Originally a 1924 tango by Edgardo Donato which became a standard, the English lyrics and verse melody were written by Bob Musel.
[4][5] For the original 1924 version of "A media luz" (translated as "In the Dimmed Light"), the Spanish lyrics were written by Carlos Lenzi [es]; it is considered to be a representative popular tango of that decade.
[6][7][8] "Tell Me Marianne" was published in 1947, with the sheet music cover describing it as "an adaptation of the world-famous melody 'A media luz'".
The following month saw versions released by Joe Loss and his Orchestra (vocals by Don Rivers), and Rita Williams.
[12] A version of the song by Jean Sablon with Toots Camarata and his Orchestra was released in America in September 1948 by RCA Victor.