They took it out of the “country,”  and added touches of blues, jazz, pop, folk, and rock.

Bonnie Raitt & Norah Jones – “Tennessee Waltz”

“Tennessee Waltz” (2007 – original from 1948)

This song is a popular American country classic. At least, it was – until Bonnie and Norah took it out of the “country,”  and added touches of blues, jazz, pop, folk, rock, and more.   

Subtle, Beautiful, and Unlimited

Bonnie is known as a blues and rock musician, and Norah is known as a jazz, pop, and folk musician. So, instead of classifying this song as part of any specific genre, maybe it’s best to admit that it transcends classification.  

Regardless, if you enjoy subtle phrasings and beautiful arrangements, you’ll appreciate this fine rendition for what it is – magnificent music to your ears.

Official, Major, and Great

Patti Page’s version of “Tennessee Waltz”  became a major hit in 1950. As a result of its ongoing popularity, it became the 4th official song of the state of Tennessee. 

In Japan, as of 1974, “Tennessee Waltz”  was ranked as the greatest-selling song of all time. Damn … we cannot even classify it as “Americana.”   _{(Image source)}

Bonnie Raitt

Bonnie Raitt is an American blues and blues-rock musician.

On Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “100 Greatest Singers of All Time,”  Raitt ranked Number 50. On its list of "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time,”  she ranked Number 89.   _{(Image source)}

Norah Jones

Norah Jones is an American singer-songwriter and pianist, known primarily for her work in jazz and jazz fusion. She is the daughter of the great Indian musician Ravi Shankar, and the half-sister of Anoushka Shankar.

According to Billboard, she was the Top Jazz Artist during the Naughties (that is, the decade 2000–09).   _{(Image source)}

I was dancin' with my darlin to the Tennessee Waltz
When an old friend I happened to see.
I introduced him to my darlin' and while they were dancin'
My friend stole my sweetheart from me.

I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Now I know just how much I have lost
Yes, I lost my little darlin' the night they were playin'
That beautiful Tennessee Waltz.

Now I wonder how a dance like the Tennessee Waltz
Could have broken my heart so complete
Well I couldn't blame my darlin', and who could help fallin'
In love with my darlin' so sweet.

Well it must be the fault of the Tennessee Waltz
Wish I'd known just how much it would cost
But I didn't see it comin', it's all over but the cryin'
Blame it all on the Tennessee Waltz.

She goes dancin' with the darkness to the Tennessee Waltz
And I feel like I'm falling apart
And it's stronger than drink and it's deeper than sorrow
This darkness she left in my heart.

I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Cause I know just how much I have lost
Yes I lost my little darlin' the night they were playin'
That beautiful Tennessee Waltz

        Patti Page – “Tennessee Waltz”    
          _{(Right-click to hear on YouTube)}

Lyrics by Redd Stewart, courtesy of – AZLyrics.com
Reference – Wikipedia
Reference – Wikipedia
Reference – Wikipedia

Into your ears … through 5 channels

 The various posts are categorized into 5 channels _{(Right-Click to see details)}
         1 – “Music to Your Ears” (MTYE)
         2 – “Cover Versions”
         3 – “Honor Roll”
         4 – “Documentaries”
         5 – “Mock’n’Roll”

Links to my other series ...

          Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 1"
          Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 2"

          Great Lyrics, a compilation – “Part One – My Lyrics Posts 3~30”
          Great Lyrics, a compilation – “Part Two – My Lyrics Posts 31~60”  

          Vocab-Ability – "Introduction to Vocab-Ability"  
          Vocab-Ability – "Index"  to all Chapters and Sections  

          Notes from Under the Tatami Mats – "Part One – Notes 1~50"  
          Notes from Under the Tatami Mats – "Part Two – Notes 51~87"