A FLOWER IS A LOVESOME THING - Free Jazz Leadsheet

'A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing' was composed by Billy Strayhorn in 1941. Its first recording was by Strayhorn’s own orchestra, highlighting his lyrical approach to harmony and a sensitivity that blends melodic storytelling with rich jazz textures.

Subsequent recordings by Duke Ellington, Johnny Hartman, and other jazz luminaries have emphasized the song’s elegance and lyrical sophistication, often using it as a reflective interlude or a contrasting mood within larger performances.

The song's melody is delicate yet expressive, weaving through harmonically complex structures that allow musicians to explore subtle interplay between rhythm and melodic phrasing. Its lyrical theme celebrates beauty, tenderness, and the fleeting nature of love and life.