Released in 1964, 'Fly Me To The Moon' is one of Frank Sinatra's most iconic songs, famously arranged by Quincy Jones. Originally written by Bart Howard in 1954, it became a standard in jazz and pop music, often associated with romance and longing. The song gained cultural significance after being played during Apollo 10 in 1969, making it an emblem of the space age. With its simple yet profound lyrics, it provides an excellent opportunity for learners to explore imperative structures in a musical context.
Lyrics
Fly Me To The Moon — Frank Sinatra
English
Fly me to the Moon
Let me play among the stars
Let me see what spring is like
On Jupiter and Mars
In other words
Hold my hand
In other words
Baby, kiss me
Fill my heart with song
And let me sing forevermore
You are all I long for
All I worship and adore
In other words
Please, be true
In other words
I love you
Grammar
What you learn from this song
Imperative / Imperativo
The imperative mood is used to give commands, requests, or instructions. In English, it often omits the subject, making it direct. Learning this structure helps English learners communicate requests succinctly.
'Fly me to the Moon' — A direct request for someone to take the speaker to the Moon.
'Let me play among the stars' — Another imperative that asks for permission to engage in a joyful activity.
'Hold my hand' — A gentle command expressing a desire for closeness and connection.
Fun facts
Did you know?
Frank Sinatra's version of 'Fly Me To The Moon' topped the Billboard charts and became a quintessential love song, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the music industry.
The song was originally titled 'In Other Words' and was first recorded by Kaye Ballard in 1954 before becoming popular through Sinatra's rendition.
In 1969, 'Fly Me To The Moon' was the first song played on the moon by astronauts during the Apollo 10 mission, linking it to a historic event in space exploration.
Sinatra's arrangement, featuring a swinging jazz feel, reflects the influence of the big band era, showcasing his ability to adapt to contemporary styles while maintaining classic appeal.
The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Tony Bennett and Diana Krall, each bringing their own interpretation to the beloved classic.
For students
Why learn English with this song?
Learning from 'Fly Me To The Moon' is beneficial due to its clear pronunciation and straightforward vocabulary, making it accessible for intermediate learners. The repetitive nature of the lyrics reinforces memory retention while introducing romantic expressions. Additionally, the simple imperative phrases provide practical examples for everyday conversation.
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