Tag: Arthur Crames

I found a later version of the Arthur lyric, written for Harold Davison, Marion Ryan, Frank Sinatra and their pals – explained here. At first thought that Harold must have requested/made some tweaks.

Then it dawned on me; Harold sent me a recording of Marion Ryan singing the song, so the second version must be my transcription of their tweaked version of the lyric.

It also dawned on me that I might even find the recording somewhere…

…and so I did.

So here is Marion Ryan singing Arthur:

…and here is their slightly tweaked version of the lyric.

ARTHUR
(To the Tune of “Laura”)

VERSE 1

Arthur,
Mr Crames who is sixty now,
Share deals, they just rise, never fall;
Self made, warm-hearted and from Bear Stearns,
But won’t say what he earns,
At all;

VERSE 2

You won’t see Arthur,
On the plane that is passing through,
He likes, beach and pool to be near;
He has the very best meals for you,
So for Arthur,
Let’s all give a big cheer.

…and here (again) is Sinatra singing Laura. Sadly no recording of him singing Arthur:

When Janie and I were first going out with each other, we’d sometimes have Sunday lunch with Kim, Micky, DJ, Gary, Clifford and others. Occasionally Gary’s dad, Harold Davison, would join us.

Harold took an interest in my lyric writing and occasionally asked me to write a lyric for performance at a private party. The lyrics were sometimes to be performed by Harold’s wife, Marion Ryan. Sometimes by Frank Sinatra.

This one was for a banker friend of theirs and I recall it was to be performed by Marion Ryan (although Sinatra had made the song Laura famous, of course).

Harold was most encouraging and more than once said that I should try writing “real lyrics”, reminding me that Sammy Cahn had started by writing spoofs a bit like mine. Flattery will get you everywhere.

On reflection, I suspect that Sammy Cahn (who was very much part of Harold and Marion’s entourage) had been their party lyricist until his untimely demise…around the time Harold started tapping me up for these things…

…still, you can do worse than be the replacement lyricist for Sammy Cahn, even when it is only for private party freebies.

ARTHUR
(To the Tune of “Laura”)

VERSE 1

Arthur,
Mr Crames who is sixty, turns
Share deals, that will rise, never fall;
Self made, warm-hearted and from Bear Stearns,
But won’t say what he earns,
At all;

VERSE 2

You won’t see Arthur,
On the plane that is passing through,
He likes, ranch and beach to be near;
He gave the very best meals to you,
So for Arthur,
Let’s all give a huge cheer.

Postscript

I subsequently found a later version of the Arthur lyric. Then it dawned on me; Harold sent me a recording of Marion Ryan singing the song, so the second version must be my transcription of their tweaked version of the lyric.

It also dawned on me that I might even find the recording somewhere…

…and so I did.

So here is Marion Ryan singing Arthur:

…and here is a link to the their slightly tweaked version of the lyric.

I explained the background to my writing occasional lyrics for the impresario Harold Davison in the piece accompanying one of the lyrics – Arthur.

Now I have also found the covering letter that went with that lyric to Florida:

Harold Davison 23 October 1994

(Boca Raton, Florida address redacted)

Dear Harold

ARTHUR CRAMES SONG

I attach “Arthur” to the tune of “Laura”. It was an interesting request, as it didn’t occur to me when we spoke that the song “Laura” only has about 8 lines to it. Nevertheless, as part of a swinging party I don’t suppose the guests will be looking for complex and lengthy lyrical content.

Do feel free to request changes, rewrites, or a different song if you wish. I actually think that the choice of song is a good one, as it is so well known.

I’m sorry that it has taken me rather a while to get round to having a first stab at an Arthur Crames song for you. As Gary might have told you, I have recently left my safe job with a large firm to set up my own professional advisory business, Z/Yen, with some friends and former colleagues. The initial chaos is now subsiding, so I am able and willing to devote time to the really important things in life, such as the songs.

I hope all is well with you and your and look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely
Ian Harris

enc.