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Pink Martini — Hang On Little Tomato
Album: Hang on Little Tomato
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2315









Released: 2004
Length: 3:12
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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The sun has left and forgotten me
It's dark, I cannot see
Why does this rain pour down
I'm gonna drown
In a sea
Of deep confusion

Somebody told me, I don't know who
Whenever you are sad and blue
And you're feelin' all alone and left behind
Just take a look inside and you'll find

You gotta hold on, hold on through the night
Hang on, things will be all right
Even when it's dark


And not a bit of spark
Sing-song sunshine from above
Spreading rays of sunny love

Just hang on, hang on to the vine
Stay on, soon you'll be divine
If you start to cry, look up to the sky
Something's coming up ahead
To turn your tears to dew instead

And so I hold on to his advice
When change is hard and not so nice
You listen to your heart the whole night through
Your sunny someday will come one day soon to you
Comments (261)add comment
There's a lovely Fats Waller feel going on here
Posted 1 month ago by drews    [ Reply ]
 rheckel wrote:

What a great album (and song) title! From one gardener to others....




I  Agree!  GREAT TUNE!   PS: I like Jersey (Rutgers) , Reynoldsburg (Ohio), & grape tomatoes.
Posted 3 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
What a great album (and song) title! From one gardener to others....
Posted 7 months ago by rheckel    [ Reply ]
A blissfully sublime ditty! Thank you RP!
Posted 7 months ago by spetrie    [ Reply ]
Could swear that was Zooey Deschanel singing.
Posted 8 months ago by Dogleg5    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of The Singing Detective
Posted 9 months ago by MrDill    [ Reply ]
Whar a very nice, beautiful picture!
Posted 1 year ago by Pitjes    [ Reply ]
Comfortable!!!! Lovely! 
Posted 1 year ago by SJMcCulloch    [ Reply ]
Bill is being really loquacious today, I AM entertained! Also, this is not the kinda stuff, I listen to, but it's a great diversion. love it.
Posted 1 year ago by sajitjacob    [ Reply ]
 ciarataylor wrote:

It's lovely clean and happy.  Good clarinet beautiful vocals.  Just a lovely song.



yes, and i love the title, too. 
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
So nice to be home in Lake Wobegone again.
Posted 1 year ago by Cueburned    [ Reply ]
 joejennings wrote:



I Agree!!  RP has only 2 tunes by them on the playlist. PLEASE ADD MORE TUNES!!  Thank You!


Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 garydgould wrote:

More Pink Martini please




I Agree!!  RP has only 2 tunes by them on the playlist. PLEASE ADD MORE TUNES!!  Thank You!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 Harry_Tuttle_99 wrote:

Another RP discovery! Thanks, Bill :)




I Agree!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
One of the first "adult" movies I watched had a heavily-repeated instrumental  soundtrack of--or very similar to--this.
Sadly, I can never hear this song in the spirit intended by the artist.
Posted 2 years ago by Emperors_Spork    [ Reply ]
More Pink Martini please
Posted 2 years ago by garydgould    [ Reply ]
Another RP discovery! Thanks, Bill :)
Posted 2 years ago by Harry_Tuttle_99    [ Reply ]
On the day after a mass shooting in an elementary school, Bill's playlist just hits different. 
Posted 2 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
 tkelley wrote:

Pink Martini is always a delight.  thanks




I Agree!!  Thanx RP!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Pink Martini is always a delight.  thanks
Posted 2 years ago by tkelley    [ Reply ]
 RoelantSiekman wrote:

Any idea who plays the clarinet? The vibe reminds me of the late Kenny Davern; ecclectical choice for rp at any time..
Are there any 'songs' of Kenny on stock at rp, Bill/Rebecca? (Such as 'Elsa's Dream')

Absolutely love it! 


It's the renowned Norman Leyden.
Posted 2 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 radioparadise9 wrote:

Suicide is painless ...



Only for one person! 
Posted 2 years ago by boatbyrd    [ Reply ]
 icuski2 wrote:

Clarinets don't do it for me.


Suicide is painless ...
Posted 2 years ago by radioparadise9    [ Reply ]
The more I hear this tune, the more I like it!!  Thanx RP!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 joejennings wrote:

Nice clarinet! ...you do not hear it in music very often these days!



Depends what you call music these days 
Posted 2 years ago by Dalsir    [ Reply ]
Excellent!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 javafreek wrote:

Local Portland band. Go PDX!



Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall years ago for their New Year's Eve performance. Thanks Pink Martini!
Posted 3 years ago by Spiderwoman    [ Reply ]
 icuski2 wrote:

Clarinets don't do it for me.




Benny's turning over in his grave...
Posted 3 years ago by SurlyRon    [ Reply ]
This song has a very special meaning for me as, after years of IVF, my wife finally got pregnant and we spent months hoping it will come to fruition... and she did! Now we tell her that this is her song, and she loves it
Posted 3 years ago by OneinAUS    [ Reply ]
 icuski2 wrote:

Clarinets don't do it for me.


Have you tried flutes? This one time at band camp...
Posted 3 years ago by plaid    [ Reply ]
I bought this album years ago - I can't quite remember who turned me onto them. Its been on my listen rotation ever since. Best few $ I ever spent. 
Posted 3 years ago by reallylost    [ Reply ]
Nice clarinet! ...you do not hear it in popular music very often these days!
Posted 3 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 icuski2 wrote:
Clarinets don't do it for me.
 

My friend has the same problem
Posted 3 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
I need this today. Hold on. It'll be alright. 
Posted 3 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
 rpdevotee wrote:

Due to the stunning condition of this piece, it's rarity and provenance, at auction, I would expect it to sell for at least $300,000 

(PBS watchers will get this)
 
{#Cheesygrin} 
 
Thanks for that...it finally clicked for me why I recognize this one...and I'm a fan of the clarinet and the roadshow, so I increased my rating +1 to 9..LLRP and PBS!!
Posted 3 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]


https://youtu.be/wyinJyWUhas
Posted 3 years ago by Hippostar    [ Reply ]
It's lovely clean and happy.  Good clarinet beautiful vocals.  Just a lovely song.
Posted 5 years ago by ciarataylor    [ Reply ]
 icuski2 wrote:
Clarinets don't do it for me.

 
This is fine, and it's your right to have this opinion, but I was just thinking of how weird it would be if someone said, "I just can't get behind music with guitars," or "I don't enjoy pianos."
Posted 7 years ago by aaronm    [ Reply ]

Due to the stunning condition of this piece, it's rarity and provenance, at auction, I would expect it to sell for at least $300,000 

(PBS watchers will get this)
 
{#Cheesygrin} 
Posted 7 years ago by rpdevotee    [ Reply ]
This rough day isn't quite over, yet; I really needed this track, right now. Almost as much as I could use an actual pink martini. ;-)
Posted 7 years ago by CrispyDruid    [ Reply ]
Brings me joy.
Posted 7 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
Great tune! It makes me dream of another time which only existed in dreams.
Posted 8 years ago by jimtyrrell    [ Reply ]
Clarinets don't do it for me.
Posted 8 years ago by icuski2    [ Reply ]
{#Daisy}Love.
Posted 8 years ago by BritGirl333    [ Reply ]
Local Portland band. Go PDX!
Posted 8 years ago by javafreek    [ Reply ]
{#Jump} I love Pink Martini and I am pleasantly surprised to hear them on RP!
Posted 8 years ago by mkarnes    [ Reply ]
Just gave this a rating of 9; it pushed the average up from 7.2 to 7.3!  {#Smile}
Posted 8 years ago by SteadyRollingMan    [ Reply ]
Oh my goodness, I thought I was watching a Woody Allen movie {#Cheesygrin}
Posted 8 years ago by 4merdj    [ Reply ]
cool Dan Hicks vibe
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Sun is shining through the window of my office. It's Friday. And clarinet sounds so good:-). What a beautiful moment!
Posted 8 years ago by mojcamojca77    [ Reply ]
My best friend of over 50 years died about a month ago. He loved this song, brimming with optimism and hope—even after the darkest nights came the dawn. Great way to live one's life—to its fullest, to the end.
Posted 9 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Such a pleasant vibe here. I like the song itself and her singing just fits perfectly. Very relaxing and soothing. But I can just picture somebody like  Kubrick or Tarantino using it as the backing track for somebody getting the crap beat out of them.  Odd the things we think sometimes, isn't it?
Posted 9 years ago by bh1    [ Reply ]
Any idea who plays the clarinet? The vibe reminds me of the late Kenny Davern; ecclectical choice for rp at any time..
Are there any 'songs' of Kenny on stock at rp, Bill/Rebecca? (Such as 'Elsa's Dream')

Absolutely love it! 
Posted 9 years ago by RoelantSiekman    [ Reply ]
 johnjconn wrote:
When ever I hear this I can't help but think that this would be an excellent song to use for a kindegarden schools nap time.


 
We must enact legislation forthwith. {#Clap} {#Sleep}
Posted 10 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Thought it was a Motel 6 commercial at first......................We'll leave the light on for ya. 
Posted 10 years ago by meauclaire    [ Reply ]
 oldfart48 wrote:
F*O* & *D
 
Really! If someone doesn't like a track, just STFU. 
Posted 10 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
 ch83575 wrote:
I despise this ridiculous female jazz singer bullshit.  Please make it stop!

 
F*O* & *D
Posted 10 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
This song is sweet and endearing and I love it. 
Posted 10 years ago by Catalytic    [ Reply ]
I despise this ridiculous female jazz singer bullshit.  Please make it stop!
Posted 10 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
 Rachoh wrote:

I don't think they are comparable. Frank was famous because his style worked for HIM. Tons of famous singers technically sound "bad" but it's their tone, that something special only they can do. Their voice becomes an instrument of the song, not just the singer of the song.

I love Radiohead to bits and Thom Yorke, but his voice...? It's only perfect in the context of their sound. 

Pink Martini is a band...a great musical band...who has a singer that sounds like a highschool stage-queen that sure, can technically sing, but doesn't add dimensions to the whole sound. I think her voice takes away from it frankly...

...and that stinks.

OK end rant!  

 
Well, everyone has their opinions of course.  I think her voice is clear and pleasing and has an impressive range - it is not "flat" as you mentioned earlier.  Yes, she doesn't perform the excessive vibrato and other vocal gymnastics that many people have (consciously or unconsciously) come to expect because of singers like Mariah Carey and programs like American Idol.  To me, this song is meant to be somewhat reserved and gentle in its vocal line, not "belted out" like some Ethel Merman show-tune.  However, I know what you mean about how one can hear a song and feel that a component of it seems weak or out of place.  To each his (or her) own.  Have a swell day!
Posted 10 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
I went a few years back to see the brilliant Tim Minchin at Kew Gardens in London and he was actually playing warm up to Pink Martini who were a more than pleasant surprise.  Also the dress that the female lead singer wore didn't hurt my enjoyment of the set at all.
Posted 11 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
 alanthecowboy wrote:

I'm going to assume this comment was tongue in cheek...

Let me try one:  Hey remember that Frank Sinatra guy?  His timing was terrible.  Ruined piles of otherwise fine music.


 
I don't think they are comparable. Frank was famous because his style worked for HIM. Tons of famous singers technically sound "bad" but it's their tone, that something special only they can do. Their voice becomes an instrument of the song, not just the singer of the song.

I love Radiohead to bits and Thom Yorke, but his voice...? It's only perfect in the context of their sound. 

Pink Martini is a band...a great musical band...who has a singer that sounds like a highschool stage-queen that sure, can technically sing, but doesn't add dimensions to the whole sound. I think her voice takes away from it frankly...

...and that stinks.

OK end rant!  
Posted 11 years ago by Rachoh    [ Reply ]
Blech....... As Chef Boyardee is to Italian food........
Posted 11 years ago by vandarbar    [ Reply ]
 leonswiatek wrote:

she fits the concept of the band

 
I disagree -- she drags the quality of their music down. I bet there are a ton of amazing singers that are GREAT and fit the concept of their sound. 

Sorry, the band sounds amateur whenever she starts singing.  The male singer on a few of their other track is superb, so it's possible. 
Posted 11 years ago by Rachoh    [ Reply ]
 zink wrote:

Today too.

 
And again today, followed by M. Ward's "Chinese Translation." Lovely grouping. 
Posted 11 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Thanks Bill I needed that.
Posted 11 years ago by jmsmy    [ Reply ]
 ladron wrote:

Agreed. The music is really good, but the singer is decidedly average.
 
she fits the concept of the band
Posted 11 years ago by leonswiatek    [ Reply ]
 Rachoh wrote:
The band a solid 10.

Add the sing, it drops to a 6.

They really need to get a new singer — I just think her flat tone ruins the amazing band.  
 
Agreed. The music is really good, but the singer is decidedly average.
Posted 11 years ago by ladron    [ Reply ]
The band a solid 10.

Add the sing, it drops to a 6.

They really need to get a new singer — I just think her flat tone ruins the amazing band.  
Posted 11 years ago by Rachoh    [ Reply ]
 Grammarcop wrote:
"Little Tomato" following something by Django. De rigueur. 
 
Today too.
Posted 11 years ago by zink    [ Reply ]
 Euphemism wrote:
It was RP that introduced me to Pink Martini, and it's always nice to hear PM every now and then on the station. I've since bought all their albums. Whoever said internet radio would kill record sales was a damned dirty liar.
 
 
Funny how "damned dirty liar" works just as well for a politician as it does for a record exec.  And by funny I mean effen infuriating.
Posted 12 years ago by blackjackshellac    [ Reply ]
"Little Tomato" following something by Django. De rigueur. 
Posted 12 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
 Byronape wrote:
I hate happy, encouraging music generally.  

Yet...  I like this song.  It makes me happy. 
 
I have often shunned "happy, encouraging music" also, but this really is a good song.
Posted 12 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 Byronape wrote:
I hate happy, encouraging music generally.  

Yet...  I like this song.  It makes me happy. 
 
That's encouraging.
Posted 12 years ago by enkay    [ Reply ]
It was RP that introduced me to Pink Martini, and it's always nice to hear PM every now and then on the station. I've since bought all their albums. Whoever said internet radio would kill record sales was a damned dirty liar.
 
Posted 12 years ago by Euphemism    [ Reply ]
Sweet little diddy. Terrific band and fabulous (one of the best, really) live act. 
Posted 12 years ago by mediamon    [ Reply ]
I hate happy, encouraging music generally.  

Yet...  I like this song.  It makes me happy. 
Posted 12 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]

This is my favorite PM song.  Thanks!


Posted 12 years ago by jen3005545    [ Reply ]
 MA wrote:

They stole the music from "Cabaret" (Life is a cabaret..).

 
It does sound similar in parts of the melody, but I wouldn't say it's "stolen" as much as "influenced by".  It's a pretty standard chord progression, the style of which was particularly popular on both sides of the Atlantic in the 1930's - long before "Cabaret" was composed.  There are probably hundreds of songs with similar chord progressions and melodies.  Kander and Ebb were trying to recreate that earlier time when they composed the score for "Cabaret".
Posted 13 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Ok, I really needed to hear that.  Nice.  Anybody want to make salad?  {#Umbrella}
Posted 13 years ago by nicolaluna    [ Reply ]
Not sure if I'm flashing back to that scene in the ballroom from "The Shining" or shopping in Restoration Hardware. Former's better than the latter.

Posted 13 years ago by Ears_of_Stone    [ Reply ]
 Rachoh wrote:
I love everything about this group except the singer — they need to get someone w/ better vocal control because she goes flat too often, esp in other songs. Takes away from the beautiful compositions. 
 
well now is your chance, China Forbes (singer) just had surgery for her vocal chords.  So there are a couple of folks replacing her as they tour.  

Get better China, would love to hear you after all is well. 

Posted 13 years ago by Decoy    [ Reply ]
 Rachoh wrote:
I love everything about this group except the singer — they need to get someone w/ better vocal control because she goes flat too often, esp in other songs. Takes away from the beautiful compositions. 
 
I completely concur. I have this album and this song is not the worst example of her flat singing, pitch and tone-wise. It is a lovely album, but yes, I favor the instrumental side of this band.
Posted 13 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
Yes pink martini a Good band and a sweet song!thanx!!!
Posted 13 years ago by dharma17    [ Reply ]
Sweet,  Really.
Posted 13 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
 Rachoh wrote:
I love everything about this group except the singer — they need to get someone w/ better vocal control because she goes flat too often, esp in other songs. Takes away from the beautiful compositions. 
 
I'm going to assume this comment was tongue in cheek...

Let me try one:  Hey remember that Frank Sinatra guy?  His timing was terrible.  Ruined piles of otherwise fine music.

Posted 13 years ago by alanthecowboy    [ Reply ]
Variety is great but...............{#Sleep}
Posted 13 years ago by deadgoose66    [ Reply ]
falling asleep, falling asleep, falling......zzzzzzzzz
Posted 13 years ago by leathepea    [ Reply ]
schwanky
Posted 13 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
Less remarkable AND less entertaining!   {#Sad} Sigh!


Posted 13 years ago by Chi_Guy    [ Reply ]
"... like the old fashioned taste of Countrytime lemonaid ..."
Posted 13 years ago by stickvaughn    [ Reply ]
Think I prefer the version by Hunt's Ketchup.
Posted 13 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Thomas Lauderdale used to perform this at the Grand piano in a cocktail dress. He's considering a run for Portland Mayor, and has a pretty good shot.

Posted 13 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
I love everything about this group except the singer — they need to get someone w/ better vocal control because she goes flat too often, esp in other songs. Takes away from the beautiful compositions. 
Posted 13 years ago by Rachoh    [ Reply ]
 tkosh wrote:

Oh come on!  It doesn't get any sweeter than this!  I love this CD all the way through.
 
Well, I admit this is better than Fats Waller.......just not my cuppa tea, unless of course I was Jessica Rabbit or could sing like Christina Aguilera

Posted 13 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
 Shesdifferent wrote:
Thank you for playing only one song like this {#Stop}
 
Oh come on!  It doesn't get any sweeter than this!  I love this CD all the way through.

Posted 13 years ago by tkosh    [ Reply ]

I just Love it!

How does one explain it?  So simple but it's true...

Posted 13 years ago by coolpeople_rule    [ Reply ]
We are going to see them live July 1 with the San Francisco Symphony.
Can't wait!

Posted 13 years ago by susyedw    [ Reply ]
Thank you for playing only one song like this {#Stop}
Posted 13 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]

They stole the music from "Cabaret" (Life is a cabaret..).



Posted 13 years ago by MA    [ Reply ]
 joshtime wrote:
heard this in a tiny jewelry shop in Paris in 2007. actually asked the owner about it. worth the writing of the song just to hear a Frenchman say "Hang on Little Tomato"... hilarious... man, that takes me back...
 
I just want to say that I love this story.

Posted 13 years ago by mmoyer    [ Reply ]
Pink Martini are so wonderful. See them live if you can.

{#Clap}

And, they are from Portland you know!
Posted 13 years ago by mmoyer    [ Reply ]
Languid and sweet, just like a summer's day.


Posted 13 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
Thanks for playing this, and other Pink Martini, songs. I just grin when I see listeners describe this as "boring".
Posted 13 years ago by ri_shelton    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
To me, there's nothing NOT to love about this song, or this group.  Hauntings of big-band music, when the Andrews Sisters were at their peak, Benny Goodman was Stompin' At The Savoy, and in the background, some war or other.  "Hang On Little Tomato" is so reminiscent of a simpler, gentler, easier time. No wonder nostalgia is so popular - not too many people are eager to plunge into the very-uncertain future these days, but the past, when it was good, is pretty enticing.  We can't go back, but we can appreciate music that takes us back emotionally and helps us to cope with the very real, very scary present.

Loves me a Pink Martini on a Wednesday afternoon. {#Sunny}
 
Relative goods and bads.  It's impossible for me to fully understand a time I didn't experience.  This music helps me feel good, therefore I like it.  That's enough; to be transported to a feeling.  That's one of the main things music does for me. 


Posted 13 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
From Django to this?  Well played, sir.  Well played.
Posted 13 years ago by aaronm    [ Reply ]
MUSIC for ALZHEIMER patience!
Cool...?

Certainly not - just endlessly boring!

PS
Monty Sunshine turns in his grave!
Even "Woody" would - were he dead!

Posted 13 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
To me, there's nothing NOT to love about this song, or this group.  Hauntings of big-band music, when the Andrews Sisters were at their peak, Benny Goodman was Stompin' At The Savoy, and in the background, some war or other.  "Hang On Little Tomato" is so reminiscent of a simpler, gentler, easier time. No wonder nostalgia is so popular - not too many people are eager to plunge into the very-uncertain future these days, but the past, when it was good, is pretty enticing.  We can't go back, but we can appreciate music that takes us back emotionally and helps us to cope with the very real, very scary present.

Loves me a Pink Martini on a Wednesday afternoon. {#Sunny}
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
It sounds best if you turn it up and fill the room.
Posted 13 years ago by swell_sailor    [ Reply ]
Yes!

 ortallcowgirl wrote:
I am not sure which I like more, the orchestra or her voice.  I feel like sitting in a nightclub in the 40's 50's.  Very awesome!
 


Posted 14 years ago by heatherchickenlady    [ Reply ]
We love this album, too, thank you.
Excellent transition after Django Reinhardt.
I saw them in a little city park one summer evening before they were big, fond memory.
Posted 14 years ago by heatherchickenlady    [ Reply ]
ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz...........
Posted 14 years ago by meauclaire    [ Reply ]
Catchy little number...
Posted 14 years ago by jimbaca    [ Reply ]
 trekhead wrote:
"...Santa Baby..." {#Wink}
 

Yes, similar!{#Clap}
Posted 14 years ago by nicolewe    [ Reply ]
Romance on a warm, sunny day...perhaps a walk through NY city in a Woody Allen film?{#Whistle}{#Whistle}{#Whistle}{#Daisy}

Posted 14 years ago by nicolewe    [ Reply ]
THIS IS VERY ECLECTIC!
and soooo endlessly boring!

I am sure WOODY can use it in his next one!
Posted 14 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
This band is my favorite "Radio Paradise" find.  I love love love 'em!!
Posted 14 years ago by gailcal4    [ Reply ]
nice.
this would set the tone perfectly for something. I'm just not sure what.

Posted 14 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
Soooooooooooooo Gooooooooooood
Posted 14 years ago by Saliby_Br    [ Reply ]
 killahfunkadelic wrote:
Hi, and thanks for joining us on this week's edition of 'This Old House'.
 
bump

Posted 14 years ago by PFM    [ Reply ]