An Everlasting Promise of Devotion: When Johnny Mathis Vowed to Love Until “The Twelfth of Never.”
“The Twelfth of Never,” a song that has become a beloved standard in the landscape of romantic ballads, beautifully articulates the concept of unending love, a commitment that stretches beyond the confines of time itself. Released in 1957 as the B-side to his number one hit “Chances Are,” this enduring track nonetheless charted impressively on its own, reaching number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. Its enduring appeal lies in its simple yet profound message: a declaration of love that will persist until “the twelfth of never,” a whimsical way of saying “forever.” The song’s meaning is a sincere and heartfelt vow of eternal love, where the singer uses the metaphorical “twelfth of never” to express the timeless and unending nature of his affection for his beloved, suggesting a devotion that will last for all eternity. It transforms a simple expression of love into a timeless and universally resonant promise of everlasting commitment.
Imagine a quiet, moonlit evening, perhaps the soft strains of an orchestra filling the air, and the sound of Johnny Mathis’s voice, smooth as silk and filled with a tender sincerity, painting a picture of unwavering devotion. His unique vocal warmth and effortless phrasing perfectly convey the depth and sincerity of the lyrics. The song, often featured on compilations of his greatest hits, showcases Mathis’s remarkable ability to imbue a song with a timeless romantic quality. The gentle and elegant arrangement, often featuring lush strings and a delicate melody, creates an atmosphere of heartfelt sincerity, perfectly complementing the lyrical content. Mathis’s tender delivery and the sheer sincerity in his voice make the promise of unending love feel both believable and deeply moving.
The story behind “The Twelfth of Never” is quite interesting. Written by Jerry Livingston and Paul Francis Webster, the melody, except for the bridge, was adapted from “The Riddle Song” (also known as “I Gave My Love a Cherry”), an old English folk song. Despite its eventual success and enduring popularity, Johnny Mathis himself reportedly initially disliked the song. However, its release as the flip side to the hugely successful “Chances Are” exposed it to a wide audience, and its simple yet powerful message of eternal love resonated deeply with listeners. The phrase “the twelfth of never” itself is a popular idiom signifying a time that will never come, making the song’s central promise all the more poignant and enduring.
For those of us who have cherished a deep and lasting love, a bond that feels as though it could indeed last until the twelfth of never, Johnny Mathis’s rendition of this timeless ballad evokes a sense of profound and comforting nostalgia. It reminds us of the enduring power of true love and the heartfelt promises of forever that we hold dear. Mathis’s smooth, comforting voice and the song’s gentle melody offer a moment of shared sentimentality, a comforting acknowledgment of the deep and lasting connections that enrich our lives. It remains a beloved and timeless classic, a tender and enduring promise of love that knows no end.