"She's Funny That Way" is a 1928 standard composed by Neil Moret (the pseudonym of Charles N. Daniels) with lyrics by Richard Whiting—himself a noted composer. The lyric originated as a poem Whiting wrote for his wife; a friend recognized its potential as a song and encouraged him to find a composer for the melody.
Set in E♭ major with a 32-bar form, the song has an unusual structure in which each stanza concludes with the same refrain. The melody is warm and singable, and the chord progression supports a wide range of tempos from ballad to medium swing. As a torch song that expresses humble gratitude for being loved despite one's shortcomings, it carries an emotional sincerity that has attracted both vocalists and instrumentalists for nearly a century.
Frank Sinatra's 1944 recording is widely regarded as the definitive vocal version, capturing the song's tender vulnerability with unmatched phrasing. For instrumentalists, Art Tatum's solo piano rendition is considered one of the most perfect jazz recordings ever made—a masterclass in harmonic reimagination and rhythmic invention. Billie Holiday's deeply personal interpretation is another essential recording.
The Real Book (6th Edition)
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