It's Not For Me To Say: Lead Sheet / Fake Book
It's Not For Me To Say Sheet Music Preview

It's Not For Me To Say: Lead Sheet / Fake Book

As performed by Johnny Mathis

Item: 35-DS00376697
Digital Download
$3.99
Description

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 1
SKU: 35-DS00376697

More about this title

About the Artist: Johnny Mathis

Johnny Mathis emerged as one of the defining voices of the 1950s and 1960s, bringing a distinctive baritone warmth to the American songbook. His interpretations of jazz and pop standards established a blueprint for vocal delivery that prioritized emotional authenticity and technical control, making his recordings essential listening for singers studying phrasing and dynamic subtlety.

Mathis's influence extends well beyond his chart success. His approach to ballad singing, particularly his mastery of breath placement and legit tone production across an extended range, continues to inform vocal pedagogy in schools and private studios.

Why we love this

This lead sheet captures a masterclass in American songwriting and vocal storytelling. The harmonic language rewards musicians who can hear the song's emotional arc and make deliberate choices about rubato, dynamic shaping, and phrase extension, making it an invaluable resource for jazz ensembles, pop vocal programs, and singers preparing for auditions or performance classes.

What to expect

A gentle, introspective meditation on vulnerability and romantic uncertainty. The melody sits comfortably in a lyrical middle register, inviting singers to focus on tone quality and intimate expression rather than technical display. There's a conversational quality here that rewards restraint.

Who it's for

Vocalists working with jazz or pop repertoire, accompanists building their fake book library, and ensemble directors seeking accessible material for student singers. This lead sheet works equally well for classroom study, solo performance preparation, or small ensemble work.

How to get the most out of it

  • Pay close attention to the lyrical content when shaping phrases. The melody naturally suggests where to breathe and where to sustain, so let the words guide your phrasing rather than fight against the text setting.
  • Explore the harmonic depth by listening closely to how chord changes align with emotional shifts in the narrative. Small adjustments in tone color can highlight these transitions without disrupting the song's flow.
  • If performing with accompaniment, establish the tempo during an intro section and resist the urge to rush during moments of vulnerability. The song rewards patience.

How to use it

Pair this with other standards from the 1950s era to build a unit on American vocal tradition, or feature it as a solo showcase moment in a jazz or cabaret concert. It works well as part of a program exploring different approaches to the same repertoire across generations.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading and interpreting lead sheet notation
  • Vocal phrasing informed by lyrical content
  • Harmonic awareness and chord tone singing
  • Dynamic control and tonal variety in ballad contexts
  • Improvisation and melodic interpretation within a familiar framework

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