I could say Bella! Bella!

I've been distracted by projects, performances, and a dream I had recently. The sound track to the dream came from an old friend (who we tragically lost a few years ago) playing a recording of this old tune. So it's been living in my head the last few days, reminding me of him and other, wordless, bittersweet things, evoking sun-drenched spaces and some kind of sad yearnings.

Bei mir bist du schoen,
please let me explain
Bei mir bist du schoen
means that you're grand

Bei mir bist du schoen,
Once more I'll explain
It means that my heart's
at your command

I could say bella, bella,
even say wunderbar
Each language only helps me tell you
just how grand you are

I've tried to explain
bei mir bist du schoen
So kiss me, and
say you understand

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My favorite version is recorded as a vigorous swing tune, jazzier than the original. I've been playing it for days.
http://www.fiddlegarden.net/recordings.html


Then I had to go searching for clips. A few on YouTube, here in reverse order of age.

A slightly jazzier, modern version that I really like. They are so good!
Ariela Morgenstern, Darla Wigginton and Lara Bruckmann with Inara Morgenstern on piano.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8--9-LCJ14

Classic, but without the intensity I prefer.
The Andrew Sisters - Bei Mir Bist Di Schoen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzlfcQ6E_RE

In the original Yiddish, apparently by a famous Polish singer. Really lovely.
Leo Marjane - Bei mir bist du schön (Secunda), 1938
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gtQDdquhwI

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