Paul Francis Webster

Paul Francis Webster (1907–1984) was a prolific American lyricist best known for his romantic, expressive lyrics and his ability to capture deep emotion in song. Over a career that spanned four decades, he wrote the words to over 500 songs, many of which became timeless standards. Born on December 20, 1907, in New York City, Webster attended Cornell and NYU before turning to songwriting in the 1930s. He rose to prominence during the golden age of Hollywood, where his lyrical talent found a perfect home in film music.

Webster achieved early success with songs like “I Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good),” written with Duke Ellington in 1941, showcasing his gift for fusing bluesy phrasing with heartfelt sentiment. But it was his collaborations with composers such as Hoagy Carmichael, Sammy Fain, and Johnny Mandel that brought him widespread acclaim. His lyrics were known for their romantic imagery and poetic grace, often evoking longing, nostalgia, or tender affection.

He won three Academy Awards for Best Original Song: “Secret Love” (1953, with Sammy Fain) from Calamity Jane, “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing” (1955, also with Fain) from the film of the same name, and “The Shadow of Your Smile” (1965, with Johnny Mandel) from The Sandpiper. Each of these songs became iconic in its own right, recorded by some of the most celebrated vocalists of the 20th century, including Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, and Tony Bennett.

Webster also wrote the lyrics to the theme song for the 1967 animated Spider-Man television series, a composition that has become a beloved piece of pop culture, known for its catchy refrain and lasting popularity. His work spanned genres—from ballads and jazz standards to movie themes and pop songs—demonstrating remarkable versatility and enduring appeal.

Paul Francis Webster died on March 18, 1984, in Beverly Hills, California. His lyrical legacy continues to resonate through classic recordings and film scores. With a distinctive voice marked by elegance, emotion, and timeless beauty, Webster remains one of the great American lyricists of the 20th century.