I WISH I KNEW - Free Jazz Leadsheet

Composed by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren in 1945 for the film "Diamond Horseshoe", "i wish i knew" was first recorded by Harry James and his Orchestra with Helen Forrest on vocals. The song combines romantic longing with melodic elegance, quickly becoming a standard.

The lyrics reflect uncertainty and desire in matters of love, set to a melody that flows naturally over harmonic shifts suitable for both vocal and instrumental interpretation. Its form allows space for expressive phrasing and jazz improvisation.

Subsequent recordings by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat King Cole helped solidify its status as a widely recognized standard of the era.