

  14. G.... B....

    That is one reason Donna Summer will be remembered as the Diva. She was the total package.

  15. D.... �....

    Tu as fais partie de ma vie a l âge de15 ans et je t écoute toujours je t adore que la paix soit avec toi

  16. e.... e....

    Stunning Donna.

  17. B.... ....

    Maestro Dave Grusin on keys! 👍

  18. L.... v....

    Donna goes jazz with this classic. Another proof of her vocal range!

  19. g.... p....

    che voce meravigliosa ....in questa canzone sembra mina....

  20. t.... ....

    I had this album and listened to this song endlessly. Another superb vocal performance by one of pop music's most underrated vocalists! She was a huge star with many hits but didn't seem to get the same level of recognition for her vocal abilities. She is among the best of the best! Thanks for posting Cesar! I haven't heard this in decades!!

    t.... ....

    The reason Donna was underrated as an artist is that when she gave her heart to the Lord, the powers that be frowned that Donna is not of the girls who was their puppet playing a sex symbol like the rappers of today.

    t.... ....

    People only know her for her disco songs but they dont know there was a voice behind it, this was her best work.

    t.... ....

    It's crazy this would be her last song on an underrated album in lames terms a hidden gem. This song gives me everything

    t.... ....

    she was dismissed for many years cause Disco was very much regarded as a fad genre. There was huge backlash when the 80s kicked in. She got caught up in it cause she was the queen of disco. Of course history always puts things into perspective and now we know disco has been extremely influential in much of todays dance music that is so popular. Donna did gain great respect by time she died. But she never got the respect her amazing voice deserved.

  21. t.... ....

    This is the most heartfelt song I ever heard Donna Summer sing. R.I.P. Queen.

  22. C.... B....

    Didn't know that she was that good

  23. C.... J....

    Donna is out of her element on this one. Not good.

    C.... J....

    You're wrong. Sorry. She could sing anything and this is a great song.

  24. P.... T....

    I'll always love you Donna!

  25. M.... ....

    Always perfect tone

  26. H.... S....

    I am only refreshing my memories . D.S . forever .

  27. T.... E....

    fuck me... just amazing

  28. C.... A....

    Yes I think this song should be on Donna Summer greatest hits CD it is like that

  29. L.... H....

    THANKS LOVE THIS VERSION

  30. l.... ....

    Blows Nat King Cole's version out of the water.

  31. F.... F....

    In the same style that Chaka s Night in Tunisia👍🏻that wonderful version brought me from funk to jazz🎺

  32. S.... K....

    I played this record so much when I was 15 years old. still remember ever curve her voice makes. Love it!

  33. G.... H....

    Csodálatos köszönöm, hogy megmutattad nekem ezt adalt Gyurika.

  34. �.... ....

    First time I heard this, I really do like Donna's ballads / R&B songs more so than the disco songs that were more popular.

  35. P.... P....

    So here's the backstory on this iconic song. Billy Strayhorn wrote this song, for the most part, when he was 16, back in the '30's. He also wrote "Take the A Train" and "Satin Doll" while working for Duke Ellington. If you are intrigued with the thought of a 16 year that had the maturity to write lyrics like these you should read about his life, it's quite a story. Anyhow, this song is considered one of the Standards in the Great American Song Book and the definitive recording (in my opinion and that of many others) was recorded in 1963 by John Coltrane (Gods gift to the tenor sax) and Johnny Hartman (vocalist) with McCoy Tyner (piano), Elvin Jones (drums), and Jimmy Garrison (upright bass). The recording might not appeal to the undeveloped ear but the song is, after all, for those who have been around the block a time or two.

    P.... P....

    Johnny Hartman's version is the best: poignant, wistful, forlorn. He & John Coltrane nailed it. This song was not meant to be "belted," & they got that. Other singers have glorious voices, but they don't "get it." This is not a woman's song. JMHO.

  36. c.... b....

    Donna SANG this!  I remember looking out my living room window. full of good weed, listening to this!  Good times.  Just wondering where life was going to take me.  It still makes me high.

    c.... b....

    You got a nerve talking about stinking, nasty ass weed while thinking about Queen, Summer,,, you creep,,,, go apologize now,,,, and don't ever compare miss summer to nasty ass weed

  37. z.... ....

    This was Ava Gardener's favourite song - LUSH LIFE.

  38. B.... C....

    Love this version of the classic tune Lush Life. Modernized versions of jazz tunes like this and Chaka Khan's Bebop Medley/Night In Tunisia were great introductions into jazz for the curious listener.

    B.... C....

    Excellent album...... Play it 2 work all da tym

    B.... C....

    No way!:) Any favorite track(s)?

    B.... C....

    State of independence.....love is control.
    An all star choir joined da production...... Chevk it out.

  39. K.... M....

    I am so glad Donna did this song.  At that time in her career, she had nothing else to prove... This is a natura progression of a true entertainer.  Quincy Jones worked her for this.  She rose to the occassion.  Thank you Q for producing that project.  Long live DONNA. 

    K.... M....

    So many versions...and yet, this one seems to be the best.

    K.... M....

    I've been listening to every possible version to learn the song and I have to say I am AMAZED at this rendition. She really gets the lyrics! The way she does "jazz and cocktails" with a bit of a croak in her voice is perfect. No one else does it so tired sounding which is perfect. I've always loved Donna Summer but this just proves what a great talent she was.

    K.... M....

    👍 Great no one did it better no one no one

    K.... M....

    Detoured here because of comments for Linda Ronstadt's version-recently saw the documentary on her life. This is a tour de force for Ms. Summer and Mr. Jones. When I get to Heaven, I hope I can make requests!

  40. o.... ....

    What a beautiful sax solo from Ernie Watts !

  41. L.... V....

    Thanks for putting this on you tube, I lost my record in a fire and have never found back the song untill now

  42. N.... S....

    A voice like no other voice. Amazing vocals.

  43. J.... ....

    Natalie Cole wins this race.

  44. a.... ....

    Superb. Somewhere, Billy Strayhorn and Johnny Hartman are smiling.

  45. C.... C....

    This is a pretty old and well done song.....BUT .... This is the best version of the song.

  46. e.... c....

    THE GIRL IS BAD/SHE WILL ALWAYS BE ONE OF MY SUPERSTARS

  47. A.... C....

    Man, I really enjoyed listening to this incredible rendition of "Lush Life" recorded by the Legendary Queen...Ms. Donna Summer. As I listened to her version of this classic composition, I couldn't help but to think that during this recording she did an awesome job performing this song. I liked the freshness that Donna brought to the song as she belted alongside the "killer" tenor saxaphone. Moreover, what really gets me in this song is that she recorded while she was pregnant!!! Enough said

  48. K.... B....

    Latifah doesn't even begin to come near Summer's talent and voice and style. Donna, may she rest in peace, was even better than Ella or Billie.

    K.... B....

    No way was she better than Ella... STOP IT

    K.... B....

    Yea, but if Donna had lived back then she may have sang in a mechanical way like Ella and all the others did. The only exception was Dinah Washington. She was very emotional and powerful.

  49. A.... M....

    Amen man. I've been looking for this song for months to buy, good luck. And as for the republicans, I totally agree.

  50. K.... J....

    I never knew that she did this thanks

  51. B.... J....

    No Disco, just pure DONNA here! I miss you Donna but thank God we will still have your wonderful musical catalog to cherish ! Miss you !

  52. k.... l....

    BEST VERSION EVER!!!!!!

  53. K.... ....

    Looks like hell froze over because Queen Latifah sang this song better than anyone

  54. U.... ....

    Great version Donna!!

  55. A.... H....

    [email protected].... possibly ANY little thing I could do to help in return?

  56. C.... C....

    Send me your email adress in a private message and I will send the song to you in 320bps quality.

  57. A.... H....

    And finding the DS version of this song to buy is almost like finding a Republican with common sense...

    Anyone want to send the 320bps version in exchange for a small favor?

  58. R.... C....

    Simply lovely. Wow! Smooth like butter. This song employs her full vocal range. Such a treat. Love her duo with the sax. Great interaction. Perfect song for a blue monday.

  59. s.... ....

    An awesome rendition of this song! One can really gets to hear the full range and depth of her voice here.

  60. C.... ....

    oh, i think that there is a lot of influence there.
    Mariah Carey doesn't have anything approaching Donna
    Summer's
    vocal weight though....
    and, for whatever reason, she (Carey)
    has rather wrecked her voice....
    I don't know what has happened she struggles to reproduce
    the vocal lines in concert and most of the vocal weight
    seems lost, from her early 1990s days.

  61. a.... k....

    I know someone that went to school with mariah and he said mariah was always listening to donna summer on her walkman..so i am going to go with Donna on this particular thing...not Chaka.....not to say The great Chaka didnt help out Mariah..but Mariah loves Donna....thats why she had so many dance remixes.....

    a.... k....

    adrian kyle That explains so much! I didn't know this but I've always heard a touch of Donna in Mariah's voice!! So much so that when I first heard "All I Want for Christmas" I thought it was Donna! Thanx for the info!

  62. C.... ....

    Moreover, Donna maintained her voice through the length of her career, so she retained most of her voice range, basic tessitura remaining intact.

  63. C.... ....

    Just as an aside, if a singer like David Bowie were singing in full voice, as loud as they possibly could in the same auditorium, and without amplification, you wouldn't hear them Donna Summer was singing in the same auditorium using sotto voce ..... I cannot think another singer the field of popular music that whose voice had the same vocal weight - moving through the soprano and the mezzo-soprano range - as Donna Summer's voice did.

  64. C.... ....

    Donna Summer had a classical training [opera], in additon to her childhood background in gospel. She had a rich mezzo-soprano that can lift effortlessly into colaratura. Very few singers in the field of popular
    Few singers in can sing in a true coloratura soprano voice; Donna Summer could.
    Her voice combined principal features of: Vocal weight, Flexibility, Purity in tone; [octave, note] range. stylistic range - across genres from musical comedy,
    gospel, popular, folk, rock, country....

  65. c.... ....

    absolutely!

  66. t.... ....

    A Billy Strayhorn classic, done to perfection by our newest angel. Rest in peace, sweet Donna.

  67. b.... b....

    Underneath The Stars Was a Chaka Khan influenced song by Mariah......"Sweet Thing" by Chaka explains.

  68. L.... G....

    Fantastic ballad with Dave Grusin on fender Rhodes and Ernie Watts on sax,so great!

  69. J.... B....

    You start with Sarah Vaughan and go from there - but Quincy Jones drove Donna pretty hard to deliver one of the great versions of a very difficult song to sing.

  70. E.... T....

    REST IN PEACE DONNA

  71. I.... H....

    Ricky Lee is good, but not better than this version.

  72. 1.... ....

    ooooh my favorite...!!

  73. p.... ....

    Ricki Lee Jones does the best version...hands down

  74. J.... W....

    Many singers have covered this song (Linda Rondstandt, Nancy Wilson, Queen Latifah, etc) & of course, Donna's is great, but I think I like Queen Latifah's best.

  75. a.... k....

    How many think that Mariah was influenced by this sound when she was younger? especially the end? Think "Underneath the Starts" and "Fourth of July"

  76. M.... L....

    I love how she outsings the sax player. Now that is a talented voice.

  77. k.... ....

    She does this song so,so Beautifully.At the end where she and the sax just dance in the wind like two instruments playing off each other last note I don't know blah,blah,blah.sorry.





    i

  78. H.... ....

    @MANILABOY6631 - Nice image. But overlooking the Manhattan skyline at night would work beautifully for me too.

  79. H.... ....

    @leevum1 - Yes, I agree, they were all wonderful. But my favorite version is the one sung by Johnny Hartman (with John Coltrane). If you haven't heard it, you should check it out on YouTube.

  80. I.... H....

    @TheDefjams The Queen's version was good. But this version is in a whole other unworldly galaxy.

  81. C.... N....

    Queen Latifahs version is the best hands down

    C.... N....

    Craft Nation DIY Absolutely.

  82. I.... H....

    @africanscribe Hard to believe that she had ahrd time nailing this song. But yet we are talking about Quincy Jones. If it had to sound right to anyone, it had to be"Q." The finished product sounds like she took no effort at all. She's sensational singing this tune.

  83. G.... R....

    restituitemi Coltraneeeeeeeeee..... no, I don't like this song :-(

  84. J.... ....

    You can understand the words when she sings it.

  85. A.... H....

    goosebumps

  86. M.... ....

    Donna did a good job with this song. She sounds very soulful.

  87. l.... ....

    I love her version of this song. She, Nat. Sara and Ella, all gave the song something unique and wonderful.

  88. M.... ....

    It would be nice to listen to music like this in a dark bedroom overlooking Los Angeles at night.

  89. M.... S....

    this is a CLASSIC...love her

  90. L.... ....

    According to her autobiography "Ordinary Girl" this was one of the more difficult songs she ever performed. I thought she did a great job with it.

  91. I.... H....

    Be it Laura Fygi, Queen Latifah, Linda Ronstadt with Nelson Riddle, or Donna Summer. Neither of these artist dropped the ball on this tune. The only thing that Donna has on them is that I first heard her version of this song. I thought that it was an original song by her. Later I learned otherwise. Billy Strayhorn left us a grand legecy with this song. So many great singers have done this song and they were all very, very good. yet to hear a bad "Lush Life." Donna is one of many.

  92. c.... ....

    Donna really shows off her pipes in this, regardless of what the jazz purists say, this is the version to beat vocally.

  93. a.... ....

    apparently, she reported it was one of the hardest songs she'd ever sang. Quincy made her do it again and again until it was perfect. the results are stunning. i'm no singer but i think she put everything she had into it. simply awesome! no other version - not even billie holiday's or natalie cole's - comes close, imho.

  94. t.... ....

    When the party's over, when age has finally caught up with you, when nothings left but the memories, kick back, light a smoke, pour you favorite cocktail, turn out the lights, and play this beautiful but painful song while thinking about the good times.

    t.... ....

    When I was taking voice lessons while in college ...I played this song to my vocal teacher.Thru-out the whole time she listened to it she just kept shaking her head as if saying no,no,no....
    Afterward I asked her why...she then said ..."You will never hear another singer like her again,Donna makes it sound easy..Her timing and tone is impeccable,no one can do what she can"..and "I bet she got that on the first take...

  95. l.... ....

    Thanks for sharing this gem! Donna is so versatile and can sing anything!