Most of what I attempt on the piano are songs that are known as "Standards". Usually, I choose to play something because the song has two things - a nice melody, something easy to recognize after only hearing it once, maybe easy to hum or play back in one's mind, and a thought provoking lyric. Even though I don't sing, I often have the lyrics in my head while playing.
The Days Of Wine And Roses is one such song. I saw an interview with Jack Lemmon who said that before filming of the movie began, Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer performed the song for the cast, just piano and vocal, kind of casual. Jack said he cried. And shortly after filming was completed, both Jack and Lee Remick sought counseling for alcoholism.
The song is only two compound sentences, but pure genius in the depth of what is being said.
The days of wine and roses laugh and run away like a child at play
Through a meadow land toward a closing door
A door marked "nevermore" that wasn't there before
The lonely night discloses just a passing breeze filled with memories
Of the golden smile that introduced me to
The days of wine and roses and you
Here's my arrangement and humble attempt at yet another voicing of Hank and Johnny's masterpiece.