Gloomy Sunday

this a old suicide song.

This is one of the saddest songs I've ever heard.....I originally heard Sarah McClaughlin (sp?) sing it, and liked that version better. Sarah Vaughn also has a version.
They say that lots of folks killed themselves while playing this song...the creator didn't intend for it to become a suicide song...just upset after a breakup. There's more info if u do a search about it.

Actually, the original version of this was sung by the great Lady Day, Billie Holiday. She had the most soulful, bluesy voice that could make you cry after just a note. In her version though, those last three lines aren't in it. It just ends with Gloomy Sunday.

Also, the song was banned from radios when it came out because of the 'immoral implications.' It was even called the Suicide Song.

Yes, this was written in the late 1800's and was really depressing. Broadcasting stations wouldn't play the song because it was so depressing. Many killed themselves. In the original version, there is no third verse, but after so many committed suicide w/ this song, the writer added it to make it less heavy . . . which is sad, becuz it was beautiful and meaningful w/o this ending. The writer ended up killin himself, and this song is so depressing, I absolutely love it. And yes, the first person to really sing this publicly was Billie Holiday, though tons have done covers of this song.

yes i read in a book that this song was written in the late 1800's and that it is one of those mystery songs, it has the power to make me sad and become depressed many have commit suicide to/afterlistening to this song, it has that effect, which makes me wonder why so many people decided to cover it

http://www.snopes2.com/music/songs/gloomy.htm

This is where you can find out more about this song. I love Sara McLachlan.. and I think she has done justice to this song...Bjork's is interesting to say the least, and not to demean Sarah Brightman's gorgeous voice, but I think her version falls flat of emotion. None compare to Billie Holiday though. Anyhow. It is a lovely song. :)

http://www.angelfire.com/ks/gloomysunday/inENG.html

Another addition to my previous post. The page owner did a decent job on it, and there are some photos of the composer on there as well as the history and lyrics. This is a Hungarian site, but has english translation.

i love billy holidays version...i dont think anybody can top it.

I've heard like 4 or 5 different people sing this song (Billie Holiday, Sarah McLachlan, Heather Nova, and Bjork) I've even heard this song sung in German. But I really feel like Bjork puts the most feeling into it when she sings it so she wins. It's a terribly tragic song. So beautiful.

You all should check out the movie, Gloomy Sunday, as well.