HOW DEEP IS THE OCEAN - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"how deep is the ocean," composed by Irving Berlin in 1932, is a poignant ballad exploring themes of longing and unrequited love. The song poses a series of heartfelt questions, reflecting a deep emotional vulnerability.

The first recording was made in 1932 by Ruth Etting, capturing the intimate nuance of Berlin's melody in a studio session in New York City. The tune's lyrical simplicity allowed singers to explore personal interpretation and expressive phrasing.

Over the decades, it has been revived by numerous jazz and pop artists, notable for its verse-chorus structure and sweeping, lyrical lines that lend themselves to both intimate performances and lush orchestrations.