Night and Day (1932)
Cole Porter was inspired by the Islamic call to prayer he heard during a trip to Morocco. The exotic, hypnotic rhythm and structure of the song—unusual for popular music at the time—reflect that influence. Its persistent, obsessive melody mirrors the lyrical theme of yearning “night and day,” making it one of Porter’s most innovative and enduring works.
“In the roaring traffic's boom
In the silence of my lonely room
I think of you night and day”