Published 1962 Lyricist(s) Sammy Cahn | Composer(s) Jimmy Van Heusen | |
"Call Me Irresponsible" is a 1962 song composed by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics written by Sammy Cahn.
According to the Mel Tormé book The Other Side of the Rainbow with Judy Garland on the Dawn Patrol, Van Heusen originally wrote the song for Garland to sing at a CBS dinner. At that time, Garland had just signed to do The Judy Garland Show on CBS, and the intent of the song was to parody her well-known problems. Garland later sang the song on the seventh episode of the show.
However, in 1988, Sammy Cahn said during an interview with freelance writer Harlan Conti, in San Francisco, that the song was originally written for Fred Astaire to sing in the film Papa's Delicate Condition in which Astaire was to star. Cahn personally auditioned the song for Astaire's approval, which was given. However, Astaire's contractual obligations prevented him from making the film and the role went to Jackie Gleason, who introduced the song. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 36th Academy Awards held in 1964.
Frank Sinatra's recording, from his 1963 album Sinatra's Sinatra, is perhaps the most celebrated version. However, the single by Jack Jones (Kapp 0062) was a radio hit.
Cahn is said to have had a particular satisfaction in the number of five-syllable words in the lyrics of "Call Me Irresponsible".
Andy Williams released a version of the song on his 1964 album The Academy Award-Winning "Call Me Irresponsible" and Other Hit Songs from the Movies.
Harry James released a version in 1981 on his album For Listening And Dancing (Reader's Digest RD4A 213).
Gloria Estefan released her cover of the song on some editions of her 2013 album The Standards.
1960s radio advertisements for the Sands Hotel used the song, with revised lyrics touting the hotel's reservation agent ("Call her / She's responsible" etc.)