27 Best Songs From 1953
Despite world war 2 still being fresh on people’s minds in 1953, there was no shortage of new music. The popular tunes of the decade actually showcased the spirit of a changing world.
Check out some of the top songs from 1953 that reflects times long since gone, but emotions that remain evergreen.
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“The Song from Moulin Rouge” by Percy Faith’s Orchestra, vocals by Felicia Sanders
Song Year: 1953
This song has multiple names, including “It’s April Again” and “Where is Your Heart”. The song first debuted in the 1952 film Moulin Rouge.
The most popular song of 1953 was the version recorded by Percy Faith’s orchestra. Many versions were recorded around the time and later, but this version stayed on the charts for half of the year.
While the words ‘Where is your heart?’ are not said in the original version, they become a frequent refrain in the most popular version made by Faith.
“Vaya con Dios” by Les Paul & Mary Ford
Song Year: 1953
Translated to ‘May God be with you’ or ‘Go with God’, “Vaya con Dios” is one of the best Western songs of all time. Written by Inez James, Larry Russell, and Buddy Pepper, it ruled the charts for weeks, remaining there for 31 weeks.
A song of gentle farewells and reluctant partings, the pain and longing are tangible in this moving song.
“(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window?” by Patti Page
Song Year: 1953
This adorable song had several titles, from “The Doggie in the Window” to “How Much is that Doggie in the Window!”
Schoolchildren fell in love with the chipper tune, and a wave of puppy fever besieged the nation. The American Kennel Club reported that their annual registrations spiked by eight percent.
“I'm Walking Behind You” by Eddie Fisher
Song Year: 1953
The history of this song involves love being lost. The original version of the song was recorded by British singer Dorothy Squires, former lover of Billy Reid, who composed “I’m Walking Behind You”. Reid wrote the song when he learned that Squires had begun a relationship with actor Roger Moore.
The lyrics of the song are about a former lover approaching an ex-lover on their wedding day. Eddie Fisher recorded the version that became a chart-topper in the United States.
“You, You, You” by Ames Brothers
Song Year: 1953
In this toe-tapper, the Ames brothers croon to the listener that they are destined to be loved and cherish one another. A straightforward, sweet song, it has a timeless charm that rings true to this day.
The original song was in German, with lyrics written by Walter Rothenberg. The English lyrics were written by Robert Mellin. The Ames Brothers recorded their version with Hugo Winterhalter’s orchestra and chorus.
“Till I Waltz Again with You” by Teresa Brewer
Song Year: 1953
Despite the name of this song, it is not a waltz at all. This song can be danced to, however, just as more of a two-step, four-count shuffle.
The singer commands their lover to keep the faith until they reunite once more. The singer promises to do the same, pledging to hold onto their devotion and passion as strongly as it burns at the moment that they speak.
“April in Portugal” by Les Baxter
Song Year: 1953
Also named “The Whisp’ring Serenade” and “Coimbra”, this song was originally written in Portuguese. Many versions of this song that gained popularity are instrumentals or are recorded with English lyrics that don’t relate to the original concept of the song.
The version Les Baxter sang was about finding a spring romance in Portugal, only for his lover to say that like the spring giving way to summer, their love was as transient as dreams themselves.
Spring, so goes the song, is a season that fools the senses into hope even as it ushers in showers of tears.
Eartha Kitt also recorded a cover of this song.
“No Other Love” by Perry Como
Song Year: 1953
“No Other Love” is a show tune from Rodgers and Hammerstein's film Me and Juliet. A smooth tango, the song got recorded for the air by Perry Como.
The film is a musical following the production of a fictional musical. An assistant stage manager courts a chorus girl much to the chagrin of her beau.
“Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes” by Perry Como
Song Year: 1953
The iconic country song “Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes” is about a lover asking the object of his affection to stay focused on their relationship and not get distracted by others. The singer frets that the mystic allure of night and the distance separating them will enchant the lovers to stray.
“I Believe” by Frankie Laine
Song Year: 1953
“I Believe” made history as the first hit song ever introduced on television. It was commissioned by Jane Froman for her television show and subsequently shown on her show.
She was looking to promote positive feelings such as faith and hope in the wake of the Korean war and looked to songwriters Irvin Abraham, Jack Mendelsohn, Al Stillman, and Ervin Drake to write a piece for her program.
Italian-American Frankie Lane’s version of the song spent eighteen weeks at number one on the British charts and spent ten weeks on the charts in the US.
