The Song Autumn Leaves

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Autumn Leaves - A Classic, Timeless Song

The song, Autumn Leaves, was written in 1945 in French, "Les feuilles mortes" ("The Dead Leaves") with music by Joseph Kosma and lyrics by poet Jacques Prevert.

Yves Montand introduced "Les feuilles mortes" in 1946 for the film Les Portes de la Nuit. American songwriter Johnny Mercer wrote English lyrics in 1947.

It is amazing how the simplest of words and music can have such an impact. The metaphor of falling leaves symbolizing a lost relationship is so brilliant.

The autumn leaves song became both a pop and jazz standard, recorded hundreds of times. On this page, you will find a selection of the best recordings of this wonderful song.

Autumn Leaves English Lyrics

The falling leaves drift by my window
The falling leaves of red and gold
I see your lips, the summer kisses
The sunburned hands I used to hold

Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I'll hear old winter's song
But I miss you most of all, my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall

Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I'll hear old winter's song
But I miss you most of all, my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall

I miss you most of all, my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall

Eva Cassidy sings Autumn Leaves

Live at Blues Alley

Eva Cassidy sings one of the most haunting versions of this song ever. Listen as you browse this page.

Eva Cassidy - Autumn Leaves
by ironizxcv | video info

5,748 ratings | 1,474,143 views
curated content from YouTube

Eva Cassidy

Live at Blues Alley

Live at Blues Alley

Amazon Price: $10.78 (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $16.98

Eva Cassidy works magic with every song! You can purchase this CD that contains the song "Autumn Leaves" and many other classics.

Other Versions of Autumn Leaves on YouTube

Edith Piaf - Autumn Leaves (Les Feuilles Mortes)
by wecaan | video info

4,897 ratings | 2,605,288 views
curated content from YouTube

The Eric Clapton Version of Autumn Leaves

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Did You Know?

There was a Columbia Pictures film, Autumn Leaves, from 1956.

The film's stars were Joan Crawford and Cliff Robertson. This is the story of an older woman and younger man that involves mental illness. Apparently, the title was changed to Autumn Leaves to capitalize on the success of the song with the same name. Nat King Cole's version was used in the movie.

A French Version of Autumn Leaves

by Yves Montand

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Autumn Leaves French Lyrics

" Les Feuilles Mortes"

" Les Feuilles Mortes"

Visit this site for the French lyrics and the English Translation. There is also a little history of the movie "Les Portes de la Nuit" for which it was written.

A Recent French Version

with Andrea Bocelli and his fiancee

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Cannonball Adderley & Miles Davis

Instrumental Jazz Version of Autumn Leaves

Apparently, this song is a popular introduction to jazz harmony as it consists of certain sequences which are typical of jazz. This is a very sophisticated version of the song.

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Somethin' Else

Cannonball Adderley

Somethin' Else

Amazon Price: $4.74 (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $8.94

Inspired many young jazz musicians.

Some Other Jazz Versions

of the song Autumn Leaves

" Autumn Leaves " Chet Baker - Paul Desmond
by jiveacid | video info

3,123 ratings | 1,101,597 views
curated content from YouTube

Take Our Poll

Which version of Autumn Leaves is your favorite?

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Purchase the version you love...

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Track Artist Album  
Autumn Leaves Eric Clapton Clapton
Autumn Leaves Eva Cassidy Songbird
Autumn Leaves Oscar Peterson Compact Jazz: Oscar Peterson
Autumn Leaves Roger Williams Roger Williams' Greatest Hits
Autumn Leaves McCoy Tyner Today and Tomorrow
Autumn Leaves Wynton Marsalis Marsalis Standard Time, Vol. 1
Autumn Leaves Chet Atkins A Prairie Home Companion: Duets
Autumn Leaves (Single) Bing Crosby Bing - His Legendary Years 1931-1957 (Box Set)
Autumn Leaves Erroll Garner Concert By the Sea
Autumn Leaves Nat "King" Cole Unforgettable
Autumn Leaves Bill Evans Bill Evans: The Best of Verve

Learn More About The Song Autumn Leaves

Second Hand Songs
For a list of everyone who covered this song.
Piano Music Products Featuring the song "Autumn Leaves"
From Encore Music - for those who want to play the song.
Wikipedia Entry
For general information about the song.
Jazz Standards
Learn about the jazz history of the song.
Second Hand Songs
A list of every recording of Autumn Leaves.

Red Maple on Imagekind

Red Maple

Red Maple available on Imagekind

Thank You For Visiting My Page on the Song "Autumn Leaves"

Which version is your favorite?

  • straw-hut Mar 14, 2012 @ 1:46 am | delete
    So glad I stopped by here. I've always liked Autumn Leaves but never heard of Eva Cassidy. WOW beautiful.
  • Steve_Kaye Feb 10, 2012 @ 12:00 am | delete
    My parents would play the music, as played on a piano. It's beautiful. Thank you for this lens.
  • hughgrissettsr Nov 21, 2011 @ 5:31 pm | delete
    great lens,super song! i love your choices and 3 other versions of autumn leaves, little willie john, the everly brothers, and jo stafford.
  • CURTIS WILLIAMS Nov 21, 2011 @ 4:42 pm | delete
    Cannonball Adderley
  • Jen Apr 5, 2012 @ 3:18 am | delete
    Cannonball Adderley
  • Load More

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kimmanleyort

Mother, wife and photographer who never stops learning. I also love all kinds of music and this song "Autumn Leaves" is a classic.
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