The lyrics were written by Joe Greene, with music composition by Stan Kenton and Charles Lawrence. Probably the best known version of the song was recorded in 1944 by Anita O'Day along with Kenton's orchestra. A version was also recorded by Ella Fitzgerald the following year. It was also performed in part by Lauren Bacall in the 1946 movie The Big Sleep. The lyrics used by Anita O'Day and Lauren Bacall differs substantially (more tough) from the lyrics used by Ella Fitzgerald.