I'm Gonna Live Till I Die: E-Z Play Today

This arrangement captures a song that became iconic through performances by three legends of mid-century American song. The three-page setting gives pianists enough harmonic and melodic detail to understand the song's bones without overwhelming them, making it ideal for players who want to learn a standard with genuine historical weight.

Optimistic and propulsive, with a conversational melody that sits naturally in a comfortable vocal range. The arrangement captures the casual confidence of singers who've lived in these songs long enough to make them their own, inviting the player to do the same.

Jazz pianists and standard singers looking to add a feel-good classic to their repertoire. Students who want to develop their swing feel and learn how to interpret a melody with character while respecting its harmonic structure.

• Keep the tempo relaxed and conversational; this is a song about living life, not rushing through it. Let the phrasing breathe.
• Pay attention to the articulation and dynamics written into the arrangement. They guide you toward the confident, upbeat character the song demands.
• Balance your left hand accompaniment so the melody remains the clear focal point. The support should feel solid but unobtrusive.
• Practice the chord changes slowly to internalize the harmonic progression. This familiarity will free you to focus on interpretation.

Include this in a jazz standards concert or a salon-style recital where mid-century American song feels at home. It pairs well with other optimistic standards from the same era and works equally well as a solo piano feature or with a vocalist.

• Swing rhythm and syncopation
• Comping figures and harmonic movement
• Jazz phrasing and melodic interpretation
• Left-hand independence in jazz contexts
• Reading jazz notation and chord symbols