“Fly Me To The Moon”: Frank Sinatra’s Ode to Romance (1964)

Frank Sinatra, the undisputed Chairman of the Board, needed no introduction by 1964. His voice, a smooth blend of power and velvet, had captivated audiences for decades. Yet, with “Fly Me to the Moon,” Sinatra wasn’t content with simply crooning another love song. This 1964 recording, the opening track for his album It Might as Well Be Swing, became a surprising and delightful twist on a song already gaining popularity.

Originally written in 1954 by Bart Howard with the title “In Other Words,” “Fly Me to the Moon” had a more subdued, even melancholic tone. Peggy Lee’s 1960 rendition introduced a brighter feel, but it was Sinatra who truly sent the song soaring, pun intended. His version embraced a swinging, up-tempo beat, a perfect showcase for his charismatic delivery.

The lyrics themselves are a whimsical blend of romantic yearning and playful fantasy. The narrator pleads with his beloved to “Fly Me to the Moon” and “Let me plant a flag on Mars.” While the imagery evokes a futuristic space age, the sentiment remains firmly rooted in love’s desire for escape and adventure with the one you adore. Sinatra’s phrasing leans into this playful duality. He delivers lines like “If life was a bowl of cherries, Oh! Oh! I wouldn’t mind living in space” with a wink and a smile, inviting the listener to share in the lighthearted mood.

“Fly Me to the Moon” became a massive hit, surpassing even the success of the original. Interestingly, the song gained a whole new layer of meaning just five years later when it became the first piece of music ever played on the moon. Buzz Aldrin of the Apollo 11 mission reportedly brought a portable cassette player with him, carrying Sinatra’s version into the lunar landscape.

Whether serenading on Earth or echoing on the moon, “Fly Me to the Moon” endures as a testament to Sinatra’s enduring charisma and the enduring power of a well-crafted song. It’s a reminder that love stories can take flight, reaching for the stars while keeping their feet firmly planted in the melody of our hearts.