INDEX OF SONGS & LYRICS “I”
I Can’t Believe That You’re in Love With Me	2 versions
I Can’t Face the Music
I Can’t Get Started	3 versions
I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Baby
I Can’t Pretend
I Cover The Waterfront	14 versions
I Cried for You	8 versions
I Didn’t Know What Time It Was
I Don’t Know If I’m Coming or Going	2 versions
I Don’t Stand A Ghost Of A Chance: see Ghost Of A Chance
I Don’t Want to Cry Anymore
I Get a Kick out of You
I Get Along Without You Very Well
I Gotta Right To Sing the Blues	3 versions
I Hadn’t Anyone Till You
I Hear Music	3 versions
I Loves You Porgy: see Porgy
I Must Have That Man	2 versions
I Only Have Eyes for You	7 versions
I Thought About You
I Wish I Had You	2 versions
I Wished on the Moon	4 versions
I Wonder Where Our Love Has Gone
I Won’t Believe It
If Dreams Come True	2 versions
If I Were You	2 versions
If My Heart Could Only Talk
If the Moon Turns Green
If You Were Mine
I’ll Be Around
I’ll Be Seeing You	6 versions
I’ll Get By	5 versions
I’ll Look Around	2 versions
I’ll Never Be the Same
I’ll Never Fail You
I’ll Never Smile Again
Ill Wind
I’m A Fool To Want You	3 versions
I’m All for You	2 versions
I’m Gonna Lock My Heart  And Throw Away The Key	3 versions
I’m in a Low-Down Groove
I’m Painting the Town Red
I’m Pulling Through
I’m Restless	Rehearsal
I’m Walkin’ Through Heaven with You	Rehearsal
I’m Yours	3 versions
Isn’t This a Lovely Day?
Israel	Rehearsal
It Had to Be You
It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie	3 versions
It’s Easy to Blame the Weather
It’s Easy To Remember	2 versions
It’s Like Reaching for the Moon
It’s Not for Me to Say
It’s The Same Old Story	3 versions
It’s Too Hot for Words
I’ve Got a Date with a Dream	2 versions
I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm	3 versions

89. I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me (1927)

lyrics: Clarence Gaskill

music: Jimmy McHugh

Your eyes of blue your kisses too
I never knew what they could do
I can’t believe you’re in love with me

You’re telling everyone I know
I’m on your mind each place you go
They can’t believe you’re in love with me

I have always placed you far above me
I just can’t image that you love me
And after all is said and done
It looks like I’m the lucky one
I can’t believe you’re in love with me

 

2nd version

Your eyes of blue your kisses too
I never knew what they could do
I can’t believe that you’re in love with me

You’re telling everyone I know
I’m on your mind each place you go
They can’t believe you’re in love with me

I have always placed you far above me
I just can’t image that you love me
And after all is said and done
To think that I’m the lucky one
I can’t believe you’re in love with me

Notes

More than 20 recordings were made of “I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me” in the sixteen years following its publication. Early recordings included several famous musicians like Louis Armstrong  (1930), Nat Gonella (1932), Earl Hines (1932), Teddy Wilson (1938), and Ella Fitzgerald (1941).

 

---

90. I Can’t Face The Music

Lyrics by Ted Koehler

Music by Rube Bloom 

Breeze
Stop moaning’ those weird melodies
My man has left me and I can’t face the music
Without singing’ the blues
Rain
Your rhythm on my window pane
Drives me insane because I can’t face the music
Without singing’ the blues

My heart is so broken
I’ve spoken
To the Lord for sympathy
And if He don’t help me
So help me
It’s the bottom of the deep blue sea
For me
I’m gonna end this misery
My man has left me and I can’t face the music
Without singing the blues

My heart is so broken
I’ve spoken
To the Lord for sympathy
And if He don’t help me
So help me
It’s the bottom of the deep blue sea
For me
I’m gonna end this misery
My man has left me and I can’t face the music
Without singing the blues

I can’t face the music

Notes

A nice rendering by BH.

 

---

91. I Can’t Get Started (1935)

lyrics: Ira Gershwin

music: Vernon Duke

I’ve been around the world in a plane
Settled revolutions in Spain
The North Pole I have charted
But can’t get started with you

And at the golf course I’m under par
Metro-Goldwyn wants me to star
I’ve got a house and a show place
But can’t get no place with you

You’re so supreme
Lyrics I write of you
Dream, dream day and night of you
Scheme, just for the sight of you
But what good will it do?

I’ve been consulted by Franklin D.
Even Gable had me to tea
But now I’m brokenhearted
Can’t get started with you

(bridge)

You’re so supreme
The lyrics I write of you
Dream, dream day and night of you
Scheme, just for the sight of you
But what good does it do?

I’ve been consulted by Franklin D
Even Basie had me to tea
But now I’m brokenhearted
Can’t get started with you

 

2nd version

I’ve been around the world in a plane
Settled revolutions in Spain
The North Pole I have charted
But can’t get started with you

And at the golf course I’m under par
Metro-Goldwyn wants me to star
I’ve got a house and a show place
But can’t get no place with you

You’re so supreme
Lyrics I write of you
Dream, dream day and night of you
Scheme, just for the sight of you
Baby but what good does it do

I’ve been consulted by Franklin D.
Robert Taylor has had me to tea
But now I’m brokenhearted
Can’t get started with you

(bridge)

When first we met how you elated me
Pet, you devastated me
Yet, now you’ve deflated me
‘Till, you’re my Waterloo

When J.P. Morgan bows I just nod
Green Pastures wanted me to play God
The Siamese Twins I’ve parted
Can’t get started with you

 

3rd version

I’ve been around the world in a plane
Settled revolutions in Spain
The North Pole I have charted
But can’t get started with you

Around the golf course I’m under par
And Metro-Goldwyn wants me to star
I’ve got a house and a show place
But can’t get no place with you

You’re so supreme
Lyrics I write of you
Scheme, just for the sight of you
Dream, both day and night of you
And what good does it do?

I’ve been consulted by Franklin D.
Robert Taylor has had me to tea
And yet I’m brokenhearted
Can’t get started with you

(bridge)

When first we met how you elated me
Pet, you devastated me
Yet, now you’ve deflated me
Till, you’re my Waterloo

When J.P. Morgan bows I just nod
Green Pastures wanted me to play God
The Siamese Twins I’ve parted
Can’t get started with you

Notes

Notes on lyrics:

Franklin D. = Franklin D. Roosevelt, US President at the time (1933-1945)

JP Morgan = famous American banker

Robert Taylor = American actor (1911-1969);

The Green Pastures = a movie from 1936 with several old-testament stories

Clark Gable = American actor (1901-1960);

The Siamese Twins = The Bunker brothers (1811-1874) were cojoined twin brothers from Thailand and became the basis for the generic term.

The song first appeared in the show Ziegfried Follies of 1936 with Fanny Brice, Bob Hope, Josephine Baker & Eve Harden among others (images below from wikipedia)

    

 

---

92. I Can’t Give Anything But Love (Baby) (1928)

lyrics: Dorothy Fields

music: Jimmy McHugh

I can’t give you anything but love, baby
That’s the only thing I’ve plenty of, baby
Scheme a while dream a while
We’re sure to find
Happiness and I guess
All those things you’ve always pined for
Gee I’d like to see you looking swell, baby
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn’t sell, baby
Until that lucky day
You know darned well, baby
I can’t give you anything but love

Notes

First appeared in the show Blackbirds of 1928 that was a hit Broadway.  It contained the songs “Diga Diga Do”, the duo’s first hit, “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love”, and “I Must Have That Man” all sung by Adelaide Hall .

---

93. I Can’t Pretend

Lyrics by Edward Breuder

Music by Charles Tobias & Paul Rusincky

I can’t pretend
I’m sorry we’re apart
I can’t pretend
I just can’t fool my heart
Though I make mine
My friends all seem to realize
Their smiles, that look in my eye
I can’t pretend
I simply can’t be gayer
For in the end
My tears give me away
Without you dear
I live a lie
I can’t defend
I love you
And I can’t pretend

(bridge)

I can’t pretend
I simply can’t be gayer
For in the end
My tears give me away
Without you dear
I live a lie
I can’t defend
I love you
And I can’t pretend

Notes

NC

---

94. I Cover The Waterfront (1933)

lyrics: Edward Heyman

music: Johnny W. Green

follows 14 versions of this song

Away from the city that hurts and mocks
I’m standing alone by the desolate docks
In the still and the chill of the night

I see the horizon the great unknown
My heart has an ache it’s as heavy as stone
Will the dawn coming on make it light?

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me?

I cover the waterfront
In search of my love
And I’m covered
By a starlit sky above

Here am I
Patiently waiting
Hoping and longing
Oh how I yearn
Where are you
Are you forgetting
Do you remember
Will you return

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
For the one I love
Must soon come back to me

(very short bridge)

For the one I love
Must soon come back to me

 

2nd version

(no verse; lyrics are different from 1941 session)

I cover the waterfront
In search of my love
And I’m covered
By a starlit sky above

Here am I
Patiently waiting
Hoping and longing
Oh how I yearn
Where are you
Have you forgotten
Will you remember
Will you return

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

Here am I
Patiently waiting
Hoping and longing
Oh how I yearn
Where are you
Have you forgotten
Will you remember
Will you return

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

 

3rd version

I cover the waterfront
In search of my love
And I’m covered
By a starlit sky above

Here am I
Patiently waiting
Hoping and longing
Oh how I yearn
Where are you
Have you forgotten
Will you remember
Will you return

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

Here am I
Patiently waiting
Hoping and longing
Oh how I yearn
Where are you
Have you forgotten
Will you remember
Will you return

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

 

4th version

I cover the waterfront
In search of my love
And I’m covered
By a starlit sky above

Here am I
Patiently waiting
Hoping and longing
Oh how I yearn
Where are you
Have you forgotten
Will you remember
Will you return

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

Here am I
Patiently waiting
Hoping and longing
Oh how I yearn
Where are you
Have you forgotten
Will you remember
Will you return

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

 

5th version

I cover the waterfront
In search of my love
And I’m covered
By a starlit sky above

Here am I
Patiently waiting
Hoping and longing
Oh how I yearn
Where are you
Have you forgotten
Will you remember
Will you return

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

Here am I
Patiently waiting
Hoping and longing
Oh how I yearn
Where are you
Have you forgotten
Will you remember
Will you return

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

 

6th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1945	LR	22	Perfect Complete Collection v.1	19	3’02”

Away from the city that hurts and mocks
I’m standing alone by the desolate docks
In the still and the chill of the night
I see the horizon the great unknown
My heart has an ache
It’s as heavy as stone
With the dawn coming on make it light

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

I cover the waterfront
In search of my love
And I’m covered
By a starlit sky above

Here am I
Patiently waiting
Hoping and longing
Oh how I yearn
Where are you
Have you forgotten
Will you remember
Will you return

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

Will the one I love
Be coming back
To me

 

7th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1947	LR	46	Complete on Verve v.1	16	2’58”

(no verse)

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

I cover the waterfront
In search of my love
And I’m covered
By a starlit sky above

Here am I
Patiently waiting
Hoping and longing
Oh how I yearn
Where are you
Have you forgotten
Will you remember
Will you return

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

Will the one I love
Be coming back
To me

(audience applauses)

 

8th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1948	LR	47	Perfect Complete Collection v.2	18	3’29”

Away from the city that hurts and mocks
I’m standing alone by the desolate docks
In the still and the chill of the night
I see the horizon the great unknown
My heart has an ache
It’s as heavy as stone
Will the dawn coming on make it light

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

I cover the waterfront
In search of my love
And I’m covered
By a starlit sky above

Here am I
Patiently waiting
Hoping and longing
Oh how I yearn
Where are you
Have you forgotten
Will you remember
Will you return

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

Will the one I love
Be coming back
To me

 

9th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1949	LR	66	Perfect Complete Collection v.3	18	2’58”

(only half verse)

I see the horizon the great unknown
My heart has an ache
It’s as heavy as stone
With the dawn coming on make it light

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

I cover the waterfront
In search of my love
And I’m covered
By a starlit sky above

Here am I
Patiently waiting
Hoping and longing
Oh how I yearn
Where are you
Have you forgotten
Will you remember
Will you return

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

Will the one I love
Be coming back
To me

 

10th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1951	LR	84	Perfect Complete Collection v.4	16	3’37”

Away from the city that hurts and mocks
I’m standing alone by the desolate docks
In the still and the chill of the night
I see the horizon the great unknown
My heart has an ache
It’s as heavy as stone
Will the dawn coming on make it light

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

I cover the waterfront
In search of my love
And I’m covered
By a starlit sky above

Here am I
Patiently waiting
Hoping and longing
Oh how I yearn
Where are you
Have you forgotten
Will you remember
Will you return

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

Will the one I love
Be coming back
To me

 

11th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1952	LR	95	Perfect Complete Collection v.5	4	3’45”

Away from the city that hurts and mocks
I’m standing alone by the desolate docks
In the still and the chill of the night
I see the horizon the great unknown
My heart has an ache
It’s as heavy as stone
Will the dawn coming on make it light

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

I cover the waterfront
In search of my love
And I’m covered
By a starlit sky above

Here am I
Patiently waiting
Hoping and longing
Oh how I yearn
Where are you
Have you forgotten
Will you remember
Will you return

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

Will the one I love
Be coming back
To me

 

12th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1953	LR	99	Perfect Complete Collection v.5	9	3’25”

(intros)

Away from the city that hurts and mocks
I’m standing alone by the desolate docks
In the still and the chill of the night
I see the horizon the great unknown
My heart has an ache
It’s as heavy as stone
Will the dawn coming on make it light

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

I cover the waterfront
In search of my love
And I’m covered
By a starlit sky above

Here am I
Patiently waiting
Hoping and longing
Oh how I yearn
Where are you
Have you forgotten
Will you remember
Will you return

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

Will the one I love
Be coming back
To me

You’ll get bold

 

13th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1954	LR	124	Complete on Verve vol.2	22	3’17”

Away from the city that hurts and mocks
I’m standing alone by the desolate docks
In the still and the chill of the night
I see the horizon the great unknown
My heart has an ache
It’s as heavy as stone
Will the dawn coming on make it light

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

I cover the waterfront
In search of my love
And I’m covered
By a starlit sky above

Here am I
Patiently waiting
Hoping and longing
Oh how I yearn
Where are you
Have you forgotten
Will you remember
Will you return

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

Will the one I love
Be coming back
To me

 

14th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1956	LR	174	Complete on Verve vol.8	17	3’46”

Away from the city that hurts and mocks
I’m standing alone by the desolate docks
In the still and the chill of the night
I see the horizon the great unknown
My heart has an ache
It’s as heavy as stone
Will the dawn coming on make it light

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

I cover the waterfront
In search of my love
And I’m covered
By a starlit sky above

Here am I
Patiently waiting
Hoping and longing
Oh how I yearn
Where are you
Have you forgotten
Will you remember
Will you return

I cover the waterfront
I’m watching the sea
Will the one I love
Be coming back to me

Will the one I love
Be coming back
To me

(applauses)

Notes

The song was inspired by Max Miller’s 1932 best-selling novel I Cover the Waterfront. The song became instantly popular, and many artists covered it. A 1933 motion picture, also inspired by Miller’s book and also titled I Cover the Waterfront, was re-scored at the last minute to include the tune. Sheet music publishers later used the film’s success by claiming that the song was “inspired by the United Artist Picture of the same name” (Wikipedia).

Diarmuid O’Hanlon from Dublin was kind enough to share his expertise in revising these lyrics. Many Thanks. (May 2014)

 

---

95. I Cried For You (1923)

lyrics: Arthur Freed

music: Gus Arnheim & Abe Lyman

follows 8 versions of that song

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
That’s one thing you’re learning

I cried for you
What a fool I used to be
Now I’ve found two eyes
Just a little bit bluer
I’ve found a heart
Just a little bit truer

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me

2nd version

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
That’s one thing you’re learning

I cried for you
What a fool I used to be
But I’ve found two eyes
Just a little bit bluer
I’ve found a heart
Just a little bit truer

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me

(very short bridge)

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
And that’s one thing you’re learning

I cried for you
Baby what a fool I used to be
But I’ve found two eyes
Just a little bit bluer
I’ve found a heart
Just a little bit truer

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me

3rd version

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
And that’s one thing you’re learning

I cried for you
What a fool I used to be
But I’ve found two eyes
Just a little bit bluer
I’ve found a heart
Just a little bit truer

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me

Baby, I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
And that’s one thing you’re learning

I cried for you
What a fool I used to be
But I’ve found two eyes
Just a little bit bluer
I’ve found a heart
Just a little bit truer

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me

4th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1946	LR	27	Complete on Verve v.1	3	2’18”

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
That’s one thing you’re learning

I cried for you
What a fool I used to be
But I’ve found two eyes
Just a little bit bluer
I’ve found a heart
Just a little bit truer

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me

Baby, I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
That’s one thing you’re learning

I cried for you
What a fool I used to be
But I’ve found two eyes
Just a little bit bluer
I’ve found a heart
Just a little bit truer

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me

 

5th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1954	LR	115	Perfect Complete Collection v.7	6	3’27”

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
And that’s one thing you’re learning

I cried for you
Oh, what a fool I used to be
But I’ve found two eyes
Just a little bit bluer
I’ve found a heart
Just a little bit truer

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me

(double tempo)

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
And that’s one thing you’re learning

I cried for you
What a fool I used to be
But I’ve found two eyes
Just a little bit bluer
I’ve found a heart
Just a little bit truer

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me

(applauses)

 

6th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1954	LR	122	Complete on Verve v.2	20	3’20”

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
And that’s one thing you’re learning

I cried for you
Oh, what a fool I used to be
But I’ve found two eyes
Just a little bit bluer
I’ve found a heart
Just a little bit truer

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me

(double tempo)

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
And that’s one thing you’re learning

I cried for you
What a fool I used to be
But I’ve found two eyes
Just a little bit bluer
I’ve found a heart
Just a little bit truer

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me

(applauses)

 

7th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1954	MT	242	Complete on Verve v.3	4	2’26”

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
And that’s one thing you’re learning

I cried for you
Oh, what a fool I used to be
But I’ve found two eyes
Just a little bit bluer
I’ve found a heart
Just a little bit truer

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me

(double tempo)

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
And that’s one thing you’re learning

I cried for you
Oh, what a fool I used to be
But I’ve found two eyes
Just a little bit bluer
I’ve found a heart
Just a little bit truer

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me

 

8th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1956	LR	172	Complete on Verve v.8	15	3’09”

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
And that’s one thing you’re learning

I cried for you
Oh, what a fool I used to be
But I’ve found two eyes
Just a little bit bluer
I’ve found a heart
Just a little bit truer

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me

(double tempo)

I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
And that’s one thing you’re learning

I cried for you
Oh, what a fool I used to be
But I’ve found two eyes
Just a little bit bluer
I’ve found a heart
Just a little bit truer
I cried for you
Now it’s your turn to cry over me

(applauses)

Notes

NC

---

96. I Didn’t Know What Time It Was (1939)

Lyrics by Lorenz Hart
Music by Richard Rodgers

Once I was young
Yesterday perhaps
Danced with Jim and Paul
And kissed some other chaps
Once I was young
But never was naïve.
I thought I had a trick or two
Up my imaginary sleeve
And now I know I was naïve

I didn’t know what time it was
Then I met you
Oh, what a lovely time it was
How sublime it was too
I didn’t know what day it was
You held my hand
Warm like the month of May it was
And I’ll say it was grand

Grand to be alive to be young
To be mad to be yours alone
Grand to see your face feel your touch
Hear your voice say I’m all your own

I didn’t know what year it was
Live was no prize
I wanted love and here it was
Shining out of your eyes
I’m wise
And I know what time it is now

(bridge)

I didn’t know what time it was
Then I met you
Oh, what a lovely time it was
And sublime it was too
I didn’t know what day it was
You held my hand
Warm like the month of May it was
And I’ll say it was grand

Grand to be alive to be young
To be mad to be yours alone
Grand to see your face feel your touch
Hear your voice say I’m all your own

I didn’t know what year it was
Live was no prize
I wanted love and here it was
Shining out of your eyes
I’m wise
And I know what time it is now

Notes

Billie rendering of this song is fantastic.

The song first appeared in the Broadway musical comedy show Too Many Girls (1939).

---

97. I Don’t Know If I’m Coming Or Going

Lee Wainer & Lupin Fien

You’ve got me on the go
Running to and fro
Looking high and low
I don’t know if I’m coming or going
Since I fell for you

I run up above the town
Chasing up and down
Tagging you around
I don’t know if I’m coming or going
Since I fell for you

You’re so dizzy
Keeping up with all your love affairs
I’m so dizzy
I’ve got trouble
I’m seein’ double

Just when I think you’re through
Chasing as you do
You find someone new
I don’t know if I’m coming or going
Since I fell for you

(bridge)

When I found you
I found heaven right before my door
Since I lost you
I’ve got trouble
I’m seein’ double

Why did you let me fly
Way up to the sky
Just to say goodbye
I don’t know if I’m coming or going
Since I fell for you

 

2nd version

You’ve got me on the go
Running to and fro
Looking high and low
I don’t know if I’m coming or going
Since I fell for you

I run up above the town
Chasing up and down
Tagging you around
I don’t know if I’m coming or going
Since I fell for you

You’re so dizzy
Keeping up with all your love affairs
I’m so dizzy
I’ve got trouble
I’m seein’ double

Just when I think you’re through
Chasing as you do
You find someone new
I don’t know if I’m coming or going
Since I fell for you

(bridge)

When I found you
I found heaven right before my door
Since I lost you
I’ve got trouble
I’m seein’ double

Why did you let me fly
Way up to the sky
Just to say goodbye
I don’t know if I’m coming or going
Since I fell for you

Notes

Diarmuid O’Hanlon from Dublin was kind enough to share his expertise in revising these lyrics. Many Thanks. (May 2014)

 

---

98. I Don’t Want To Cry Anymore

Lyrics and Music by Victor Schertzinger

Each night just about sunset
I watch you passing my door
It’s all I can do not to run to you
But I don’t want to cry anymore

Nighttime when there is no light
The same old moon I knew before
It’s all I can do not to run to you
But I don’t want to cry anymore

All that I’ve known about happiness
I found just being with you
Then I would find myself losing my mind
Over some careless thing you would do

Oh why can’t I forget you
I know so well what is in store
A moment or two up in the clouds with you
Then back where I was before
No I don’t want to cry anymore

All that I’ve known about happiness
I found just being with you
Then I would find myself losing my mind
Over some careless thing you would do

Oh why can’t I forget you
I know so well what is in store
A moment or two up in the clouds with you
Then back where I was before
No I don’t want to cry anymore

Notes

NC

---

99. I Get A Kick Out Of You (1934)

lyrics and music by Cole Porter

I get no kick from champagne

Mere alcohol doesn’t thrill me at all

So tell me why should it be true

That I get a kick out of you?

Some get a kick from cocaine

I’m sure that if I took even one sniff

That would bore me terrifically too

And I get a kick out of you

I get a kick every time I see you

Standing there before me

I get a kick though it’s clear to me

You obviously don’t adore me

I get no kick in a plane

Flying too high with some guy in the sky

Is my idea of nothing to do

Yes I get a kick out of you

(bridge)

I get no kick from champagne

Mere alcohol doesn’t thrill me at all

So tell me why should it be true

That I get a kick out of you

Some get a kick from cocaine

I’m sure that if I took even one sniff

That would bore me terrifically too

Yes I get a kick out of you

I get a kick every time I see you

Standing there before me

I get a kick though it’s clear to me

You obviously don’t adore me

I get no kick in a plane

Flying too high with some guy in the sky

Is my idea of nothing to do

Yes I get a kick

I get a kick

I get my kicks out of you

Notes

 According to Wikipedia, “the lyrics were first altered shortly after being written. The last verse originally went as follows:

I get no kick in a plane

I shouldn’t care for those nights in the air

That the fair Mrs. Lindbergh goes through

But I get a kick out of you.

After the 1932 Lindbergh kidnapping, Porter changed the second and third lines to:

Flying too high with some guy in the sky

Is my idea of nothing to do

In the 1936 movie version, alternative lyrics in the second verse were provided to replace a reference to the drug cocaine, which was not allowed by Hollywood’s Production Code of 1934.

The original verse goes as follows:

Some get a kick from cocaine

I’m sure that if

I took even one sniff

That would bore me terrifically, too

Yet, I get a kick out of you

Porter changed the first line to:

Some like the perfume in Spain”

Refering to BH lyrics, if you compare the comments with the lyrics I transcripted from the actual recordings, you’ll see that ‘Lindberg’ part was changed, but the ‘cocaine’ line was kept (N/A).

One more excellent song by Cole Porter originally featured in the show Anything Goes, originally sung by Ethel Merman (picture below).

 

 

---

100. I Get Along Without You Very Well (1939)

Lyrics and music by Hoagy Carmichael

I get along without you very well
Of course I do
Except when soft rains fall
And drip from leaves then I recall
The thrill of being sheltered in your arms
Of course I do

But I get along without you very well
I’ve forgotten you just like I should
Of course I have
Except to hear your name
Or someone’s laugh that is the same
But I’ve forgotten you just like I should
What a guy

What a fool am I
To think my breaking heart could kid the moon
What’s in store
Should I phone once more
No it’s best that I stick to my tune

I get along without you very well
Of course I do
Except perhaps in spring
But I should never think of spring
For that would surely break my heart in two

Notes

Hoagy Carmichael and Jane Russell (image below) performed the song in the 1952 film noir The Las Vegas Story (see vídeo below)

 

 The Las Vegas Story (Jane Russell)

 

---

101. I Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good) (1941)

lyrics by Paul Francis Webster
music by Duke Ellington

[rehearsal fragment]

 

Never treats me sweet and gentle
The way that he should
I got it bad and that ain’t good

My poor heart is sentimental
Not made of wood
I got it bad and that ain’t good

And when the fish are jumping
And (..)
I end up like I start out

Just crying my heart out

Lord above me make him love me
The way he should
I got it bad,
I got it bad,
And that ain’t good

Notes

The song was introduced in the musical revue Jump For Joy by Ivie Anderson (picture below).

  Ivie Anderson (Jump for Joy)

 

---

102. I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues (1932)

lyrics: Ted Koehler

music: Harold Arlen

I gotta right to sing the blues
I gotta right to moan and sigh
I gotta right to sit and cry
Down around the river
A certain man in this old town
Keeps draggin’ my poor heart around
All I see for me is misery

I gotta right to sing the blues
I gotta right to moan and sigh
Right to sit and cry
Down around the river
Soon that deep blue sea
Will be callin’ me
It must be love say what you choose
I gotta right to sing the blues

(bridge)

I gotta right to sing the blues
Gotta right to moan and cry
Gotta right to sit and sigh
Down around the river
Soon that deep blue sea
Will be callin’ me
It must be love say what you choose
I gotta right to sing the blues

There’s nothing left for me
I’m full of misery
I gotta right to sing the blues

 

2nd version

I gotta right to sing the blues
I gotta right to moan and sigh
I gotta right to sit and cry
Down around the river
A certain man in this old town
Keeps draggin’ my poor heart around
All I see for me is misery

I gotta right to sing the blues
I gotta right to moan and sigh
Right to sit and cry
Down around the river
Soon that deep blue sea
Will be callin’ me
It must be love say what you choose
I gotta right to sing the blues

(bridge)

I gotta right to sing the blues
Gotta right to moan and cry
Gotta right to sit and sigh
Down around the river
Soon that deep blue sea
Will be callin’ me
It must be love say what you choose
I gotta right to sing the blues

There’s nothing left for me
I’m full of misery
I gotta right to sing the blues

 

 

3rd version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1955	MT	266	Complete on Verve v.5	18	5’51”

(several lyrics altered in this new MT version)

I’ve gotta right to sing the blues
I’ve gotta right to feel lowdown
I’ve gotta right to hang around
Down around the river
A certain man in this old town
Keeps draggin’ my poor heart around
All I see for me is misery

I gotta right to sing the blues
I gotta right to moan and sigh
I gotta right to sit and cry
Down around the river
I know the deep blue sea
Will soon be callin’ me
It must be love say what you choose
I gotta right to sing the blues

(long bridge)

I’ve gotta right to sing the blues
I’ve gotta right to feel lowdown
I’ve gotta right to hang around
Down around the river
A certain man in this old town
Keeps draggin’ my poor heart around
All I see for me is misery

I gotta right to sing the blues
I gotta right to moan and sigh
I gotta right to sit and cry
Down around the river
Soon the deep blue sea
Will be callin’ me
It must be love say what you choose
I gotta right to sing the blues

 

Notes

First appeared in the show Earl Carroll’s Vanities

---

103. I Hadn’t Anyone Till You (1938)

lyrics and music by Ray Noble

I hadn’t anyone
Till you
I was a lonely one
Till you
I used to lie awake and wonder
If there could be
Someone in the wide world
Just made for me
Now I see I had to save my love
For you
I never gave my love
Till you
And through my lonely heart demanding it
Cupid took a hand in it
I hadn’t anyone
Till you

I hadn’t anyone
Till you
I was a lonely one
Till you
I used to lie awake and wonder
If there could be
Someone in the wide world
Just made for me
Now I see I had to save my love
For you
I never gave my love
Till you
And through my lonely heart demanding it
Cupid took a hand in it
I hadn’t anyone
Till you

Notes

Tony Martin sang it with the Ray Noble band in 1938, reaching number four in the charts over a period of twelve weeks.

Hadda Brooks sang it in the 1950 film In A Lonely Place, in a scene where Humphrey Bogart and Gloria Grahame attempt to listen to her (see video below) .

  A Lonely Place

 

---

104. I Hear Music (1940)

lyrics: Frank Loesser

music: Burton Lane

follows 3 versions of this song

I hear music
Mighty fine music
The murmur of a morning breeze up there
The rattle of the milkman on the stair

Sure that’s music
Mighty fine music
The singing of a sparrow in the sky
The perking of the coffee right nearby
That’s my favorite melody
You my angel phoning me
I hear music
Mighty fine music
And anytime I think my world is wrong
I get me out of bed and sing this song

(bridge)

I hear music
Mighty fine music
The murmur of a morning breeze up there
The rattle of the milkman on the stair

Sure that’s music
Mighty fine music
The singing of a sparrow in the sky
The perking of the coffee right nearby
That’s my favorite melody
You my angel phoning me
I hear music
Mighty fine music
And anytime I think my world is wrong
I get me out of bed and sing this song

 

2nd version

I hear music
Mighty fine music
The murmur of a morning breeze up there
The rattle of the milkman on the stair

Sure that’s music
Mighty fine music
The singing of a sparrow in the sky
The perking of the coffee right nearby
That’s my favorite melody
You my angel phoning me
I hear music
Mighty fine music
And anytime I think my world is wrong
I get me out of bed and sing this song

(bridge)

I hear music
Mighty fine music
The murmur of a morning breeze up there
The rattle of the milkman on the stair

Sure that’s music
Mighty fine music
The singing of a sparrow in the sky
The perking of the coffee right nearby
That’s my favorite melody
You my angel phoning me
I hear music
Mighty fine music
And anytime I think my world is wrong
I get me out of bed and sing this song

 

3rd version

[Intro]
(poor sound quality)

I hear music
Mighty fine music
The murmur of a morning breeze up there
The rattle of the milkman on the stair

Sure that’s music
Mighty fine music
The singing of a sparrow in the sky
The perking of the coffee right near by
That’s my favorite melody
You my angel phoning me
I hear music
Mighty fine music
And anytime I think my world is wrong
I get me out of bed and sing this song

That’s my favorite melody
You my angel phoning me
I hear music
Mighty fine music
And anytime I think my world is wrong
I get me out of bed and sing this song

(MC thanks)

Notes

Dancing on a Dime is a 1940 Paramount Pictures movie directed by Joseph Santley about five actors and dancers putting on a show while living in a theatre. It starred Robert Paige, Peter Lind Hayes, Eddie Quillan, Frank Jenks, and Grace McDonald. It is known for its song, I Hear Music.

---

105. I Must Have That Man (1928)

Lyrics by  Dorothy Fields

Music by Jimmy McHugh

 

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1937	MT	44	Complete on Columbia v.2	19	2’52”

Don’t want my mannie

I don’t need a friend

My heart is broken

It won’t ever mend

I ain’t much carin’

Just where I will end

I must have that man

I’m like an oven

That’s crying for heat

He treats me awfully

Each time that we meet

It’s just unlawful

How that boy can cheat

But I must have that man

He’s hot as Hades

A lady’s not safe in his arms

When she’s kissed

But I’m afraid that he’s cooled off

And maybe I’m ruled off his list

I’ll never be missed

I need that person much worse ‘n just bad

I’m half alive and he’s drivin’ me mad

He’s only human if he’s to be had

I must have that man

 

2nd version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1956	MT	274	Complete on Verve v.7	2	2’52”

I need my mannie

I ain’t got a friend

My heart is broken

It won’t ever mend

I ain’t much carin’

Just where I will end

But I must have that man

I’m like an oven

That’s crying for heat

He treats me awfully

Each time that we meet

It’s just unlawful

How that boy can cheat

But I must have that man

He’s hot as Hades

A lady’s not safe in his arms

When she’s kissed

And I’m afraid that he’s cooled off

Maybe I’m ruled off his list

I’ll never be missed

I need that person

Much worse ‘n just bad

I’m half alive

And he’s driving me mad

He’s only human

If he’s to be had

I must have that man

He’s hot as Hades

A lady’s not safe in his arms

When she’s kissed

And I’m afraid when he’s cooled off

Maybe I’m ruled off his list

I’ll never be missed

I need that person

Much worse ‘n just bad

I’m half alive

And he’s driving me mad

He’s only human

If he’s to be had

I must have that man

 

Notes

Song was introduced by Adelaide Hall in the revue Blackbirds of 1928.

 

---

106. I Only Have Eyes For You (1934)

Lyrics by Al Dubin
Music by Harry Warren

follows 7 versions of the song

Are the stars out tonight?
I don’t know if it’s cloudy or bright
‘Cause I only have eyes for you
The moon may be high
Maybe millions of people go by
But I only have eyes for you

I don’t know if we’re in a garden
Or on a crowded avenue
You are here so am I
Maybe millions of people go by
But they all disappear from view
And I only have eyes for you

(bridge)

I don’t know if we’re in a garden
Or on a crowded avenue
You are here so am I
Maybe millions of people go by
But they all disappear from view
And I only get eyes
Big bulging eyes
Great big eyes
For you

 

2nd version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1953	LR	104	Perfect Complete Collection v.5	14	2’10”

(intro)

Are the stars out tonight?
I don’t know if it’s cloudy or bright
I only have eyes for you
The moon may be high
Maybe millions of people go by
But I only have eyes for you

I don’t know if we’re in a garden
Or on a crowded avenue
You are here so am I
Maybe millions of people go by
But they all disappear from view
And I only got eyes for you

I don’t know if we’re in a garden
Or on a crowded avenue
You are here so am I
Maybe millions of people go by
But they all disappear from view
And I only get eyes
Big bulging eyes
Great big eyes
For you

(applause)

 

3rd version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1954	LR	129	Perfect Complete Collection v.7	11	1’55”

Are the stars out tonight?
I don’t know if it’s cloudy or bright
For I only have eyes for you, dear
The moon may be high
Maybe millions of people go by
But I only have eyes for you

I don’t know if we’re in a garden
Or on a crowded avenue
You are here so am I
Millions of people go by
But they all disappear from view
And I only have eyes for you

I don’t know if we’re in a garden
Or on a crowded avenue
You are here so am I
Millions of people go by
But they all disappear from view
And I only have eyes
Big bulging eyes
Great big eyes
For you

 

4th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1956	LR	148	Perfect Complete Collection v.9	9	1’47”

Are the stars out tonight?
I don’t know if it’s cloudy or bright
For I only have eyes for you, dear
The moon may be high
Maybe millions of people go by
But I only have eyes for you

I don’t know if we’re in a garden
Or on a crowded avenue
You are here so am I
Millions of people go by
But they all disappear from view
And I only have eyes for you

I don’t know if we’re in a garden
Or on a crowded avenue
You are here so am I
Maybe millions of people go by
But they all disappear from view
And I only have eyes
Big bulging eyes
Great big eyes
For you

(applauses)

 

5th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1957	LR	188	Billie Holiday At Stratford ’57	3	1’59”

Are the stars out tonight?
I don’t know if it’s cloudy or bright
For I only have eyes for you, dear
The moon may be high
Millions of people go by
But I only have eyes for you

I don’t know if we’re in a garden
Or on a crowded avenue
You are here so am I
Millions of people go by
But they all disappear from view
And I only have eyes for you

I don’t know if we’re in a garden
Or on a crowded avenue
You are here so am I
Millions of people go by
But they all disappear from view
And I only have eyes
Big bulging eyes
Great big eyes
For you

(applauses)

 

6th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1958	LR	211	Private Recording		2’01”

Are the stars out tonight?
I don’t know if it’s cloudy or bright
For I only have eyes for you, dear
The moon may be high
Millions of people go by
But I only have eyes for you

I don’t know if we’re in a garden
Or on a crowded avenue
You are here so am I
Millions of people go by
But they all disappear from view
And I only have eyes for you

I don’t know if we’re in a garden
Or on a crowded avenue
You are here so am I
Millions of people go by
But they all disappear from view
And I only have eyes
Big bulging eyes
Great big eyes
For you

(applauses)

 

7th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1958	LR	219	Billie Holiday in Europe 1954-58	16	1’50”

Are the stars out tonight?
I don’t know if it’s cloudy or bright
For I only have eyes for you, dear
The moon may be high
Millions of people go by
But I only have eyes for you

I don’t know if we’re in a garden
Or on a crowded avenue
You are here so am I
Millions of people go by
But they all disappear from view
And I only have eyes for you

I don’t know if we’re in a garden
Or on a crowded avenue
You are here so am I
Millions of people go by
But they all disappear from view
And I only have eyes
Big bulging eyes
Great big eyes
For you

(applauses)

Notes

From the film Dames, where it was introduced by Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler (images below).

  

 I only have eyes for you (Keeler & Powell)

---

107. I Thought About You (1939)

lyrics by Johnny Mercer
music by Jimmy Van Heusen

I took a trip on a train
And I thought about you
I passed a shadowy lane
And I thought about you

Two or three cars
Parked under the stars
A winding stream
Moon shining down on
Some little town and
With each beam
Same old dream

And every stop that we made
Oh, I thought about you
But when I pulled down the shade
Then I really got blue
I peeked through the crack
And looked at the track
The one going back to you
And what did I do
I thought about you

Thought about you
Thought about you

Notes

 The lyrics were inspired by Mercer’s train trip to Chicago. In his words:

“I can remember the afternoon that we wrote it. He [Van Heusen] played me the melody. I didn’t have any idea, but I had to go to Chicago that night. I think I was on the Benny Goodman program. And I got to thinking about it on the train. I was awake, I couldn’t sleep. The tune was running through my mind, and that’s when I wrote the song. On the train, really going to Chicago.” (wikipedia)

 

---

108. I Wish I Had You

B. Green & A. Stillman & Claude Thornhill

Joys that come to others
Seldom come to me
But if I only were Aladdin
How different things would be

Every time I wish
I wish I had you
Every time I dream
The dream is for two

You’re the part within my heart
That beats all day
Seems to say I love you

Everywhere I go
You’re all that I see
Wonder if you know
What you mean to me

Wishes would be grand
If only they came true
For every time I wish
I wish I had you

(bridge)

Everywhere I go
You’re all that I see
Wonder if you know
What you mean to me

Wishes would be grand
If only they came true
For every time I wish
I wish I had you

 

2nd version

Joys that come to others
Seldom come to me
But if I only were Aladdin
How different things would be

Every time I wish
I wish I had you
Every time I dream
The dream is for two

You’re the part within my heart
That beats all day
Seems to say I love you

Everywhere I go
You’re all that I see
Wonder if you know
What you mean to me

Wishes would be grand
If only they came true
For every time I wish
I wish I had you

(bridge)

Everywhere I go
You’re all that I see
Wonder if you know
What you mean to me

Wishes would be grand
If only they came true
For every time I wish
I wish I had you

Notes

NC

---

109. I Wished On The Moon (1935)

Lyrics by Dorothy Parker

Music by Ralph Rainger

follows 4 versions of this song

I wished on the moon
For something I never knew
Wished on the moon
For more than I ever knew
A sweeter rose, a softer sky
On April days that would not dance away
I begged on the stars
To throw me a beam or two
Wished on the stars
And asked for a dream or two
I looked for every loveliness
It all came true
I wished on the moon for you

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1955	MT	252	Complete on Verve v.3	14	6’48”

Every night was long and gloomy
Shadows gather in the air
No one ever listen to me
No one wonder did I care
None in all the world to love me
None to count the stars that hung
Then the moon came out above me
And I saw that it was young

I wished on the moon
For something I never knew
Wished on the moon
For more than I ever knew
A sweeter rose a softer sky
On April day
That would not dance away
I begged of a star
To throw me a beam or two
Wished on the stars
And asked for a dream or two
I looked for every loveliness
It all came true
I wished on the moon for you

(long bridge)

I wished on the moon
For something I never knew
Wished on the moon
For more than I ever knew
A sweeter rose a softer sky
On April day
That would not dance away
I begged of a star
To throw me a beam or two
Wished on the stars
And asked for a dream or two
I looked for every loveliness
It all came true
I wished on the moon,
Wished on the moon,
For you

 

3rd version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1957	MT	289	Complete on Verve v.8	19	3’25”

I wished on the moon
For something I never knew
I wished on the moon
For more than I ever knew
A sweeter rose a softer sky
On April day
That would not dance away
I wished on a star
To throw me a beam or two
I begged of a star
And asked for a dream or two
I looked for every loveliness
It all came true
I wished on the moon for you

(bridge)

I wished on the moon
For something I never knew
Wished on the moon
For more than I ever knew
A sweeter rose a softer sky
On April day
That would not dance away
I wished of a star
To throw me a beam or two
I begged of a star
And asked for a dream or two
I looked for every loveliness
It all came true
I wished on the moon,
Wished on the moon,
Wished on the moon,
For you

 

4th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1958	LR	205	Complete on Verve v.10	12	2’43”

I wished on the moon
For something I never knew
I wished on the moon
For more than I ever knew
A sweeter rose a softer sky
An April day
That would not dance away
I begged of a star
To throw me a beam or two
I wished on a star
And asked for a dream or two
I looked for every loveliness
It all came true
I wished on the moon for you

I wished on the moon
For something I never knew
I wished on the moon
For more than I ever knew
A sweeter rose a softer sky
An April day
That would not dance away
I begged of a star
To throw me a beam or two
I wished on a star
And asked for a dream or two
I looked for every loveliness
It all came true
I wished on the moon,
I wished on the moon,
I wished on the moon,
For you

 

Notes

 I Wished on the Moon is a song composed by Ralph Rainger, with lyrics by Dorothy Parker, for the The Big Broadcast of 1936. It was introduced by Bing Crosby (picture below). This is also the title of one of the best books written about Billie, by Donald Clarke (Penguin Books, 1994).

 

---

110. I Wonder Where Our Love Has Gone (1948)

Buddy Johnson

All I know is that I’m in love with you
Even though you say that we are through
I know without your love I just cant go on
I wonder where our love has gone

Always thought you’d love me more and more
Never dreamed you’d ever let me go
I know without your love I just can’t go on
I wonder where our love has gone

Oh what did I do, and what did I say
Never could lead you to treat me this way
If I’ve been untrue I’m willing to pay
Darling, if that’s not enough I’ll do anything you say

So darling, please, wherever you may be
Hear my plea, hurry home to me
I know without your love I just can’t go on
I wonder where our love has gone

Oh what did I do, and what did I say
Never could lead you to treat me this way
If I’ve been untrue I’m willing to pay
Darling, if that’s not enough I’ll do anything you say

So darling, please, wherever you may be
Hear my plea, hurry back to me
I know without your love I just can’t go on
I wonder where our love has gone

Notes

The composer  – Buddy Johnson (1915 – 1977) – was an American jazz and New York blues pianist and bandleader, active from the 1930s through the 1960s.

 

---

111. I Won’t Believe It

Martin Block & Russel Robinson & Victor Selsman 

[rehearsal fragment]

(…) I won’t believe it Till I hear it from you (…)

 

---

112. If Dreams Come True

Edgar Sampson & Benny Goodman & Irving Mills

If dreams come true
I’ll be with you
I love that smile in your eyes
You see a dream in the skies
In your caress there’s happiness
And love in view
If dreams come true

 

2nd version

If dreams come true
I’ll be with you
I love that smile in your eyes
You see a dream in the skies
In your caress there’s happiness
And love in view
If dreams come true

 

Notes

This is probably the shortest lyrics of Billie’s songs.

 

---

113. If I Were You

Buddy Bernier & Robert D. Emmerich

If I were you
Here’s what I’d do
I’d give my heart a break
Instead of trying to break my heart

If I were you
I’d do this too
I’d string along with me
Instead of keeping me on a string

I’d love me the whole day long
You’d never catch me napping
Wouldn’t have a change of heart
Not for fear
That such a thing should happen

If I were you
Here’s what I’d do
I’d stick to me
My whole life through
If I were you

(bridge)

If I were you
Here’s what I’d do
I’d stick to me
My whole life through
If I were you

 

2nd version

If I were you
Here’s what I’d do
I’d give my heart a break
Instead of trying to break my heart

If I were you
I’d do this too
I’d string along with me
Instead of keeping me on a string

I’d love me the whole day long
You’d never catch me napping
Wouldn’t have a change of heart
Not for fear
That such a thing should happen

If I were you
Here’s what I’d do
I’d stick to me
My whole life through
If I were you

(bridge)

If I were you
Here’s what I’d do
I’d stick to me
My whole life through
If I were you

 

Notes

NC

---

114. If My Heart Could Only Talk

Walter Samuels & Leonard Whitcup & Teddy Powell

If my heart could only talk
Heaven would be mine
If my heart could only talk
Life would be divine
You would hear my song of love so tender
It would thrill you until you willingly surrender

If my heart could only talk
Dreams would all come true
‘Neath the starlight I would walk
Hand in hand with you
I would have to seek your lips
Thrill you to your fingertips
If my heart could only talk

(bridge)

If my heart could only talk
Dreams would all come true
‘Neath the starlight I would walk
Hand in hand with you
I would have to seek your lips
Thrill you to your fingertips
If my heart could only talk

Notes

NC

---

115. If The Moon Turns Green

Paul Coates & Bernie Hanighen

If the moon turns green
And shadows get up and walk around
Clouds come tumbling to the ground
I wouldn’t be surprised
As didn’t you fall in love with me

If the stars turn blue
And willows that weep began to sing
Winter changes into spring
I wouldn’t raise my eyes
‘Cause didn’t you fall in love with me

I thought I was foolish to think of romance
With someone as charming as you
I thought I was hoping without any chance
Then every hope came true

If the moon turns green
And rivers began to flow upstream
This is all a crazy dream
I wouldn’t be surprised
Anything can happen
If you can fall in love with me

I thought I was foolish to think of romance
With someone as charming as you
I thought I was hoping without any chance
Then every hope came true

If the moon turns green
And rivers began to flow upstream
This is all a crazy dream
I wouldn’t be surprised
‘Cause anything can happen
If you can fall in love with me

Notes

NC

---

116. If You Were Mine

Lyrics by Johnny Mercer

Music by Matty Malneck

If you were mine
I could be a ruler of kings
And if you were mine
I could do such wonderful things
I’d say to a star
Stop where you are
Light up my lover’s way
And every star above you
Would obey, say
If you were mine
I would live for your love alone
To kneel at your shrine
I would give up all that I own
Yes even my heart
Even my life
I’d trade it all for you
And think I was lucky too
If you were mine

Notes

NC

---

117. I’ll Be Around (1942)

lyrics and music by Alec Wilder

I’ll be around
No matter how
You treat me now
I’ll be around from now on

Your latest love
Can never last
And when it’s past
I’ll be around when she’s gone

Goodbye again
And if you find a love like mine
Just now and then
Drop a line to say you’re feeling fine

And when things go wrong
Perhaps you’ll see
You’re meant for me
And I’ll be around when she’s gone

Goodbye again
And if you find a love like mine
Just now and then
Drop me a line, say you’re feeling mighty fine

When things go wrong
Perhaps you’ll see
You’re meant for me
And I’ll be around when she’s gone
When she’s gone

Notes

Wilder said, in an interview with Jay Nordlinger that the song came to him in a taxi cab in Baltimore. Just the title. “I spotted [the title] as I was crumpling up the envelope some days later. Since I was near a piano, I wrote a tune, using the title as the first phrase of the melody. I remember it only took about 20 minutes. The lyric took much longer to write (wikipedia). Follows an email I’ve got from Joe Styles (thank you, Joe).

“Dear Paulo,

With the possible exception of Coltrane’s A Love Supreme, no jazz album has suffered more from well-meant but vacuous out-pourings of its admirers than Billie Holiday’s Lady in Satin. When I get in a certain frisky mood I’ll hop into the on-line reviews of this album as an exercise is seeing how music criticism should not be written. Look at this gem (http://www.amazon.com/review/RS7Y6JZG3ZO9C/ref=cm_srch_res_rtr_alt_1 ):

‘”I’ll Be Around” gives Billie another opportunity to explore the pain of how she must wait for a man who she hopes will come to love her someday. Billie’s interpretation of “I’ll Be Around” glistens like pure gold and the musical arrangement shines, too. Maybe my synethesia isn’t working this week, but I simply have no clue what an “interpretation . . . [that] glistens like pure gold” sounds like.

At least part of the problem is that folks approach Lady in Satin as an autobiographical statement about Holiday rather than as a work of musical craft by her. She’s a jazz singer, and one thing all good jazz singers do is change things in songs. In her version of “I’ll Be Around,” I count at least eighteen changes Holiday made to the music and/or words as originally composed by Alec Wilder:

I’ll Be Around–Billie Holiday, 1958

KEY:
Underscoring = sung on two (or more) notes, where originally
there was only a single note
Italics = added word/words or word changed [or dropped] from original;
if word changed, original word in parentheses ( ) to the right
[word] = word omitted from original lyric

I’ll be around
no matter how
you treat me now;
I’ll be around 1
from now on.

Your latest love
can never last
and when it’s past,
I’ll be around 2
when she’s gone.

Goodbye, again,
and if you find a love like mine, 3
just now and then 4
drop a line to say you’re feeling fine.

And when things go wrong 5
perhaps you’ll see
you’re meant for me, 6
and I’ll be around 7 (so), 8
when she’s gone.

Goodbye, again,
and if you find a love like mine, 9
just now and then 10
drop me a line, [to] say you’re feeling mighty fine. 11, [12], 13

When things go wrong
perhaps you’ll see
you’re meant for me, 14
and I’ll be around 15 (so), 16
when she’s gone–
when she’s gone. 17, 18

Of the eighteen changes I’ve marked, eleven–all the underscored words–involve Holiday adding either a note or a down-glide to a word that, in the original version of the song, is sung as a single syllable on a single note.
Another musical tradition–not jazz–calls this process ornamenting a melody. Maybe you’ll have noticed that the words Holiday chose to ornament fall into two groups: those referring to the singer of the song (I’ll; mine; me) and those referring to a hoped for/desired/dreamed of time (then; when) of renewed contact or renewed availability of the beloved. Holiday’s interpretative strategy for this song is to emphasize exactly this relation between the yearning singer and the yearned-for time.
The effect this emphasis has on the meaning of the song is perhaps most readily understood by comparing Holiday’s versions of “I’ll be Around” to the versions of other singers. Mildred Bailey’s 1942 version emphasizes the singer’s determination. Peggy Lee’s 1962 version the singer’s vulnerability. In contrast, Holiday hints at an enormous additional burden on both the singer and the singer’s fantasy that waiting entails. I find her version the most poignant of any I’ve heard.

There’s only a few additional points I want to make, though I cannot fully develop them here. First, it’s obvious to me that what Holiday did in “I’ll Be Around” is a deliberate strategy. It is NOT some direct outpouring of emotion but a very carefully constructed way of singing a song aimed at evoking a certain emotional response. Second–and this is related to the first–Holiday’s approach to the song is holistic in that it treats the song as a unified entity. It’s not as if some part of the song expresses determination, another fear, another whatever–but the effect of the whole is achieved by deliberate, subtle changes that are coordinate. This was a constant strategy in Holiday’s work. Third, Holiday’s approach to “I’ll be Around” is absolutely unique and original. If you listen to how other singers try to interpret the song, you’ll hear them playing around with the timing and relative emphasis in phrases like “I’ll be around” (Cf. especially Little Willie John–I’LL BE–around; and Tony Bennett’s tag: “I’ll BE around–I’ll–be around–I’ll–Be–Around from now on.”) Holiday is the only singer I’ve ever heard in the 67-year recording history of the song who modifies its meaning by relying largely on ornament. It’s a technique she learned, I think, from listening to Bessie Smith’s recordings, and used earlier in her career as well–and to very good effect (in such recordings as the 1937 “I Must have That Man,” where she moved first from the imperative “MUST have” of all earlier singers to the possessive “must HAVE” of her first two readings of the title line in her solo to the seductive “must HA-AVE” of her third reading of the title).

Best,

Joe Styles

Los Angeles, California”

 

---

118. I’ll Be Seeing You (1938)

lyrics: Irving Kahal

music: Sammy Fain

follows 6 versions of this song

I’ll be seeing you
In all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day through
In that small café
The park across the way
The children’s carousel
The chestnut trees
The wishing well

I’ll be seeing you
In every lovely summer’s day
In everything that’s light and gay
I’ll always think of you that way
I’ll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I’ll be looking at the moon
But I’ll be seeing you

I’ll be seeing you
In every lovely summer’s day
In everything that’s light and gay
I’ll always think of you that way
I’ll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I’ll be looking at the moon
But I’ll be seeing you

 

2nd version

I’ll be seeing you
In all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day through
In that small café
The park across the way
The children’s carousel
The chestnut trees
The wishing well

I’ll be seeing you
In every lovely summer’s day
In everything that’s light and gay
I’ll always think of you that way
I’ll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I’ll be looking at the moon
But I’ll be seeing you

I’ll be seeing you
In every lovely summer’s day
In everything that’s light and gay
I’ll always think of you that way
I’ll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I’ll be looking at the moon
But I’ll be seeing you

 

3rd version

I’ll be seeing you
In all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day through
In that small café
The park across the way
The children’s carousel
The chestnut trees
The wishing well

I’ll be seeing you
In every lovely summer’s day
In everything that’s light and gay
I’ll always think of you that way
I’ll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I’ll be looking at the moon
But I’ll be seeing you

I’ll be seeing you
In every lovely summer’s day
In everything that’s light and gay
I’ll always think of you that way
I’ll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I’ll be looking at the moon
But I’ll be seeing you

 

4th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1944	LR	20	Perfect Complete Collection v.1	18	3’19”

(intro)

I’ll be seeing you
In all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day through
In that small café
The park across the way
The children’s carousel
The chestnut trees
The wishing well

I’ll be seeing you
In every lovely summer’s day
In everything that’s light and gay
I’ll always think of you that way
I’ll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I’ll be looking at the moon
But I’ll be seeing you

In that small café
The park across the way
The children’s carousel
The chestnut trees
The wishing well

I’ll be seeing you
In every lovely summer’s day
In everything that’s light and gay
I’ll always think of you that way
I’ll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I’ll be looking at the moon
But I’ll be seeing you

 

 

5th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1949	LR	49	Perfect Complete Collection v.3	2	2’38”

(very bad sound quality)

I’ll be seeing you
In all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day through
In that small café
The park across the way
The children’s carousel
The chestnut trees
The wishing well

I’ll be seeing you
In every lovely summer’s day
In everything that’s light and gay
I’ll always think of you that way
I’ll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I’ll be looking at the moon
But I’ll be seeing you

(applauses)

 

6th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1956	LR	170	Complete on Verve v.8	12	2’28”

I’ll be seeing you
In all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day through
In that small café
The park across the way
The children’s carousel
The chestnut trees
The wishing well

I’ll be seeing you
In every lovely summer’s day
In everything that’s light and gay
I’ll always think of you that way
I’ll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new

I’ll be looking at the moon
But I’ll be seeing you

(applauses)

 

Notes

Published in 1938, the song was inserted into the Broadway musical Right This Way, which closed after fifteen performances. In the musical, it was performed by the singer Tamara Drasin, who had a few years earlier introduced Smoke Gets In Your Eyes. The song is a jazz standard, and has been covered by many musicians.

The lyrics begin with a preamble, never recorded by Billie:

Cathedral bells were tolling and our hearts sang on;

Was it the spell of Paris or the April dawn?

Who knows if we shall meet again?

But when the morning chimes ring sweet again…

I’ll be seeing you in all the old familiar places [etc.] (wikipedia)

 

---

119. I’ll Get By (1928)

lyrics: Roy Turk

music: Fred E. Ahlert

follows 7 versions of this song

I’ll get by
As long as I have you
Though there’ll be rain
And darkness too
I’ll not complain
I’ll laugh it’s true

Poverty
May come to me that’s true
But what care I
Say I’ll get by
As long as I have you

 

2nd version

I’ll get by
As long as I have you
Though there’ll be rain
And darkness too
I’ll not complain
I’ll laugh it’s true

Poverty
May come to me that’s true
But what care I
Say I’ll get by
As long as I have you

 

3rd version

I’ll get by
As long as I have you
Though there’ll be rain
And darkness too
I’ll not complain
I’ll laugh it’s true

Poverty
May come to me that’s true
But what care I? Say
I’ll get by
As long as I have you

I’ll get by
As long as I have you
Though there’ll be rain
And darkness too
I’ll not complain
I’ll laugh it’s true

Poverty
May come to me that’s true
But what care I? (say)
I’ll get by
As long as I have you

 

4th version

I’ll get by
As long as I have you
Though there’ll be rain
And darkness too
I’ll not complain
I’ll laugh it’s true

Poverty
May come to me that’s true
But what care I (say)
I’ll get by
As long as I have you

(bridge)

I’ll get by
As long as I have you
Though there’ll be rain
And darkness too
I’ll not complain
I’ll laugh it’s true

Poverty
May come to me that’s true
But what care I (say)
I’ll get by
As long as I have you

 

5th version

I’ll get by
As long as I have you
Though there’ll be rain
And darkness too
I’ll not complain
I’ll laugh it’s true

Poverty
May come to me that’s true
But what care I (say)
I’ll get by
As long as I have you

(bridge)

I’ll get by
As long as I have you
No there’ll be rain
And darkness too
I’ll not complain
I’ll laugh it’s true

Poverty
May come to me that’s true
But what care I (say)
I’ll get by
As long as I have you

 

6th version

I’ll get by
As long as I have you
Though there’ll be rain
And darkness too
I’ll not complain
I’ll laugh it’s true

Poverty
May come to me that’s true
But what care I?
I’ll get by
As long as I have you

(bridge)

I’ll get by
As long as I have you
Though there’ll be rain
And darkness too
I’ll not complain
I’ll laugh it’s true

Poverty
May come to me that’s true
But what care I?
I’ll get by
As long as I have you

 

7th version

I’ll get by
As long as I have you
Though there’ll be rain
And darkness too
I’ll not complain
I’ll laugh it’s true

Poverty
May come to me that’s true
But what care I?
I’ll get by
As long as I have you

(bridge)

I’ll get by
As long as I have you
No there’ll be rain
And darkness too
I’ll not complain
I’ll laugh it’s true

Poverty
May come to me that’s true
But what care I?
I’ll get by
As long as I have you

Notes

Diarmuid O’Hanlon from Dublin was kind enough to share his expertise in revising these lyrics. Many Thanks. (May 2014)

It was published in 1928 and first sung by Aileen Stanley. The song was sung and recorded by Billie Holiday many times, from the mid-1930s onwards. Later covers include The Platters, whose beautiful rendition was never released as a single, but only as part of the 1956 LP “The Platters – Volume Two” (Wikipedia).

I couldn’t help but to include The Platters in this work. One of my favourites bands as a teenager, Platters have unforgettable hits like Only You, The Great Pretender and My Prayer. I still have CDs, but the LPs were gone… (N/A)

 The Platters

 

---

120. I’ll Look Around

George Cory & Douglass Cross

I’ll look around until I’ve found
Someone who laughs like you
I’ll know somewhere spring must fill the air
With sweetness just as rare
As the flower that you gave me to wear

I’ll look around and when I’ve found
Someone who sighs like you
I’ll know this love I’m dreaming of
Won’t be the old love I always knew
I’ll know somewhere spring must fill the air
With sweetness just as rare
As the flower that you gave me to wear

I’ll look around and when I’ve found
Someone who sighs like you
I’ll know this love I’m dreaming of
Won’t be the old love I always knew

 

2nd version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1946	AT	189a	Complete on Decca v.1	19	3’12”

I’ll look around until I’ve found
Someone who laughs like you
I’ll know somewhere spring must fill the air
With sweetness just as rare
As the flower that you gave me to wear

I’ll look around and when I’ve found
Someone who sighs like you
I’ll know this love I’m dreaming of
Won’t be the old love I always knew
I’ll know somewhere spring must fill the air
With sweetness just as rare
As the flower that you gave me to wear

I’ll look around and when I’ve found
Someone who sighs like you
I’ll know this love I’m dreaming of
Won’t be the old love I always knew

Notes

NC

---

121.I’ll Never Be The Same

Lyrics by Gus Kahn 

Music by Matty Malneck & Frank Signorelli

I’ll never be the same
Stars have lost their meaning for me
I’ll never be the same
Nothing is what it once used to be
And when the sunbirds that sing
Tell me it’s spring
I can’t believe their song
Once love was king
But kings can be wrong

I’ll never be the same
There is such an ache in my heart
I’ll never be the same
Since we’re apart
But there’s a lot that a smile can hide
And I know deep down inside
I’ll never be the same
Never be the same again

 

Notes

NC

---

122. I’ll Never Fail You

Irving Taylor & Vic Mizzy

I’ll never fail you
Whatever may be
I’ll never fail you
Depend upon me
I’ll see them all through
The things you’ve planned
But if they fall through
I’ll understand
And when shadows trail you
I’ll bring you the sun
I’ll never fail you
There’s no other one
I’m yours forever
We never will part
I’ll never, never fail you sweetheart

Notes

NC

---

123. I’ll Never Smile Again (1939)

lyrics and music by Ruth Lowe

I’ll never smile again
Until I smile at you
I’ll never laugh again
What good would it do?
For tears would fill my eyes
My heart would realize
That our romance is through

I’ll never love again
I’m so in love with you
I’ll never thrill again
To somebody new
Within my heart
I know I will never start
To smile again
Until I smile at you

(bridge)

Within my heart
I know I will never start
To smile again
Until I smile at you

Notes

The most successful and best known version of the song was recorded by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra, with vocals provided by Frank Sinatra and The Pied Pipers. (…) This version stayed at number one for 12 weeks on Billboard, from July 27 to October 12, 1940, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1982.

The Platters brought the song back to the top 40 in 1961.

 

---

124. Ill Wind (1934)

Lyrics by Ted Koehler
Music by Harold Arlen

Blow,
Ill wind blow away
Let me rest today
You’re blowing me no good
No good

Go
Ill wind go away
Skies are oh so gray
Around my neighborhood
And that’s no good

You’re only misleading
The sunshine I’m needing
Ain’t that a shame
It’s so hard to keep up
With troubles that creep up
From out of nowhere
When love’s to blame

So
Ill wind blow away
Let me rest today
You’re blowing me no good
No good
No good

(long bridge)

You’re only misleading
The sunshine I’m needing
Ain’t that a shame
It’s so hard to keep up
With troubles that creep up
From out of nowhere
When love’s to blame

So
Ill wind go away
Let me rest today
You’re blowing me no good
No good

Ill wind

Notes

It was written for their last show at the Cotton Club Parade, in 1934, and was sung by Adelaide Hall. The song is featured in the 1984 film The Cotton Club, sung by Lonette McKee.

The melody came to Arlen whilst he was visiting Anya Taranda, a model who was to become his wife.

The Cotton Club was a night club located in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City which operated from 1923 to 1940, most notably during America’s Prohibition Era which lasted until 1933 after having been introduced in 1919. The club was a white-only establishment even though it featured many of the best Black entertainers and jazz musicians of the era including (…) Billie Holiday. During its heyday, the Cotton Club served as a hip meeting spot featuring regular “Celebrity Nights” on Sundays which featured several celebrity guests (Wikipedia).

 wikischolars.columbia.edu

 

---

125. I’m A Fool To Want You

Jack Wolf & Joel Herron & Frank Sinatra

(This edit master is basically take 3
with an excerpt of take 2)

 

I’m a fool to want you
I’m a fool to want you
To want a love that can’t be true
A love that’s there for others too

I’m a fool to hold you
Such a fool to hold you
To seek a kiss not mine alone
To share a kiss that devil has known

Time and time again I said I’d leave you
Time and time again I went away
But then would come the time when I would need you
And once again these words I have to say

I’m a fool to want you
Pity me I need you
I know it’s wrong it must be wrong
But right or wrong I can’t get along
Without you

I can’t get along without you

 

2nd version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1958	AT	313a	Lady In Satin	14	3’24”

I’m a fool to want you
I’m a fool to want you
To want a love that can’t be true
A love that’s there for others too

I’m a fool to hold you
Such a fool to hold you
To seek a kiss not mine alone
To share a kiss that devil has known

Time and time again I said I’d leave you
Time and time again I went away
But then would come the time when I would need you
And once again these words I have to say

I’m a fool to want you
Pity me I need you
I know it’s wrong it must be wrong
But right or wrong I can’t get along
Without you

I can’t get along without you

(a capella)
Time and time again I said I’d leave you
Time and time again I went away

 

3rd version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1958	AT	313b	Lady In Satin	13	3’23”

I’m a fool to want you
I’m a fool to want you
To want a love that can’t be true
A love that’s there for others too

I’m a fool to hold you
Such a fool to hold you
To seek a kiss not mine alone
To share a kiss that devil has known

Time and time again I said I’d leave you
Time and time again I went away
But then would come the time when I would need you
And once again these words I have to say

Take me back, I love you
Pity me I need you
I know it’s wrong it must be wrong
But right or wrong I can’t get along
Without you

I can’t get along without you

Notes

Another song from the the album Lady in Satin (see comments about it in the ‘Notes” after song #117 above).

A rare composition by Frank Sinatra, he first recorded the song with the Ray Charles Singers on March 27, 1951 (…) He recorded a second version at the Capitol Tower in Hollywood on May 1, 1957, arranged and conducted by Gordon Jenkins, which was released in 1957 on the album Where Are You? (Wikipedia)

 Frank Sinatra

 

---

126. I’m All For You

Bresler & Wynn

Let our friends say what they want to say
If I’m wrong I’ll be the one to pay
No matter if it’s true
You’ll find that I’m all for you

Let the cards predict we’ll drift apart
And the stars foretell a broken heart
No matter if they do
You’ll find that I’m all for you

I only know come what may
You’ll always find me by your side
I may be a fool
Time alone will decide

Let them all say that it’s just a game
And I’m sure to lose
But just the same no matter if I do
You’ll find that I’m all for you

(bridge)

I only know come what may
You’ll always find me by your side
I may be a fool
Time alone will decide

Let them all say that it’s just a game
And I’m sure to lose
But just the same no matter if I do
You’ll find that I’m all for you

 

2nd version

Let our friends say what they want to say
If I’m wrong I’ll be the one to pay
No matter if it’s true
You’ll find that I’m all for you

Let the cards predict we’ll drift apart
And the stars foretell a broken heart
No matter if they do
You’ll find that I’m all for you

I only know come what may
You’ll always find me by your side
I may be a fool
Time alone will decide

Let them all say that it’s just a game
And I’m sure to lose
But just the same no matter if I do
You’ll find that I’m all for you

(bridge)

I only know come what may
You’ll always find me by your side
I may be a fool
Time alone will decide

Let them all say that it’s just a game
And I’m sure to lose
But just the same no matter if I do
You’ll find that I’m all for you

 

Notes

NC

---

127. I’m Gonna Lock My Heart (And Throw Away The Key) 1938

lyrics and music by Jimmy Eaton & Terry Shand

I’m gonna lock my heart
And throw away the key
I’m wise to all those tricks you played on me
I’m gonna turn my back on love
Gonna snub the moon above
Seal all my windows up with tin
So the love bug can’t get in

I’m gonna park my romance right along the curb
Hang a sign upon my heart
Please don’t disturb
And if I never fall in love again
That’s soon enough for me
I’m gonna lock my heart
And throw away the key

(bridge)

And if I never fall in love again
That’s soon enough for me
I’m gonna lock my heart
I’ll never fall in love
I’m gonna lock my heart
And throw away the key

 

2nd version

I’m gonna lock my heart
And throw away the key
I’m wise to all those tricks you played on me
I’m gonna turn my back on love
Gonna snub the moon above
Seal all my windows up with tin
So the love bug can’t get in

I’m gonna park my romance right along the curb
Hang a sign upon my heart
Please don’t disturb
And if I never fall in love again
That’s soon enough for me
I’m gonna lock my heart
And throw away the key

(bridge)

And if I never fall in love again
That’s soon enough for me
I’m gonna lock my heart
I’ll never fall in love
I’m gonna lock my heart
And throw away the key

 

3rd version

I’m gonna lock my heart
And throw away the key
I’m hip to all the jive you laid on me
I’m gonna turn my back on love
Snub the moon above
Seal all my windows up with tin
So the love bug can’t get in

Park my romance right along the curb
Hang a sign upon my heart
Please don’t disturb
And if I never fall in love again
That’s soon enough for me
I’m gonna lock my heart
And throw away the key

(bridge)

Park my romance right along the curb
Hang a sign upon my heart
Please don’t disturb
And if I never fall in love again
That’s too soon for me
I’m gonna lock my heart
I’ll never fall in love
I’m gonna lock my heart
And throw away the key

Notes

Thanks for Jerry Meyer (NY) for his accurate revision.

Also thanks to Nigel Jackson for his remarks on the live version.

In 1938, Holiday’s single “I’m Gonna Lock My Heart” ranked 6th as the most-played song for September of that year. Her record label Vocalion listed the single as its fourth best seller for the same month. “I’m Gonna Lock My Heart” peaked at number 2 on the pop charts according to Joel Whitburn’s “Pop Memories: 1890–1954” book.

Thanks for Daniel Bédard for the lyrics typo.

---

128. I’m In A Low-Down Groove

R. Jacobs

I’m in a low-down groove
From carrying a torch for you
Oh, what a low-down groove
Really don’t know what to do

My heart has no sense of humor
Dear as far as you’re concerned
It’s more than a Winchell rumor
This time I really got burned
I don’t need a song to prove
That I’m in such a low-down groove

(bridge)

My heart has no sense of humor
Dear as far as you’re concerned
It’s more than a Winchell rumor
This time I really got burned
I don’t need a song to prove
That I’m in such a low-down groove

 

Notes

Note: Walter Winchell (1897-1972) was a precursor of the gossip columns in the press.

 

---

129. I’m Painting The Town Red

Music by Charles Tobias & Sam H. Stept

Lyrics by Charles Newmam

A smile on my face
A song on my lips
Pretending is all I do
I’m painting the town red
To hide a heart that’s blue
I’m gay with the crowd
I play with the crowd
But oh, if they only knew
I’m painting the town red
To hide a heart that’s blue
Must I go on carrin’ on
My merry song is just pretend
Loving you so, wanting you so
Where will it end, how will it end
A smile on my face
A song on my lips
But never forgetting you
I’m painting the town red
To hide a heart that’s blue

Notes

NC

---

130. I’m Pulling Through

Arthur Herzog Jr. & Irene Kitchings

I’m pulling through and it’s because of you
When I was stranded came your helping hand
Lonely hurt I had not known which way to turn
‘Til you said That’s bad, not tears, just laugh and learn

I’m pulling through and it’s because of you
You made me see how lovely life could be
Lifted up my heart and made me count the cost
To find I’d gained not lost

When I thought that hope was really gone
You showed me I was wrong
And you taught me how to carry on
Thanks for the lift in time and thanks for this song

I’m pulling through and it’s because of you
I’d do the same for you if your turn came
Hope it never will for I’ve been through the mill
I won’t forget this debt
I’m pulling through

(bridge)

When I thought that hope was really gone
You showed me I was wrong
And you taught me how to carry on
Thanks for the lift in time and thanks for this song

I’m pulling through and it’s because of you
I’d do the same for you if your turn came
Hope it never will for I’ve been through the mill
I won’t forget this debt
I’m pulling through

 

Notes

NC

---

131. I’m Restless

Sam Coslow & Tom Satterfield

[rehearsal fragments]

N.A.

Notes

 

---

132. I’m Walking Through Heaven With You

Lyrics by Jimmie Lunceford

Music by Joe Turner

[rehearsal fragments]

N.A.

Notes

 

---

133. I’m Yours (1930)

lyrics by E.Y. Harburg

music by Johnny Green

Ask the sky above
And ask the earth below
Why I’m so in love
And why I love you so
Couldn’t tell you though I tried dear
Just why I’m yours
When you went away
You left a glowing spark
Trying to be gay as
Whistling in the dark
I am only what you make me
Come take me
I’m yours

How happy
I would be to beg or borrow
For sorrow
With you
Even though I knew
Tomorrow
You’d say we were through
If we drift apart
Then I’ll be lost and lone
Though you use my heart
Just for a steppin’ stone
How can I help dreaming of you
I love you
I’m yours

How happy
I would be to beg or borrow
For sorrow
With you
Even though I knew
Tomorrow
You’d say we were through
If we drift apart
Then I’ll be lost and lone
Though you use my heart
Just for a steppin’ stone
How can I help dreaming of you
I love you
I’m yours

 

2nd version

Ask the sky above
And ask the earth below
Why I’m so in love
And why I love you so
Couldn’t tell you though I tried dear
Just why I’m yours
When you went away
You left a glowing spark
Trying to be gay as
Whistling in the dark
I am only what you make me
Come take me
I’m yours

How happy
I would be to beg or borrow
For sorrow
With you
Even though I knew
Tomorrow
You’d say we were through
If we drift apart
Then I’ll be lost and lone
Though you use my heart
Just for a steppin’ stone
How can I help dreaming of you
I love you
I’m yours

How happy
I would be to beg or borrow
For sorrow
With you
Even though I knew
Tomorrow
You’d say we were through
If we drift apart
Then I’ll be lost and lone
Though you use my heart
Just for a steppin’ stone
I am only what you make me
Come take me
I’m yours

 

 

3rd version

Ask the sky above
And ask the earth below
Why I’m so in love
And why I love you so
Couldn’t tell you though I tried dear
Just why I’m yours
When you went away
You left a glowing spark
Trying to be gay as
Whistling in the dark
I am only what you make me
Come take me
I’m yours

How happy
I would be to beg or borrow
For sorrow
With you
Even though I knew
Tomorrow
You’d say we were through
If we drift apart
Then I’ll be lost and lone
Though you use my heart
Just for a steppin’ stone
How can I help dreaming of you
I love you
I’m yours

How happy
I would be to beg or borrow
For sorrow
With you
Even though I knew
Tomorrow
You’d say we were through
If we drift apart
Then I’ll be lost and lone
Though you use my heart
Just for a steppin’ stone
I am only what you make me
Come take me
I’m yours

Notes

NC

---

134. Isn’t This a Lovely Day? (1935)

lyrics and music by Irving Berlin

Isn’t this a lovely day
To be caught in the rain
You were going on your way
Now you’ve got to remain

Just as you were going
Leaving me all at sea
The clouds broke
They broke and oh!
What a break for me

I can see the sun up high
Though we’re caught in the storm
I can see where you and I
Could be cozy and warm

Let the rain pitter patter
But it really doesn’t matter
If the skies are gray
Long as I can be with you
It’s a lovely day

(bridge)

I can see the sun up high
Though we’re caught in the storm
I can see where you and I
Could be cozy and warm

Let the rain pitter patter
Though it really doesn’t matter
If the skies are gray
Long as I can be with you
It’s a lovely day

Notes

From the film Top Hat with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers. In Isn’t This a Lovely Day (to be Caught in the Rain), while Rogers is out riding, a thunderstorm breaksand she takes shelter in a bandstand. Astaire follows her and a conversation about clouds and rainfall soon gives way to Astaire’s rendering of this, one of Berlin’s most prized creations.

  

  Ginger Rodgers and Fred Astaire (Top Hat)

 

---

135. Israel

Lyrics by Arthur Herzog Jr.

Music by Arthur Herzog Jr.

[rehearsal fragments]

N.A.

 

Notes

NC

---

136. It Had To Be You (1924)

lyrics by Gus Kahn
music by Isham Jones

It had to be you,
It had to be you
I wandered around
And finally found
The somebody who
Could make me be true
Could make me be blue
And even be glad
Just to be sad
Thinking of you

Some others I’ve seen
Might never be mean
Might never be cross
Or try to be boss
But they wouldn’t do
For nobody else
Gave me a thrill
With all your faults
I love you still
It had to be you
Wonderful you
It had to be you

It had to be you,
It had to be you
I wandered around
Finally I found
The somebody who
Could make me be true
Could make me be blue
And even be glad
Just to be sad
Thinking of you

Some others I’ve seen
Might never be mean
Might never be cross
Or try to be boss
But they wouldn’t do
For nobody else
Gave me a thrill
With all your faults
I love you still
It had to be you
Wonderful you
It had to be you

Notes

This song was performed (…) by Priscilla Lane in the 1939 film The Roaring Twenties (…) It was also performed by Dooley Wilson in the 1942 film Casablanca.

 

---

137. It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie (1936)

lyrics and music by Billy Mayhew

Be sure it’s true when you say
I love you
It’s a sin to tell a lie
Millions of hearts have been broken
Just because these words were spoken

I love you
Yes I do
I love you
If you break my heart I’ll die
So be sure that it’s true when you say
I love you
It’s a sin to tell a lie

(bridge)

I love you
Yes I do
I love you
If you break my heart I’ll die
So be sure that it’s true when you say
I love you
It’s a sin to tell a lie

It’s a sin to tell a lie

 

2nd version

Be sure it’s true when you say
I love you
It’s a sin to tell a lie
Millions of hearts have been broken
Just because these words were spoken

I love you
Yes I do
I love you
If you break my heart I’ll die
So be sure that it’s true when you say
I love you
It’s a sin to tell a lie

(bridge)

I love you
Yes I do
I love you
If you break my heart I’ll die
So be sure that it’s true when you say
I love you
It’s a sin to tell a lie

It’s a sin to tell a lie

 

3rd version

Be sure it’s true when you say
I love you
It’s a sin to tell a lie
Millions of hearts have been broken
Just because these words were spoken

I love you
Yes I do
I love you
If you break my heart I’ll die
So be sure that it’s true when you say
I love you
It’s a sin to tell a lie

(bridge)

I love you
Yes I do
I love you
If you break my heart I’ll die
So be sure that it’s true when you say
I love you
It’s a sin to tell a lie

It’s a sin to tell a lie

Notes

Originally introduced by Fats Waller on the 78 rpm record Victor 20-1595, it was revived in 1955 by Somethin’ Smith and the Redheads, reaching #7 on the Billboard charts in that year( …) John Denver tells a story about the song and does a cover in his 1978 album, Live at the Sydney Opera House (RCA Victor VPL1-7167). (Wikipedia).

 

---

138. It’s Easy To Blame The Weather (1939)

Lyrics by Sammy Cahn

Music by Saul Chaplin

Honestly I’m glad it’s snowing
It helps to keep our friends from knowing
When they ask me why I’m sad
It’s easy to blame the weather

It’s funny how the blinding snow flakes
Are right in time to hide my heartaches
Let them ask me why I’m sad
It’s easy to blame the weather

When I think of the sun
It scares me
My one alibi will pass
And springtime I hear
Is early this year
They’ll see through me like glass

I see no reason for this breakup
So let me be the first to make up
If a reason must be had
It’s easy to blame the weather

Notes

Lyrics revised by Daniel Bédard

---

139. It’s Easy To Remember (1935)

lyrics by Lorenz Hart

music by Richard Rodgers

Your sweet expression
Smile you gave me
The way you looked when we met
It’s easy to remember
But so hard to forget

I hear you whisper
I’ll always love you
I know it’s over and yet
It’s easy to remember
But so hard to forget

So I must dream
To have your hand caress me
Fingers press me tight
I’d rather dream
Than have that lonely feeling
Stealing through the night

Each little moment
Is clear before me
And though it brings me regret
It’s easy to remember
And so hard to forget

(bridge)

So I must dream
To have your hand caress me
Fingers press me tight
I’d rather dream
Than have that lonely feeling
Stealing through the night

Each little moment
Is clear before me
And though it brings me regret
It’s easy to remember
And so hard to forget

 

2nd version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1958	LR	198	Perfect Complete Collection v.12	3	3’30”

Your sweet expression
Smile you gave me
The way you look when we met
It’s easy to remember
But so hard to forget

I hear you whisper
I’ll always love you
And though it brings me regret
It’s easy to remember
But so hard to forget

So I must dream
To have your hands caress me
Fingers press me tight
I’d rather dream
Than have that lonely feeling
Stealing through the night

Each little moment
Is clear before me
I know it’s over and yet
It’s easy to remember
But so hard to forget

So I must dream
To have your hands caress me
Fingers press me tight
I’d rather dream
Than have this lonely feeling
Stealing through the night

Each little moment
Is clear before me
I know it’s over and yet
It’s easy to remember
But so hard to forget

Notes

It’s Easy to Remember (And So Hard to Forget) is a popular song written by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Lorenz Hart, published in 1935, written for the 1935 film Mississippi starring Bing Crosby and W.C. Fields. Crosby introduced the song in the film and made a hit recording for Decca Records that same year.The song is now considered a standard, with many recordings having been made by many artists, including Billie Holiday on her album Lady in Satin (Wikipedia) (For more references on this album, see ‘Notes’ after song #117 above).

 

---

140. It’s Like Reaching For The Moon

Al Lewis & Al Sherman & Gerald Marqsee

It’s like reaching for the moon
It’s like reaching for the sun
It’s like reaching for the stars
Reaching for you

You’re so far above me
How can I expect than an angel to love me
Who is so divine as you are?

It’s like flying without wings
Playing fiddle without strings
And a million other things
No one can do
No, my hopes are slender
In my secret heart I pray you’ll surrender soon
No, it’s like reaching for the moon

Notes

NC

---

141. It’s Not For Me To Say (1957)

Lyrics by Al Stillman

Music by Robert Allen

It’s not for me to say you love me
It’s not for me to say you’ll always care
Oh, but here for the moment I can hold you fast
And press your lips to mine
And dream that love will last

As far as I can see this is heaven
And speaking just for me it’s ours to share
Perhaps the glow of love will grow with every passing day
Or we may never meet again
But then it’s not for me to say

Notes

This beautiful song was written for the 1957 movie Lizzie (starring Eleanor Parker), and was sung by Johnny Mathis in the film. Mathis’ recording of the song, arranged by Ray Conniff, was the most successful version, reaching #5 on the Billboard Top 100 singles chart. Bing Crosby made a recording of the song.Cliff Richard also recorded the song in 1965 (Wikipedia).

   Johnny Mathis in Lizzie

Well, well. What a duo of icons from my teens… May I jump in time?

• Mathis (1935 – ) had 73 songs in Billboard charts, including the hits It´s not for Me to Say, Misty and Chances Are.

•  

• From Ray Conniff (1916-2002) I remember very well the danceable “‘S” albuns: ‘S Wonderful, ‘S Marvelous, Say it With Music, etc.

•  

 

---

142. It’s The Same Old Story

M. Field & N. Oliphant

The same old story
It’s as old as the stars above
The same old story
Of a boy and a girl in love
The scenes say more moonlight
The times say more June night
Romance’s the thing
Two hearts away deep in a dream

The same old story
It’s been told much too much before
The same old story
But it’s worth telling just once more
It’s all fun and laughter
They lived ever after in ecstasy
The same old story but it’s new to me

(bridge)

The same old story
It’s been told much too much before
The same old story
But it’s worth telling just once more
It’s all fun and laughter
They lived ever after in ecstasy
The same old story but it’s new to me

 

2nd version

The same old story
It’s as old as the stars above
The same old story
Of a boy and a girl in love
The scenes say more moonlight
The times say more June night
Romance’s the thing
Two hearts away deep in a dream

The same old story
It’s been told much too much before
The same old story
But it’s worth telling just once more
It’s all fun and laughter
They lived ever after in ecstasy
The same old story but it’s new to me

(bridge)

The same old story
It’s been told much too much before
The same old story
But it’s worth telling just once more
It’s all fun and laughter
They lived ever after in ecstasy
The same old story but it’s new to me

 

3rd version

The same old story
It’s as old as the stars above
The same old story
Of a boy and a girl in love
The scenes say more moonlight
The times say more June night
Romance’s the thing
Two hearts away deep in a dream

The same old story
It’s been told much too much before
The same old story
But it’s worth telling just once more
It’s all fun and laughter
They lived ever after in ecstasy
The same old story but it’s new to me

(bridge)

The same old story
It’s been told much too much before
The same old story
But it’s worth telling just once more
It’s all fun and laughter
They lived ever after in ecstasy
The same old story but it’s new to me

 

Notes

NC

---

143. It’s Too Hot For Words

Walter Samuels & Leonard Whitcup & Teddy Powell

It’s too hot for words
Why bother with conversation
Don’t let’s talk or even walk
If you want to make love okay
It’s too hot for words
There’s nothing like relaxation
Can’t ignore this temperature
But if you want to make love okay
Let’s find a cozy nook
Beside a babbling brook
Let’s find a shady tree
Let the love birds talk for you and me
‘Cause it’s much too hot for words
Why bother with conversation
Goodness knows my heart disclose
All it cares to say
It’s too hot for words

Notes

NC

---

144. I’ve Got A Date With A Dream (1938)

lyrics and music by Mack Gordon & Harry Revel

I’ve got a date with a dream
A dream divine
I’ve got a date with a dream
Who may be mine

I’ve got to hurry and dress
To meet him at seven
When any old corner becomes a corner
Of heaven, blue heaven

I’m gonna dance with a dream
We’ll dance on air
I’m gonna speak to a dream
And tell him I care

And when the evening is over
I’ll kiss him goodnight and then
I’ll have a date with a dream
And meet him all over again

(bridge)

And when the evening is over
I’ll kiss him goodnight and then
I’ll have a date with a dream
And meet him all over again

 

2nd version

I’ve got a date with a dream
A dream divine
I’ve got a date with a dream
Who may be mine

I’ve got to hurry and dress
To meet him at seven
When any old corner becomes a corner
Of heaven, blue heaven

I’m gonna dance with a dream
We’ll dance on air
I’m gonna speak to a dream
And tell him I care

And when the evening is over
I’ll kiss him goodnight and then
I’ll have a date with a dream
And meet him all over again

(bridge)

And when the evening is over
I’ll kiss him goodnight and then
I’ll have a date with a dream
And meet him all over again

Notes

It was included in the musical Blues in the Night song list.

The AT included in Complete in Columbia, v.8 tk.22 is a Sony mistake. They wrongly just repeated the MT take again. That´s why I changed it to the version in Complete Alternate Takes (Blue Moon Producciones Discografica – see Discography).

 

145. I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm (1936)

lyrics and music: Irving Berlin

follows 4 versions of this song

The snow is snowing
Wind is blowing
But I can weather the storm
Why do I care how much it may storm
I’ve got my love to keep me warm

I can’t remember
A worse December
Just watch those icicles form
Why do I care if icicles form
I’ve got my love to keep me warm

Off with my overcoat
Off with my gloves
I need no overcoat
I’m burning with love

My heart’s on fire
The flame grows higher
So I will weather the storm
Why do I care how much it may storm
I’ve got my love to keep me warm

(bridge)

My heart’s on fire
The flame grows higher
So I will weather the storm
Why do I care how much it may storm
I’ve got my love to keep me warm

 

2nd version

The snow is snowing
The wind is blowing
But I can weather the storm
Why do I care how much it may storm
I’ve got my love to keep me warm

I can’t remember
A worse December
Just watch those icicles form
Why do I care if icicles form
I’ve got my love to keep me warm

Off with my overcoat
Off with my gloves
I need no overcoat
I’m burning with love

My heart’s on fire
The flame grows higher
So I will weather the storm
Why do I care how much it may storm
I’ve got my love to keep me warm

(bridge)

My heart’s on fire
The flame grows higher
So I will weather the storm
Why do I care how much it may storm
I’ve got my love to keep me warm

 

3rd version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1955	MT	251	Complete on Verve v.3	13	3’55”

The snow is snowing
The wind is blowing
But I can weather the storm
Why do I care how much it may storm
I’ve got my love to keep me warm

I can’t remember
A worse December
Just watch those icicles form
Why do I care if icicles form
I’ve got my love to keep me warm

Off with my overcoat
Off with my gloves
I need no overcoat
I’m burning with love

My heart’s on fire
The flame grows higher
So I will weather the storm
Why do I care how much it may storm
I’ve got my love to keep me warm

(bridge)

Off with my overcoat
Off with my gloves
I need no overcoat
I’m burning with love

My heart’s on fire
The flame grows higher
I will weather the storm
Why do I care how much it may storm
I’ve got my love,
I’ve got my love,
I’ve got my love to keep me warm

 

4th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1955	MT	251	Complete on Verve v.3	13	3’55”

The snow is snowing
The wind is blowing
But I can weather the storm
Why do I care how much it may storm
I’ve got my love to keep me warm

I can’t remember
A worse December
Just watch those icicles form
Why do I care if icicles form
I’ve got my love to keep me warm

Off with my overcoat
Off with my gloves
I need no overcoat
I’m burning with love

My heart’s on fire
The flame grows higher
So I will weather the storm
Why do I care how much it may storm
I’ve got my love to keep me warm

(bridge)

Off with my overcoat
Off with my gloves
I need no overcoat
I’m burning with love

My heart’s on fire
The flame grows higher
I will weather the storm
Why do I care how much it may storm
I’ve got my love,
I’ve got my love,
I’ve got my love to keep me warm

Notes

“I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” is a Christmas song written in 1937 by Irving Berlin. It was introduced in the musical film On the Avenue (1937) by Dick Powell and Alice Faye. Les Brown’s instrumental version (…) became a million-seller and Billboard top ten song in 1949. The song has been assimilated into the US holiday music tradition (Wikipedia).

   I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm

 

©www.billieholidaysongs.com  – december 2015