Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: samba
Song Meaning of “These Foolish Things” by Stan Getz
This song, “These Foolish Things,” has long been a classic jazz standard by Stan Getz. The title itself speaks to the irony of the kinds of simple, everyday objects which can have the power to evoke strong feelings and memories from our past. The composer of this song, Eric Maschwitz, was reflecting on his own past relationship with Josette Journet, which ended when she left him in Paris to return to London.
The lyrics hint at his longing for her, as he vividly remembers all the small things that remind him of her–the way she enjoyed her tea, the lace of her dress, the summer skies. As the song says, “Reminders of love that used to be.” He remembers all the little things that she did that made her uniquely her own.
Despite the strong feelings for what they had together, there is a bittersweet resignation in the song. He knows he cannot get back what he once had with her, and he needs to move on. However, he will never forget all the little moments and memories that he shared with her. No matter how time passes or how much he changes, the memories remain of “these foolish things.”