“Vertigo”, by Billy Eckstine

In a similar vein to Nat King Cole’s “Marnie”, here’s Billy Eckstine‘s recording of “Vertigo”…

The song was written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, who also wrote “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)” for The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956).

I’ve read a couple of claims about the track and its link to Vertigo (1958), but I’m not sure which is the most accurate. As ever, if you have more information, please leave a comment!

1. It was sent to theatre managers as a recording to be played in the lobby or whilst people queued to see the film.
2. Paramount wanted it to be the film’s theme tune, played over the opening credits, with the hope it might become a hit single.

Down to the depths
Up to the heights
Giddy with joy
Crazy with fear
These are my nights

You make me dance
You make me glow
Then you’re like ice
In my paradise
It’s 40 below

This vertigo is driving me insane, my love
This vertigo that has me spinning like a top
Where will it stop?

I wish you would be
Just one way with me
Be warm as you should
Or leave me for good
And let me be free

Your changeable heart
Just tears me apart, you know
As round and around
On this merry-go-round, I go

Vertigo
Vertigo

This vertigo is driving me insane, my love
This vertigo that has me spinning like a top
Where will it stop?

I wish you would be
Just one way with me
Be warm as you should
Or leave me for good
And let me be free

Your changeable heart
Just tears me apart, you know
As round and around
On this merry-go-round, I go

Vertigo
Vertigo

If you want to get hold of a copy of the track, it’s included as a bonus track on the re-release of Eckstine’s 1958 LP “Billy’s Best!“.