THIS CAN'T BE LOVE - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“this can’t be love” was composed by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Lorenz Hart in 1938 for the Broadway musical The Boys from Syracuse. It was first performed by Eddie Albert and Marcy Westcott in the original production. Early popular recordings include Horace Heidt with Larry Cotton and Benny Goodman with Martha Tilton in 1938-1939.

Later versions include recordings by Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and Diana Krall. The lyrics playfully insist that the feelings experienced cannot be love, despite clear romantic attraction. The melody is bright and buoyant, with harmonic structures suitable for both swinging jazz arrangements and traditional theater interpretations.