SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR - Free Jazz Leadsheet

something to live for, written by Duke Ellington with lyrics by Billy Strayhorn in 1939, is a reflective jazz ballad characterized by its rich harmonies and introspective mood. The song stands out for its lyrical and melodic sophistication, typical of Ellington’s compositional style.

The first recording was made by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra in 1939, highlighting the interplay between lush orchestration and poignant solo passages. Later interpretations by vocalists like Sarah Vaughan and instrumentalists including Johnny Hodges helped cement its status as a jazz standard.

The lyrics explore the theme of longing and emotional sustenance through love, while the musical structure often utilizes extended harmonies and a 32-bar form that encourages expressive improvisation.