Sentimental Journey
“Sentimental Journey” is a popular American song with music by Les Brown and Ben Homer and lyrics by Bud Green. It was composed in 1944 and has since become a well-known and enduring standard in American music.
The lyrics of “Sentimental Journey” convey a sense of nostalgia and a longing for a return to a place of sentimental significance. The song tells the story of someone who is anticipating a journey back to a cherished place and the happiness that such a return will bring. The opening lines, “Gonna take a sentimental journey, gonna set my heart at ease,” set the tone for a song filled with emotions of joy and longing.
The song became strongly associated with the end of World War II, as it was performed by Les Brown and His Band of Renown and became a favorite of the troops returning home. The song’s upbeat and optimistic quality made it an anthem of reunion and celebration.
“Sentimental Journey” has been widely recorded and performed by various artists in different musical styles, including big band and traditional pop. Notable versions include those by Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald, among others.
The song remains a cherished and timeless piece of American music, known for its themes of nostalgia and the joy of returning to a place that holds sentimental value. It continues to be appreciated as a classic standard in the Great American Songbook.