WHAT'LL I DO - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“what'll i do” is a song by Irving Berlin, published in 1923. It has been widely embraced in the jazz world and beyond.

While the song was first introduced in sheet music form, many early recordings followed, including popular versions by Paul Whiteman and Al Jolson. In the jazz idiom it has been recorded by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra.

The lyrics express a wistful longing for a lost love and the emptiness that remains. Berlin’s melody is simple yet profoundly expressive, supported by harmonies that allow for both lyrical singing and jazz improvisation.