Azalea

(Duke Ellington - 1961)

Was such a fine spring day
Down Louisiana way
With fragrance divine
And such magnificent regalia
So fine, Azalea

Oh what a lovely sight
In red and pink and white
Can't help but believe
That nothing evil can assail you
So nice, Azalea

You're at ease on the knees
Of the moss covered trees
Whose tops meet to make a high ceiling
In the church-like pomp
Of a cypress swamp
I've yet to get that same strange feeling

I've got to go back there
And find that blossom fair
I always dream of
'Cause with you, who could be a failure?
My first love, Azalea.

Version to dig: Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, The Great Summit