WHEN DAY IS DONE - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“when day is done” was composed by Robert Katscher, with English lyrics later provided by Gus Kahn. It dates from the late 1920s or early 1930s, and has since become a jazz and pop standard.

Early recordings include orchestral and big-band versions. Over decades, it has been recorded by vocalists and instrumentalists alike, including versions by Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles.

The lyrics reflect a plaintive farewell to daylight and a yearning for rest or reunion. Musically, it features a gently melancholic melody paired with rich, late‑romantic harmonies, making it well-suited for both ballad interpretations and jazz improvisation.