(This article contains references to suicide)

Are you a singer looking for a hauntingly beautiful torch song with a rich history to add to your repertoire? Look no further than “Gloomy Sunday,” also known as Szomorú Vasárnap in Hungarian.

Originally composed by Hungarian pianist and composer Rezső Seress in 1933, the song’s original lyrics were titled “Vége a világnak” (The world is ending) and were about the despair caused by war. However, it was the later lyrics by poet László Jávor, titled Szomorú Vasárnap (Sad Sunday), that became more popular and enduring. Jávor’s lyrics tell the story of a person mourning the loss of their lover and the deep feelings of sadness and despair that follow. The melody is slow and melancholic, creating an atmosphere that is both eerie and beautiful.

But it’s not just the haunting melody and tragic lyrics that make “Gloomy Sunday” stand out in this history of music in the 20th century. The legends surrounding the song have captured the public’s imagination for decades. According to popular myth, the song is so powerful it drove a number of people to take their own lives, leading it to be known commonly as the “Hungarian Suicide Song.” The BBC even banned Billie Holiday’s version of the song from being broadcast during wartime, fearing it would be detrimental to morale. The ban was only lifted in 2002.

Despite the myth surrounding the song, it has become a favorite of many singers who appreciate its depth and emotional impact. Billie Holiday’s 1941 version of the song is widely considered one of the best, and it has influenced countless other artists who have covered the song over the years, including Ray Charles, Serge Gainsbourg, Marianne Faithful, Elvis Costello, Sinead O’Conner, Sarah McLachlan and Björk.

As a singer, tackling “Gloomy Sunday” requires a great deal of emotional depth and control. The slow tempo and mournful melody can be challenging to deliver without losing the audience’s attention. But with the right focus on the lyrics and an understanding of the nuances of the melody and phrasing, you can create a powerful and moving performance.

In our selection, we offer two versions of the song: one in the original key with an added coda, which was likely added to soften the tragic sentiments of the work, and an alternative version presented in the key sung by the one and only Katalin Karády (and omiting the coda).

If you’re ready to take on one of the most powerful torch songs in history, add “Gloomy Sunday” to your repertoire and let the haunting melody and tragic lyrics capture the hearts of your audience, and don’t forget to show us if you happen to make a video of yourself performing this epic composition. TikTok and Instagram reels are available for duetting.

Other notable performances include this modern rendition by Hungarian singer Margit Bangó, who deploys the spine-tingling sound of traditional Hungarian instrument – the cimbalom – to accompany her heart rending performance.

Lyrics