Songs L

INDEX OF SONGS & LYRICS “L”
Lady Sings the Blues 4 versions
Lady Sings the Blues
Lady’s Back in Town
Laughing at Life 2 versions
Let’s Call a Heart a Heart
Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off 2 versions
Let’s Do It 2 versions
Let’s Dream in the Moonlight 2 versions
Life Begins When You’re in Love
Long Gone Blues
Love for Sale
Love Me or Leave Me 2 versions
Loveless Love 2 versions
Lover Come Back To Me 15 versions
Lover Man (Oh, Where Can You Be?) 8 versions

 

152. Lady Sings The Blues

Billie Holiday & Herbie Nichols

follows 4 version of this song

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1956 MT 276 Complete on Verve v.7 4 3’44”

Lady sings the blues
She’s got them bad
She feels so sad
And wants the world to know
Just what the blues is all about

Lady sings the blues
She tells her side
Nothing to hide
Now the world will now
Just what the blues is all about

The blues ain’t nothing but a pain in your heart
When you get a bad start
When you and your man have to part
I ain’t gonna just sit around and cry
I know I won’t die
‘Cause I love him

Lady sings the blues
I’m telling you
She’s got them bad
But now the world will know
She’s never gonna sing them no more

‘Cause the blues ain’t nothing but a pain in your heart
When you get a bad start
When you and your man have to part
Ain’t gonna just sit around and cry
I know I won’t die
‘Cause I love him

Lady sings the blues
I’m telling you
She’s got them bad
But now the world will know
She’s never gonna sing them no more

No more

 

2nd version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1956 LR 162 Complete on Verve v.8 2 2’38”

Lady sings the blues
She’s got them bad
She feels so sad
Wants the world to know
Just what her blues is all about

Lady sings the blues
She tells her side
Nothing to hide
Now the world will now
Just what her blues is all about

The blues ain’t nothing but a pain in your heart
When you get a bad start
You and your man have to part
I ain’t gonna just sit around and cry
I know I won’t die
Because I love him

Lady sings the blues
She’s got them bad
She feels so sad
But now the world will know
She’s never gonna sing them no more

No more

(applauses)

 

3rd version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1957 LR 184 Complete on Verve v.10 8 3’00”

 

Billie Introduces the song:

(… and now I’d like to try doing a little tune for you, that I recorded for Norman Granz, Clef Records, my tune’s title’s Lady Sings The Blue. Hope that you like it)

 

Lady sings the blues
She’s got them bad
She feels so sad
Wants the world to know
Just what her blues is all about

Lady sings the blues
She tells her side
Nothing to hide
Now the world will now
Just what her blues is all about

The blues ain’t nothing but a pain in your heart
When you get a bad start
You and your man have to part
But I ain’t gonna just sit around and cry
And I know I won’t die
‘Cause I love him

Lady sings the blues
She’s got them bad
She feels so sad
But now the world will know
She’s never gonna sing’em no more
No more

(applauses)

 

4th version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1957 LR 191 Billie Holiday At Stratford ’57 6 3’12”

Billie introduces the next song:
(… now I’d like to try doing for you a little tune of mine, its title Lady Sings The Blues)

 

Lady sings the blues
She’s got them bad
She feels so sad
Wants the world to know
Just what her blues is all about

Lady sings the blues
She tells her side
Nothing to hide
Now the world will now
Just what her blues is all about

Blues ain’t nothing but a pain in your heart
When you get a bad start
You and your man have to part
But I ain’t gonna just sit around and cry
And I know I won’t die
‘Cause I love him

Lady sings the blues
She’s got them bad
She feels so sad
But now the world will know
She’s never gonna sing’em no more
No more

(applauses, fanfare lady be good)

 

Notes

One more song by Billie Holiday, sometimes introduced personally by Billie to the audience. My favorite version is the first, MT 276 (1956).

It is the title song to her 1956 album. It was also chosen to be the title of the 1956 autobiography by Holiday and author William Dufty, and the 1972 movie starring Diana Ross as Holiday (Wikipedia) (Actually, nothing to remember N/A).

 


153. Lady’s Back In Town

Tony Scott

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1956 REH Complete on Verve v.6 24

[rehearsal fragments]

N.A.

 

 

Notes

NA


154. Laughing At Life

Nick Kenney & Charles F. Kenney & C. Todd & B. Todd

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1940 MT 136 Complete in Columbia v.6 16 2’53”

Don’t mind the rain drops
Wait till the rain stops
Smile through your tears laughing at life
No road is lonely if you will only
Loose all your blues laughing at life
Live for tomorrow be happy today
Laugh all your sorrows away
Start now and cheer up
The skies will clear up
Loose all your blues laughing at life

(bridge)

Don’t mind the rain drops
Wait till the rain stops
You’ll find the sun laughing at life
No road is lonely if you will only
Smile through your tears laughing at life
Live for tomorrow be happy today
Laugh all your sorrows away
Start now and cheer up
The skies will clear up
Loose all your blues laughing at life

 

2nd version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1940 AT 136a Complete in Columbia v.9 15 2’52”

Don’t mind the rain drops
Wait till the rain stops
You’ll find the sun laughing at life
No road is lonely if you will only
Smile through your tears laughing at life
Live for tomorrow be happy today
Laugh all your sorrows away
Start now and cheer up
The skies will clear up
Loose all your blues laughing at life

(bridge)

Don’t mind the rain drops
Wait till the rain stops
Loose all your blues laughing at life
No road is lonely if you will only
Smile through your tears laughing at life
Live for tomorrow be happy today
Laugh all your sorrows away
Start now and cheer up
The skies will clear up
You’ll find the sun laughing at life

Notes

NC


155. Let’s Call A Heart A Heart

Music by Arthur Johston

Lyrics by Sonny Burke

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1936 MT 29 Complete on Columbia v.2 4 3’01”

When we’re in a friendly situation
My conversation may not be smart
But if we’re to have a perfect understanding
Let’s call a heart a heart

There are words that should be whispered gently
That’s evidently the way to start
If I tell you what my dreams have been demanding
Let’s call a heart a heart

Can I prove how I yearn
Just by the turn of a phrase
Can I keep my control
When all my soul is aflame

Maybe we’d call a true confession
And in discretion on someone’s part
But if I’m to say how madly I adore you
Let’s call a heart a heart

(bridge)

Maybe we’d call a true confession
And in discretion on someone’s part
But if I’m to say how madly I adore you
Let’s call a heart a heart

Notes

NC


156. Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off (1936)

lyrics: Ira Gershwyn

music: George Gershwin

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1937 MT 53 Complete on Columbia v.3 5 3’36”

You say either
And I say either
You say neither
And I say neither
Either, either, neither, neither
Let’s call the whole thing off

You like potatoes
And I like potatoes
You like tomatoes
And I like tomatoes
Potatoes, potatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes
Let’s call the whole thing off

But oh, if we call the whole thing off
Then we must part
And oh, if we ever part
Then that might break my heart

So it you like pajamas and I like pajamas
I’ll wear pajamas and give up pajamas
For we know we need each other
So we’d better call the calling off, off
Let’s call the whole thing off

(bridge)

But oh, if we call the whole thing off
Then we must part
And oh, if we ever part
Then that might break my heart

So if you go for oysters
And I go for oysters
I’ll order oysters and cancel the oysters
For we know we need each other
So we’d better call the calling off, off
Let’s call the whole thing off

 

2nd version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1957 MT 305 Complete on Verve v.9 19 3’24”

(extended lyrics)

You say either
And I say either
You say neither
And I say neither
Either, either, neither, neither
Let’s call the whole thing off

You like potato
And I like potato
You like tomato
And I like tomato
Potato, potato, tomato, tomato
Let’s call the whole thing off

But oh, if we call the whole thing off
And we must part
And oh, if we ever part
Then that might break my heart

So it you like pajamas and I like pajamas
I’ll wear pajamas and give up pajamas
For we know we need each other
So we’d better call the calling off, off
Let’s call the whole thing off

(bridge)

You say laughter and I say lawfter
You say after and I say awfter
Laughter, lawfter, after, awfter
Let’s call the whole thing off

You like vanilla and I like vanella
You sa’sparilla and I sa’sparella
Vanilla, vanella, chocolate, strawberry
Let’s call the whole thing off

But oh, if we call the whole thing off
Then we must part
And oh, if we ever part then that
Might break my heart

So if you go for oysters and I go for ersters
I’ll order oysters and cancel the ersters
For we know we need each other
So we better call the calling off, off
Let’s call the whole thing off

 

Notes
Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” is a song written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 film Shall We Dance where it was introduced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as part of a celebrated dance duet on roller skates.
Shall We Dance Fred AstaireGinger Rogers

The song is most famous for its “You like to-may-toes /təˈmeɪtoʊz/ and I like to-mah-toes /təˈmɑːtoʊz/” and other verses comparing their different regional dialects.The differences in pronunciation are not simply regional, however, and serve more specifically to identify class differences. At the time, typical American pronunciations were considered less “refined” by the upper-class, and there was a specific emphasis on the “broader” a sound. This class distinction with respect to pronunciation has been retained in caricatures, especially in the theater where the longer a pronunciation is most strongly associated with the word “darling.”

Youtube Logo Astaire & Ginger (Shall We Dance)

 


157. Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love) (1928)

lyrics and music: Cole Porter

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1941 MT 143 Complete in Columbia v.6 23 2’55”

Chinks do it. Japs do it
Upper Lapland little Lapps do it
Let’s do it
Let’s fall in love

In Spain the best upper sets do it
Lithuanians and Letts do it
Let’s do it
Let’s fall in love

The Dutch in old Amsterdam do it
Not to mention the Finns
Folks in Siam do it
Think of Siamese twins

Some Argentines without means do it
People say in Boston even beans do it
Let’s do it
Let’s fall in love

(bridge)

Sponges they say do it
Oysters down in Oyster Bay do it
Let’s do it let’s fall in love

Cold Cape Cod clams
‘Gainst their wish do it
Even lazy jelly fish do it
Let’s do it
Let’s fall in love

Electric eels I might add do it
Though it shocks’em I know
Why ask if shad do it
Waiter bring me shad roe

In the shallow shoals English soles do it
Goldfish in privacy of bowls do it
Let’s do it
We’ll do it
Let’s do it
Let’s fall in love

 

2nd version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1941 AT 143a Complete in Columbia v.10 3 2’54”

Chinks do it. Japs do it
Upper Lapland little Lapps do it
Let’s do it
Let’s fall in love

In Spain the best upper sets do it
Lithuanians and Letts do it
Let’s do it
Let’s fall in love

The Dutch in old Amsterdam do it
Not to mention the Finns
Folks in Siam do it
Think of Siamese twins

Some Argentines without means do it
People say in Boston even beans do it
Let’s do it
Let’s fall in love

(bridge)

Sponges they say do it
Oysters down in Oyster Bay do it
Let’s do it let’s fall in love

Cold Cape Cod clams
‘Gainst their wish do it
Even lazy jelly fish do it
Let’s do it
Let’s fall in love

Electric eels I might add do it
Though it shocks’em I know
Why ask if shad do it
Waiter bring me shad roe

In the shallow shoals English soles do it
Goldfish in privacy of bowls do it
Let’s do it
We’ll do it
Let’s do it
Let’s fall in love

Notes

It was introduced in Porter’s first Broadway success, the musical Paris (1928) by French chanteuse Irène Bordoni for whom Porter had written the musical as a starring vehicle.


158. Let’s Dream In The Moonlight

R. Walsh & Matty Malneck

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1938 MT 105 Complete on Columbia v.5 10 2’52”

Let’s dream in the moonlight
Tell me that you love me
Tell the stars above me
What’s in you heart

Let’s dream in the moonlight
Say you’re glad you found me
Put your arms around me
Before we part

Even though it’s just pretending
And the night will soon be through
I can say I’m only lending
When I give my heart to you

Let’s dream in the moonlight
Let’s your lips touch mine
Though we’re only dreaming
Tonight

 

2nd version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1938 AT 105a Complete on Columbia v.9 6 2’50”

Let’s dream in the moonlight
Tell me that you love me
Tell the stars above me
What’s in you heart

Let’s dream in the moonlight
Say you’re glad you found me
Put your arms around me
Before we part

Even though it’s just pretending
And the night is almost through
I can say I’m only lending
When I give my heart to you

Let’s dream in the moonlight
Let’s your lips touch mine
Though we’re only dreaming
Tonight

Notes

Comment from my reader Jon Harrinson: “Let’s Dream in the Moonlight is in my Billie Top 10. I think it’s under-rated. She floats over the melody and creates musical effect of the ‘dream’ that is both yearning and melancholy. Her phrasing is at the absolute peak of its powers. Also a gorgeous trombone solo by Trummy Young.”

 


159. Life Begins When You’re In Love

Brown & Victor Schertzinger & Andrew Acquarulo Ackers

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1936 MT 17 Complete on Columbia v.1 17 3’01”

Life begins when you’re in love
You have the world before you
When you’ve found the one
The only one to love and adore you
It’s when you learn the sigh of it
The long of it, the cry of it
Life begins when Cupid wins
And you’re in love

Notes

NC


160. Long Gone Blues

Billie Holiday & T. Smith

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1939 MT 116 Complete on Columbia v.5 21 3’01”

Talk to me baby
Tell me what’s the matter now
Tell me baby what’s the matter now?
Are you tryin’ to quit me baby
But you don’t know how

I’ve been your slave
Ever since I’ve been your babe
I’ve been your slave
Ever since I’ve been your babe

But before I be your doll
I see you in your grave
I’m a good gal
But my love is all wrong
I’m a good gal
But my love is all wrong
I’m a real good gal
But my love has gone

 

Notes

Another composition by Billie, but without much success. To me, it sounds quite nice.

 


161. Love For Sale (1930)

lyrics and music by Cole Porter

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1952 MT 228 Complete on Verve v.2 2 2’56”

Love for sale
Appetizing young love for sale
Love that’s fresh and still unspoiled
Love that’s only slightly soiled
Love for sale

Who will buy?
Who would like to sample my supply?
Who’s prepared to pay the price
For a trip to paradise?
Love for sale

Let the poets pipe of love
in their childish way
I know every type of love
Better far than they
If you want the thrill of love
I’ve been through the mill of love
Old love, new love
Every love but true love

Love for sale
Appetizing young love for sale
If you want to buy my wares
Follow me and climb the stairs
Love for sale

Notes

“Love for Sale” is a song by Cole Porter, from the musical The New Yorkers (image from sondheimguide.com) which opened on Broadway on December 8, 1930 and closed in May 1931 after 168 performances. The song is written from the viewpoint of a prostitute advertising various kinds of “love for sale”: “Old love, new love, every love but true love” (…)

It was originally considered in bad taste, even scandalous. In the initial Broadway production, it was performed by Kathryn Crawford (image from acertaincinema.com) , portraying a streetwalker, with three girlfriends (Waring’s Three Girl Friends) as back-up singers, in front of Reuben’s, a popular restaurant of the time. As a response to the criticism, the song was transferred from the white Crawford to the African American singer Elisabeth Welch (image from fashionetal.blogspot.com) , who sang with back-up singers in a scene set in front of Harlem’s Cotton Club. (Wikipedia)

The New Yorkers (www.sondheimguide.com)kathryn crawford (acertaincinema.com)NPG x131702, Elisabeth Welch

Despite the fact the song was banned from radio airplay, or perhaps because of it, it became a hit. (those were the times…)

 


162. Love Me Or Leave Me (1928)

lyrics: Gus Kahn

music: Walter Donaldson

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1941 MT 154 Complete in Columbia v.7 9 3’18”

This suspense is killing me
I can’t stand uncertainty
Tell me now I’ve got to know
Whether you want me to stay or go

Love me or leave me
Or let me be lonely
You won’t believe me

I love you only
I’d rather be lonely
Then happy with somebody else

You might find the nighttime

The right time for kissing
But nighttime is my time
For just reminiscing
Regretting

Instead of forgetting with somebody else

 

There’ll be no one
Unless that someone is you
I intend to be independently blue

I want your love
But I don’t want to borrow
To have it today

To give back tomorrow
For your love is my love
There’s no love for nobody else

(bridge)

There’ll be no one
Unless that someone is you
I intend to be independently blue

I want your love
But I don’t want to borrow
To have it today

And to give back tomorrow
For your love is my love
There’s no love for nobody else

 

2nd version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1954 MT 243 Complete in Verve v.3 5 2’33”

Love me or leave me
Or let me be lonely
You won’t believe me I love you only
I’d rather be lonely
Then happy with somebody else

You might find the night time
The right time for kissing
But night time is my time
For reminiscing
Regrettin’ instead of forgetting
With somebody else

There’ll be no one
Unless that someone is you
I intend to be independently blue

I want your love
But I don’t want to borrow
To have it today to give back tomorrow
Your love is my love
There’s no love for nobody else

Love me or leave me
Or let me be lonely
You won’t believe me I love you only
I’d rather be lonely
Then happy with somebody else

You might find the night time
The right time for kissing
But night time is my time
For reminiscing
Regrettin’ instead of forgetting
With somebody else

There’ll be no one
Unless that someone is you
I intend to be independently blue

I want your love
But I don’t want to borrow
To have it today to give back tomorrow
Your love is my love
There’s no love for nobody else

 

 

Notes

The song was introduced by Ruth Etting  in the Broadway play Whoopee!, which opened in December 1928.


163. Loveless Love

W.C. Handy

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1940 MT 142 Complete in Columbia v.6 22 3’14”

Love is like a hydrant turns off and on
Like some friendships when your money’s gone
Love stands in with the loan sharks when your heart’s in tongs

If I had some strong wings like an aeroplane
Had some broad wings like an aeroplane
I would fly away forever
Never to come again

Oh love oh love oh loveless love
Has said our hearts are goldless gold
From milkless milk and silkless silk
We are growing used to soul-less souls

Such grafting times we never saw
That’s why we have a pure full law
In everything we find a flaw
Even love oh love oh loveless love

(bridge)

Just to fly away from loveless love

 

2nd version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1940 AT 142a Complete in Columbia v.10 2 3’15”

Love is like a hydrant turns off and on
Like some friendships when your money’s gone
Love stands in with the loan sharks when your heart’s in tongs

If I had some strong wings like an aeroplane
Had some broad wings like an aeroplane
I would fly away forever
Never to come again

Oh love oh love oh loveless love
Has said our hearts are goldless gold
From milkless milk and silkless silk
We are growing used to soul-less souls

Such grafting times we never saw
That’s why we have a pure full law
In everything we find a flaw
Even love oh love oh loveless love

(bridge)

Just to fly away from loveless love

Notes

NC


164. Lover, Come Back To Me! (1928)

lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II

music: Sigmund Romberg

follows 14 version of this song

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1944 MT 170 Complete Commodore v.2 18 3’20”

(Eddie Heywood smaller band)

The sky was blue
And high above
The moon was new
And so was love
This eager heart of mine was singing
Lover where can you be
You came at last
Love had its day
That day is past
You’ve gone away
This aching heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me!

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I’m so lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am lonely
The sky is blue
The night is cold
The moon is new
But love is old
And while I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me!

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I grow lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am lonely

The sky is blue
The night is cold
The moon is new
But love is old
And while I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me!

 

2nd version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1944 AT 170a Complete Commodore v.2 21 3’17”

(smaller band)

The sky was blue
And high above
The moon was new
And so was love
This eager heart of mine was singing
Lover where can you be
You came at last
Love had its day
That day is past
You’ve gone away
This aching heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me!

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I’m so lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am lonely
The sky is blue
The night is cold
The moon is new
But love is old
And while I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me!

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I grow lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am lonely

The sky is blue
The night is cold
The moon is new
But love is old
And while I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me!

 

3rd version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1944 MT 174 Complete Commodore v.2 14 3’23”

(larger band)

The sky was blue
And high above
The moon was new
And so was love
This eager heart of mine was singing
Lover where can you be
You came at last
Love had its day
That day is past
You’ve gone away
This aching heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me!

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I’m so lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am lonely
The sky is blue
The night is cold
The moon is new
But love is old
And while I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me!

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I grow lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am so lonely

Sky is blue
Night is cold
The moon is new
But love is old
And while I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me!

 

4th version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1944 AT 174a Complete Commodore v.2 15 3’13”

(larger band)

The sky was blue
And high above
The moon was new
And so was love
This eager heart of mine was singing
Lover where can you be
You came at last
Love had its day
That day is past
You’ve gone away
This aching heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me!

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I’m so lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am lonely
The sky is blue
The night is cold
The moon is new
But love is old
And while I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me!

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I’m so lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am (so) lonely

Sky is blue
Night is cold
The moon is new
But love is old
And while I’m waiting here
This lonely heart is singing
Lover come back to me!

 

5th version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1951 LR 79 Perfect Complete Collection v.4 6 2’20”

The sky is blue
And high above
The moon is new
And so is love
This eager heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me

The sky is blue
The night is cold
The moon is new
But love is old
This aching heart of mine is saying
Lover where can you be

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I grow lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am lonely

The sky is blue
And high above
The moon is new
But love is old
And while I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I grow lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am lonely

The sky is blue
And high above
The moon is new
But love is old
And while I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me

 

6th version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1951 LR 86 Perfect Complete Collection v.4 18 2’36”

The sky is blue
And high above
The moon is new
And so is love
This eager heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me

The sky is blue
The night is cold
The moon is new
But love is old
This aching heart of mine is saying
Lover where can you be

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I grow lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am lonely

The sky is blue
The night is cold
The moon is new
But love is old
And while I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I grow lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am lonely

The sky is blue
And high above
The moon is new
But love is old
And while I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me

 

7th version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1952 MT 235 Complete on Verve v.2 10 3’35”

The sky was blue
And high above
The moon was new
And so was love
This eager heart of mine was singing
Lover where can you be
You came at last
Love had its day
That day is past
You’ve gone away
This aching heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I’m so lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am lonely
The sky is blue
The night is cold
The moon is new
Love is old
While I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me

(bridge)

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I grow lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am lonely
The sky is blue
The night is cold
The moon is new
But love is old
While I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing
Lover,
Come back to me

 

8th version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1952 LR 96 Perfect Complete Collection v.5 5 1’45”

The sky is blue
And high above
The moon is new
And so is love
This eager heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me

The sky is blue
The night is cold
The moon is new
But love is old
This aching heart of mine is saying
Lover where can you be

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I grow lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am lonely

The sky is blue
And high above
The moon is new
But love is old
And while I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing

Lover,
Come back to me

 

9th version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1954 LR 109 Perfect Complete Collection v.6 4 3’00”

The sky is blue
And high above
The moon is new
And so is love
This eager heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me

The sky is blue
The night is cold
The moon is new
But love is old
This aching heart of mine is saying
Lover where can you be

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I grow lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am lonely

The sky is blue
And high above
The moon is new
But love is old
And while I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me

(bridge and German comments)

(applauses)

 

10th version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1954 LR 126 Complete on Verve v.3 1 6’46”

The sky is blue
And high above
The moon is new
And so is love
This eager heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me

The sky is blue
The night is cold
The moon is new
But love is old
This aching heart of mine is saying
Lover where can you be

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I grow lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am lonely

The sky is blue
And high above
The moon is new
But love is old
And while I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me

(very long bridge, 4 min!)

The sky is blue
And high above
The moon is new
And so is love
This eager heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me

The sky is blue
The night is cold
The moon is new
But love is old
This aching heart of mine is saying
Lover where can you be

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I grow lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am lonely

The sky is blue
And high above
The moon is new
But love is old
And while I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing
Lover,
Come back to me

 

11th version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1954 LR 137 Perfect Complete Collection v.7 19 2’09”

Sky is blue
High above
The moon is new
And so is love
This eager heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me

The sky is blue
The night is cold
The moon is new
But love is old
This aching heart of mine is saying
Lover where can you be

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I grow lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am lonely

The sky is blue
And high above
The moon is new
But love is old
And while I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me

 

12th version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1957 LR 183 Complete on Verve v.10 7 2’05”

The sky is blue
And high above
The moon is new
And so is love
This eager heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me

The sky is blue
The night is cold
The moon is new
And love is old
This aching heart of mine is saying
Lover where can you be

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I grow lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am lonely

The sky is blue
And high above
The moon is new
But love is old
And while I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing
Lover,
Lover,
Come back to me

(Billie thanks the audience)

 

13th version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1957 LR 190 Billie Holiday At Stratford ’57 5 2’16”

The sky is blue
And high above
The moon is new
And so is love
This eager heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me

The sky is blue
The night is cold
The moon is new
And love is old
This aching heart of mine is saying
Lover where can you be

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I grow lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am lonely

The sky is blue
And high above
The moon is new
But love is old
And while I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing
Lover,
Lover,
Come back to me

(applauses, fanfare lady be good)

 

14th version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1958 LR 217 Private Recording 2’03”

Fanfare Oh lady be good

The sky is blue
And high above
The moon is new
And so is love
This eager heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me

The sky is blue
The night is cold
The moon is new
And love is old
This aching heart of mine is saying
Lover where can you be

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I grow lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am lonely

The sky is blue
The night is cold
The moon is new
But love is old
And while I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing
Lover,
Lover,
Come back to me

Right now

(applauses, fanfare lady be good)

 

15th version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1959 LR 229 Perfect Complete Collection v.12 20 1’46”

The sky is blue
And high above
The moon is new
And so is love
This eager heart of mine is singing
Lover come back to me

The sky is blue
The night is cold
The moon is new
And love is old
This aching heart of mine is saying
Lover where can you be

When I remember every little thing
You used to do
I grow lonely
Every road I walk along
I walk along with you
No wonder I am lonely

The sky is blue
And high above
The moon is new
But love is old
And while I’m waiting here
This heart of mine is singing
Lover,
Lover,
Come back to me

(applauses)

Notes

This nice and happy song has nothing less than 15 recorded versions! I personally recommend MT170 and LR126 as my favorites (N/A).

Just to remember the 60s, let´s see a version by Brenda Lee…

Brenda Lee  Youtube Logo Lover Come Back To Me


165. Lover Man (Oh, Where Can You Be?) (1941)
lyrics and music by Jimmy Davis & Ram Ramirez & James Sherman
follows 7 version of this song
rec date type # discography tk rec time
1944 MT 175 Complete on Decca v.1 1 3’15”

I don’t know why but I’m feeling so sad
I long to try something I’ve never had
Never had no kissin’
Oh, what I’ve been missin’
Lover man, oh, where can you be?

The night is cold and I’m so all alone
I’d give my soul just to call you my own
Got a moon above me
But no one to love me
Lover man, oh, where can you be?

I’ve heard it said
That the thrill of romance
Can be like a heavenly dream
I go to bed with a prayer
That you’ll make love to me
Strange as it seems

Someday we’ll meet
And you’ll dry all my tears
Then whisper sweet
Little things in my ears
Hugging and a-kissing
Oh, what we’ve been missing
Lover man, oh, where can you be?

I’ve heard it said
That the thrill of romance
Can be like a heavenly dream
I go to bed with a prayer
That you’ll make love to me
Strange as it seems

Someday we’ll meet
And you’ll dry all my tears
Then whisper sweet
Little things in my ears
Hugging and a-kissing
Oh, what we’ve been missing
Lover man
Where can you be?

 

2nd version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1945 LR 21 N.A.

(Intro by MC)

I don’t know why but I’m feeling so sad
I long to try something I’ve never had
Never had no kissin’
Oh, what I’ve been missin’
Lover man, oh, where can you be?

The night is cold and I’m so all alone
I’d give my soul just to call you my own
Got a moon above me
But no one to love me
Lover man, oh, where can you be?

I’ve heard it said
That the thrill of romance
Can be like a heavenly dream
I go to bed with a prayer
That you’ll make love to me
Strange as it seems

Someday we’ll meet
And you’ll dry all my tears
Then whisper sweet
Little things in my ears
Hugging and a-kissing
Oh, what we’ve been missing
Lover man, oh, where can you be?

I’ve heard it said
That the thrill of romance
Can be like a heavenly dream
I go to bed with a prayer
That you’ll make love to me
Strange as it seems

Someday we’ll meet
And you’ll dry all my tears
Then whisper sweet
Little things in my ears
A-hugging and a-kissing
Oh, what we’ve been missing
Lover man
Where can you be?

(applauses)

 

3rd version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1949 LR 59 Perfect Complete Collection v.3 5 2’41”

I don’t know why but I’m feeling so sad
I long to try something I’ve never had
Never had no kissin’
Oh, what I’ve been missin’
Lover man, oh, where can you be?

The night is cold and I’m so all alone
I’d give my soul just to call you my own
Got a moon above me
But no one to love me
Lover man, oh, where can you be?

I’ve heard it said
That the thrill of romance
Can be like a heavenly dream
I go to bed with a prayer
That you’ll make love to me
Strange as it seems

Someday we’ll meet
And you’ll dry all my tears
Then whisper sweet
Little things in my ears
A hugging and a-kissing
Oh, what we’ve been missing
Lover man,
Lover man,
Where can you be?

 

4th version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1951 LR 82 Perfect Complete Collection v.4 13 2’24”

I don’t know why but I’m feeling so sad
I long to try something I’ve never had
Never had no kissin’
Oh, what I’ve been missin’
Lover man, oh, where can you be?

The night is cold and I’m so all alone
I’d give my soul just to call you my own
Got a moon above me
But no one to love me
Lover man, oh, where can you be?

I’ve heard it said
That the thrill of romance
Can be like a heavenly dream
I go to bed with a prayer
That you’ll make love to me
Strange as it seems

Someday we’ll meet
And you’ll dry all my tears
Then whisper sweet
Little things in my ears
A hugging and a-kissing
Oh, what we’ve been missing
Lover man,
Lover man,
Where can you be?

(applauses)

 

5th version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1954 LR 140 Perfect Complete Collection v.7 22 2’50”

I don’t know why but I’m feeling so sad
I long to try something I’ve never had
Never had no kissin’
Oh, what I’ve been missin’
Lover man, oh, where can you be?

The night is cold and I’m so all alone
I’d give my soul just to call you my own
Got a moon above me
But no one to love me
Lover man, oh, where can you be?

I’ve heard it said
That the thrill of romance
Can be like a heavenly dream
I go to bed with a prayer
That you’ll make love to me
Strange as it seems

Someday we’ll meet
And you’ll dry all my tears
Then whisper sweet
Little things in my ears
A hugging and a-kissing
Oh, what we’ve been missing
Lover man,
Lover man,
Where can you be?

(applauses)

 

6th version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1955 LR 143 Perfect Complete Collection v.7 25 2’32”

I don’t know why but I’m feeling so sad
I long to try something I’ve never had
Never had no kissin’
Oh, what I’ve been missin’
Lover man, oh, where can you be?

The night is cold and I’m so all alone
I’d give my soul just to call you my own
Got a moon above me
But no one to love me
Lover man, oh, where can you be?

I’ve heard it said
That the thrill of romance
Can be like a heavenly dream
I go to bed with a prayer
That you’ll make love to me
Strange as it seems

Someday we’ll meet
And you’ll dry all my tears
Then whisper sweet
Little things in my ears
A hugging and a-kissing
Oh, what we’ve been missing
Lover man,
Lover man,
Where can you be?

(applauses)

 

7th version

rec date type # discography tk rec time
1958 LR 206 Complete on Verve v.10 13 3’01”

I don’t know why but I’m feeling so sad
I long to try something I’ve never had
Never had no kissin’
Oh, what I’ve been missin’
Lover man, oh, where can you be?

The night is cold and I’m so all alone
I’d give my soul just to call you my own
Got a moon above me
But no one to love me
Lover man, oh, where can you be?

I’ve heard it said
That the thrill of romance
Can be like a heavenly dream
I go to bed with a prayer
That you’ll make love to me
Strange as it seems

Someday we’ll meet
And you’ll dry all my tears
Then whisper sweet
Little things in my ears
A hugging and a-kissing
Oh, what we’ve been missing
Lover man,
Lover man,
Where can you be?

(applauses)

 

Notes

This song is particularly associated with Billie Holiday, for whom it was written, and her version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1989. Holiday’s version reached #5 on the R&B chart and #16 on pop in 1945

My favorite version is the last one, LR 206.

 

© August 2013 www.billieholidaysongs.com

2 thoughts on “Songs L

  1. Dear Paulo,

    you have to listen very carefully, but the beginning of BH’s second (’54) version of “Love Me or leave Me” is:

    Love me or leave me and let me be lonely

    as in the original version (and sheet music) for the song. Do note that in the beginning of her first version of the song, the words

    Love me or leave me or let me be lonely

    are a deliberate change and accompany an equally deliberate melodic revision in which the word “leave” is sung one octave higher than in the original/sheet music version.

    Best,

    Joe Styles

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