The Meaning Behind The Song: What a Diff’rence a Day Makes by Dinah Washington
“What a Diff’rence a Day Makes” by Dinah Washington is a song that has stood the test of time. Originally composed in Spanish as “Cuando vuelva a tu lado” (“When I Return to Your Side”) by Mexican songwriter Maria Grever, it was later translated into English and popularized by Washington in 1959. It is a song that evokes the notion that in just one day, everything can change.
The song itself speaks to the transformation that one can experience in a short amount of time. It touches on the theme of heartbreak, lost love, and the idea that one day you could be lost, but the next day, everything could be different.
The Lyrics
The opening lines of the song set the stage for what’s to come:
What a diff’rence a day made
Twenty-four little hours
Brought the sun and the flowers
Where there used to be rain
The first verse suggests that the singer was in a dark place. However, over the course of just one day, things have changed. The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and the rain has disappeared.
Throughout the song, Washington continues to explore the idea of transformation and renewal:
My yesterday was blue, dear
Today I’m a part of you, dear
My lonely nights are through, dear
Since you said you were mine
These lyrics reflect the idea that one’s fortunes can change just as quickly as the weather. Yesterday may have been blue, but today, everything is different. The singer has found love, and as a result, her “lonely nights are through.”
One of the most notable aspects of the song is its simplicity. The lyrics are easy to follow, and the message is straightforward. However, it is this simplicity that has made “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes” a timeless classic.
The Music
The music of “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes” is as powerful as the lyrics. The song is set to a slow, languid beat that underscores the theme of transformation.
The song starts with a gentle guitar riff, which is then joined by the horns and a steady drumbeat. The instrumentation is understated, allowing Washington’s powerful voice to take center stage.
Washington’s singing is almost conversational, as if she is sharing a secret with the listener. As she sings the words, “My yesterday was blue, dear,” she sounds sad and heartbroken. However, as the song progresses, her tone becomes more upbeat and joyful.
The music and lyrics of “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes” work together seamlessly to create a powerful emotional journey for the listener.
FAQs
1. Who else has covered this song?
Over the years, “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes” has been covered by various artists, including Sarah Vaughan and Tony Bennett. In addition, there have been numerous instrumental versions of the song, ranging from jazz to easy listening.
2. What makes this song timeless?
The song’s simplicity and universal theme of transformation have helped it to stand the test of time. The lyrics are easy to understand, and the melody is easy to hum along with. What’s more, the song speaks to a universal human experience – the idea that things can change in an instant, for better or for worse.
3. What inspired the song’s original composition?
The song was originally composed in Spanish by Mexican songwriter Maria Grever. The inspiration for the song is said to have come from a difficult breakup she experienced. The original Spanish title of the song was “Cuando vuelva a tu lado” (“When I Return to Your Side”), which captures the theme of heartbreak and separation.
4. What was Dinah Washington’s legacy?
Dinah Washington was a hugely talented singer who achieved fame during the 1950s and 1960s. She is considered one of the greatest vocalists in the history of American music. Washington had an extensive career, recording over 200 albums during her lifetime. She was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.
5. What is the key message of the song?
The key message of the song is that things can change in an instant. The lyrics suggest that in just one day, everything can be different. The song speaks to the idea of transformation and renewal, and the hope that comes with it.
6. What style of music is “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes”?
The song is often classified as a jazz standard, but it also incorporates elements of R&B and pop music. Washington’s vocals are soulful and powerful, giving the song a distinctive style.
7. What other songs did Dinah Washington record?
Dinah Washington had an extensive career, recording over 200 albums during her lifetime. Some of her most well-known songs include “Unforgettable,” “This Bitter Earth,” and “Mad About the Boy.”
8. What was the reaction to “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes” when it was first released?
The song was a commercial and critical success when it was first released in 1959. It reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned Washington a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance. The song helped to cement Washington’s status as a superstar in the music industry.
9. What has been the song’s cultural impact?
“What a Diff’rence a Day Makes” has become a staple of American pop culture. It has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials over the years. What’s more, the song has been covered by dozens of artists, cementing its status as a timeless classic.
10. What’s the meaning of the song’s refrain: “What a diff’rence a day makes?”
The refrain is a simple yet powerful statement that speaks to the idea of transformation. It suggests that in just one day, everything can change – the weather, our fortunes, and our relationships. The refrain underscores the importance of living in the moment and cherishing the opportunities that come our way.
11. What is the song’s structure?
The song has a simple structure consisting of an opening verse, a refrain, and two additional verses. The song follows a standard verse-chorus-verse format, with the refrain serving as the chorus. The simplicity of the song’s structure allows Washington’s powerful vocals and the song’s message to shine through.
12. What is the overall message of the song?
The overall message of the song is one of hope and renewal. The lyrics suggest that even in the darkest of times, things can change for the better. The song speaks to the idea that we should cherish every moment and embrace the opportunities that come our way.
