“I Left My Heart in San Francisco” is a classic American standard, written in 1953 by George Cory (music) and Douglass Cross (lyrics) and first published in 1954. Made world‑famous by Tony Bennett’s 1962 recording, it has become an enduring love letter to a city and to the feeling of longing for a place that still feels like home.

This recording is part of my Piano playlist themed “Between the Wars” and its surrounding decades: a collection of early‑to‑mid 20th‑century songs and standards, reimagined as intimate solo piano pieces. The focus is on melody, harmony, and atmosphere rather than big arrangements—music for quiet listening, reflection, studying, or late‑night moments.

In my interpretation of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” I lean into the song’s nostalgic, cinematic character. Instead of a full big‑band or vocal performance, everything is reduced to a single piano, as if you were hearing someone play it alone in an empty hotel bar after midnight.

1.) Melody & feel
The iconic opening line and the wide, upward leaps in the melody are kept very clear and vocal. I treat the tune almost like a sung monologue: flexible rubato, slight hesitations before important notes, and soft dynamic swells on the emotional peaks. The aim is to capture both the grandeur of the city and the quiet, personal ache of missing it.

2.) Harmony & piano sound
Harmonically, I stay true to the original standard, but use gentle reharmonizations and modern voicings—added 9ths, 6ths, and inner lines—to bring out a warm, slightly jazz‑tinged color. The left hand alternates between steady, walking‑style broken chords and more sustained, orchestral voicings, while the right hand carries the melody like a voice. The piano sound is close and intimate, as if you are sitting right next to the instrument.

3.) Mood & use
This version is meant to feel both romantic and reflective: a quiet postcard from the West Coast at dusk. It works as soft background music for reading, studying, or relaxing, but it also rewards focused listening if you want to follow the harmonic and dynamic nuances.

I Left My Heart In San Francisco 1954

"Hunk of Junk" has been written in a digital 4-track collaboration in February 2024. I started with the guitar track, SPH recorded the organ, Cheslain lyrics and vocals and Mt. Mélodie added drum track and mixed everything. When I started this song, I had no idea how it would turn out, and I am very grateful for the additions and the final mixdown. 

Nadine de Macedo: guitars
SPH: organ
Cheslain: vocals, lyrics
Mt. Mélodie: programming, production

Cover design: Nadine de Macedo
Photography: Travelerchitect / Pexels

Where to find us:
https://nadinedemacedo.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/sphk
https://mtmelodie.bandcamp.com

==== LYRICS ====

Been driving forever 
On this endless highway 
Cities gone past 
Towns left behind 

Crossed over the horizon 
So many times, yeah 
Scenery flying by the window 

My hands are wet on the wheel 
My foot is cramping on the pedal 
My eyes are weary from staring 
At the cone of my headlights 

It's been scorching hot 
It's been freezing cold 
I've had the sun in my eyes 
And the moon shine on my hood 

Will I ever get home? 
Will this road ever end? 
Purgatory of tarmac 
I feel like I've done my time 

My hands are wet on the wheel 
My foot is cramping on the pedal 
My eyes are weary from staring 
At the cone of my headlights 

Hunk of junk don't you fail me now 
Hunk of junk don't you fail me now 
Hunk of junk don't you fail me now 
Hunk of junk don't you fail me now 

Miles gone, miles left to go 
Miles gone, miles left to go 
Miles gone, miles left to go 
Miles gone, miles left to go 

My hands are wet on the wheel 
My foot is cramping on the pedal 
My eyes are weary from staring 
At the cone of my headlights 

Hunk of junk don't fail me now

Hunk of Junk (Don't Fail Me Now)

This was a minor hit by David Soul (1943-2024) somewhat 40 odd years ago.  In fact I covered this a couple of years back but I was not happy with the vocals and the recording was put aside.  Lately I decided to give it another try and reworked the whole thing with an altered arrangement.  Just see what you think about it.
Thanks for stopping by.

[CREDITS]
Composition - Tony Macaulay
Vocals / Arrangement / Programming - Michael C. Lynn
E. Guitar (solo & fill-ins) – Shannon Forest @Band_in_a_Box
Baritone Guitar – Brent Mason @Band_in_a_Box

[LYRICS]
They say maybe dreams are only movies of the mind
 Still I've lived a few
 I'm not a star
 Though in some ways I've made it
 But all these nights away is gonna lose me you
 Thought a lot about it in these back stage rooms
 And I'd leave it all, if you want me to

 #CHORUS#
Some nights, God knows I'll miss the music
 I'll miss the crowds that call my name
 I'd find contentment now
 If I thought you'd just hang' on
 Playing to an audience of one
 
Some nights, God knows it won't be easy
 I'll feel the lights I'll hear the sound
 I'll find a piece in me
 Cuddled up when the evening's done
 Sometimes playing to my audience of one

 
The endless driving, midnight arriving
 The sleeping when you can
 Still worth it somehow just for that lift
 you get when you walk on
 But just to call you up some nights between the shows
 To say "Good-night I miss you" ain't enough I know
 So I'd leave it all if you tell me so
 

I'll find a piece in me
 Cuddled up when the evening's done
 Playing to my audience of one
 Sometimes playing to my audience of one.

Repeat CHORUS

Covers

Playing to An Audience of One   (Cover)

Rozabella

The words behind this song of ABBA is very different to the title, which is very appropriate during this years Olympic Games.
So I was tempted to create this instrumental cover.
Hope you enjoy the experience.

The Winner Takes It All-tribute to ABBA

Mix/Master: Woods Studio

Additional vocals: Fog City Fogey

LYRIC
In the dreams I dream about you 
We’ve always time to spare 
And it seems like you’re about to
Tell me that you care

It’s the loneliest of feelings
To wake in the cold dawn
And the dream is gone
The dream is gone

Ah ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
When the morning arrives
With its first sunbeam
I go where the day takes me
But at night I can dream

In the dreams I dream there’s times when
Rain falls down in sheets
I can’t find a door to step in
As I walk the empty streets

Then you’re there to offer shelter
As you hold a raincoat wide
And I fold inside 
I fold inside 
Your raincoat wide

Ah ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
I lay down my head
And my heart pumps away
My body needs rest 
But my brain wants to play
It’s the world of the past
Sent out in a stream
I may be an old man 
But I can still dream
I can still dream
The dreams I dream

The Dreams I Dream

If You Only Had A Minute

Little Flower

Not Gonna Fall For That

Bits

Gibran Alcocer - idea 25

I had something inside that must fly free.
NeoClassical
Modern Classical
Soundtrack
OST
BSO
Not Quite Classical
And ….  Prog rock. 

https://youtube.com/channel/UCFn6yvzY1gKi7lheBTK-Ftw
@TheBirdInside

If You Only Had A Minute

The Bird Inside