[Monday Notes No. 184] Didn’t We is a song composed in 1968 by Jimmy Webb, a highly refined songwriter who composes both the lyrics and music for his songs. Many singers and musicians have performed this song, so I chose my three favourite versions and tried to compare them. To begin with, let’s listen to Dionne Warwick and her interpretation of Didn’t We.
The singer is known for her superb interpretations of Burt Bacharach’s songs, but Jimmy Webb’s Didn’t We is a song that suits her equally well. Before researching and discovering the author, I actually thought the piece might be by Burt Bacharach, as the two composers have some characteristics in common: the frequent use of sus chords, the perfect proportion of the melodies, and lyrics that fit the music perfectly. So let’s take a closer look at some aspects of Didn’t We.
Didn’t we – harmony, melody and lyrics
Didn’t We has an ABAC form, with part C repeating and expanding on section B. From a harmonic point of view, the piece is rather simple. I have highlighted the I degree Ab, II degree Bbm, and V degree Eb7 chords on the score. They are all very predictable chords, nothing original or surprising.
In section B, the piece modulates to the relative minor key of F minor, then touches on the IV degree Db and returns to the II degree Bbm7. The only unexpected chord, unrelated to the starting scale, is Gbmaj7.
While the harmony is solid but predictable, the melody is effective and extremely elegant. The song opens with a descending arpeggio on the words “this time we”. Then the melody gradually rises, diatonically, over the next three bars.
The following phrase also begins with a descending arpeggio, and again gradually ascends. These phrases have a truly extraordinary beauty and balance.
The lyrics are also very well done. They tell the story of a love affair that was almost perfect, just like a song with all the right notes and perfectly rhyming lyrics.
The song does not provide details of this love story, merely suggesting that despite everything going well, the love affair has ended. It is a song full of melancholy, expressing regret for a love story that has run its course.
Let’s now see how different performers interpret this song, each in their own unique way. After Dionne Warwick, we will listen to Frank Sinatra and trumpeter Art Farmer.
Didn’t we – the interpretations of Frank Sinatra and Art Farmer
While Dionne Warwick sings at the top of her voice and fills every space, Frank Sinatra sings in a more intimate way, leaving empty spaces. We can therefore hear melodic instruments duetting with him, in particular the saxophone at the beginning (1’10’“) and the violin a little later (2’20”’).
What differences do you notice, and how do they affect the song? The lyrics talk about a love affair that has ended, but they are open to different interpretations; they don’t say much.
Well, when I listen to Frank Sinatra, I hear a disappointed lover, but one who will probably move on and seek new love. Dionne Warwick, on the other hand, does not seem resigned at all: she is angry and is not willing to let it go. She will face the problems and perhaps manage to take her relationship “to the moon”, as the lyrics of the song say.
Now let’s listen to an instrumental version of Didn’t We, performed by trumpeter Art Farmer. His muted trumpet has such sweetness that it seems to speak of a wonderful, endless love rather than a love that has ended. Obviously, without lyrics, it’s easier to fantasise and imagine the story we prefer!
However, his interpretation is also very melancholic. The trumpeter certainly knew the lyrics of the song well, and wanted to go along with them and express them, even without words.
To those reading my article, I would like to ask: which version of Didn’t We moves you the most? Also, which one do you think is most suited to the lyrics of the song? You can leave your comments in the section at the bottom of the page. Thank you in advance!
Lovely song to begin the morning. Enjoyed all 3 versions – hard to pick a winner.
Thank you for this.
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“Didn’t We” was composed by Jimmy Webb, not Jimmy Smith. A minor technicality… Jeez.
Of course he is! Thanks for the correction. I don’t know when Jimmy Webb became Jimmy Smith—possibly this happened during the translation from the original Italian article into the English version. Thank you very much!