"Firefly" was written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh as an audition for the musical Gypsy, which would eventually be composed by Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim. The song, which had originally been intended for the character of Baby June, was instead recorded and popularized by Tony Bennett.

Tony performed "Firefly" as a duet with Kermit the Frog as the opening number of episode 106 of Muppets Tonight. This number also featured Spamela Hamderson, in a dress that eventually caused some explosions.

Tony and Kermit would later reprise the song on the album The Playground.