The true magnificence of jazz music, whether it’s bebop or big band or swing, lies in the fact that it can bring out something different in a listener every time they hear it. When you look at some of the pioneers and mainstays of the genre, you realise that they weren’t just great bandleaders and musicians, a lot of them were great lyricists as well, or could at least bring out their songwriters’ intentions in the best, most magical way possible.

On that note (pun intended), here are some of the most beautiful jazz lyrics.