“I imagine an aspiring femme fatale who clumsily falls infatuated with everyone she tries to seduce …”
Not sure how or when I came across this deliciously unassuming masterpiece by the great Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn for the movie Anatomy of a Murder, but my soul is grateful each time I listen to it. From its undefinable title Haupe which has no clear definition to its mysterious melody sans lyrics, this song leaves me in awe and wonder all at once.
I imagine an aspiring femme fatale who clumsily falls infatuated with everyone she tries to seduce, her desire for control weans and turns into complete submission every time. Ultimately the desire to be loved supersedes the desire to defend the barricades of her tender heart.
If I ever feel brave enough to write lyrics, I hope to sing this song one day. Otherwise, I’ll hum it and leave the melody its mystery.
