'Round Midnight (Hendricks)

"'Round Midnight" (sometimes "'Round About Midnight") is a 1944 jazz standard  composed by pianist Thelonious Monk. Cootie Williams has received co-credits for his contributions.

Lyrics were added by JON HENDRICKS:

A pale and lonely moon - Lights the sky in the dark 

Before the dawn - I sit here in my room how I sigh 

For the day that's come and gone  

Another lonely day passes by 

And a new day's coming on  

At midnight Tears I've shed today  

Will pause waiting until tomorrow 

Dreams of what could become close to me 

Timidly - There's a brand new day in sight 

At that time 'round midnight Life's a game of chance  

And you're one of the minor players 

Look for what you love  

The day to come harbours some 

Let your spirit stop the fight  

At that time 'round midnight 

Every day's gonna bring some sadness 

Every day's gonna bring some gladness 

So take what you can of the glad times 

Don't measure your pleasure in nickels and dines 

You better look back on the day 

And you'll know when you've been unhappy 

Fears don't chased away just mighty might have the day 

Let your eyes put out their light - At that time round midnight 

I'll think no more about today 

For in a while this old day will be yesterday 

Alone at midnight here in my room - 

I sit here in the gloom 

And let my dreams take flight - 'Round 'bout midnight

Recordings exist by Carmen McRae (1971), Maria Anadon (1995), Debbie Duncan (2006)