We all love autumn with its snappy weather, beautiful colors, and its distinct aroma. Beautiful sentiment to the whole experience of fall is poignant with the song that Yves Montand introduced as “Les Feuilles Mortes” in the 1946 film Les Portes De La Nuit, a gloomy drama set in post-World War II Paris. Although Les Portes De La Nuit was a commercial failure, it fared much better when released in the United States several years later under the title Gates of the Night.

Composers Joseph Kosma and Jacques Prevert created the song and in 1949 Johnny Mercer wrote English lyrics for the tune changing the original French title to “Autumn Leaves” from the original meaning of Dead Leaves. Jo Stafford was the first to record this song with its new title. In 1955, pianist Roger William recorded it as a million-seller, number one hit rendition of the song that stayed on the charts for 6 months. That opened the door for many singers to follow using the same or different renditions sung even to this day. The words are beautiful stirring many thoughts and memories:

The falling leaves drift by the window
The autumn leaves of red and gold
I see your lips, the summer kisses
The sun-burned hands I used to hold

Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I’ll hear old winter’s song
But I miss you most of all my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall