Torch song

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A torch song is a sentimental love song, typically one in which the singer laments an unrequited or lost love, where one party is either oblivious to the existence of the other, or where one party has moved on.^[1][2] Female singers of the pop vocal tradition are referred to as "torch singers" when their repertoire consists predominantly of such material. Torch singing is more of a niche than a genre, and can stray from the traditional jazz-influenced style of singing, although the American tradition of the torch song typically relies upon the melodic structure of the blues.^[3]

The term comes from the saying, "to carry a torch" for someone, or to keep aflame the light of an unrequited love.^[4]

[edit] References

1. ^ Smith, L: Elvis Costello, Joni Mitchell, and the Torch Song Tradition, page 9. Praeger Publishers, 2004
2. ^ Allan Forte, MR: Listening to Classic American Popular Songs, page 203. Yale University Press, 2001
3. ^ Ibid.
4. ^ The Free Dictionary: carry a torch for.