Free Jazz Standard Sheet Music Downloads

"Didn't We" is a reflective ballad by American songwriter Jimmy Webb, one of pop music's most celebrated composers, known for "Wichita Lineman," "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," and "MacArthur Park." The song was first recorded by Irish actor-singer Richard Harris for his 1968 debut album A Tramp Shining and released as the B-side to "MacArthur Park."

Written in C major, the song is a bittersweet meditation on a past relationship, with lyrics that look back on shared experiences with tender nostalgia. Webb's melodic writing is characteristically sophisticated, combining a restrained vocal line with rich harmonic underpinning. The form follows a pop verse-chorus structure, but the harmonic palette is colorful enough to invite jazz interpretation. The gentle piano-driven accompaniment allows the melody's emotional nuance to shine through, making it a compelling vehicle for vocalists who can bring subtlety and depth to the material.

Frank Sinatra recorded a notable version on his 1969 album My Way, which helped bring the song to a wider audience. Matt Monro offered a warmly expressive reading on his 1973 album For the Present. Michael Feinstein's tribute album Only One Life: The Songs of Jimmy Webb (2003) also features a tender interpretation that highlights the song's lyrical intimacy.