The music was written by … Read Full Bio ↴"Guilty" is a popular song published in 1931.
The music was written by Richard A. Whiting and Harry Akst.
The lyrics were written by Gus Kahn.
The song was popularized by Margaret Whiting (Richard Whiting's daughter) and by Johnny Desmond in 1946. The Whiting recording was made on October 9, 1946, and released by Capitol Records (catalog number 324).
It reached #4 on the Billboard chart.
The Desmond recording was made on December 6, 1946, and released by RCA Victor (catalog number 20-2109).
It reached #12 on the Billboard chart.
An early version was featured on the soundtrack of Jean-Pierre Jeunet's 2001 film, Amélie.
A Decca recording made on December 2, 1931 by Al Bowlly, a popular British singer of the thirties, accompanied by Roy Fox and his Orchestra. Al Bowlly also recorded the song on several other occasions.
Guilty
Al Bowlly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And think that we should part
It seems as though I have loved you so long
You'll always be in my heart
Is it a sin
Is it a crime
Loving you dear like I do
Guilty of loving you
Maybe I'm wrong dreaming of you
Dreaming the lonely night through
If it's a crime then I'm guilty
Guilty of dreaming of you
What can I do
What can I say
After I've taken the blame?
You say we're through
You'll go your way
But I'll always feel just the same
Maybe I'm right
Maybe I'm wrong
Loving you dear like I do
If it's a crime then I'm guilty
Guilty of loving you
The lyrics of "Guilty" by Al Bowlly is a confession of deep, irresistible love. The singer is aware that their love is "wrong" and "a crime," but he cannot help himself from loving the other person. He acknowledges that their opinions about their love may differ and that they may think it is best to part ways. However, the love he has for them is so strong that he can't imagine a life without them, and they will always be in his heart.
In the song, the singer questions the morality of loving someone so deeply, even when it goes against what society deems appropriate. The lyrics elicit feelings of vulnerability and desperation, as the love is consuming and almost uncontrollable. The singer is also aware that dreaming of the other person, even if it is in loneliness, is also considered wrong. The last stanza is a decisive defense of the love he feels for the other person, acknowledging that they might be wrong in their actions, but that he is guilty of loving them.
Line by Line Meaning
Though you've decided that our love is wrong
Even though you have decided that our love is not acceptable
And think that we should part
And believe that we should separate
It seems as though I have loved you so long
It appears as if I have loved you for an extended period
You'll always be in my heart
You will forever remain in my thoughts and emotions
Is it a sin
Is it an immoral act
Is it a crime
Is it an offense punishable by law
Loving you dear like I do
Feeling the intense emotions of love for you like I do
If it's a crime then I'm guilty
If loving you is considered a crime, then I am responsible
Guilty of loving you
I accept responsibility for feeling deep affection towards you
Maybe I'm wrong dreaming of you
Perhaps I am incorrect for imagining a future with you
Dreaming the lonely night through
Spending the night alone while envisioning a future with you
Guilty of dreaming of you
I must take responsibility for having dreams and aspirations for our future together
What can I do
What actions can I take
What can I say
What words can I express
After I've taken the blame?
After being held accountable for my feelings
You say we're through
You claim that we are finished
You'll go your way
You will move on with your life
But I'll always feel just the same
However, my emotions for you will never change
Maybe I'm right
It is possible that I am correct
Maybe I'm wrong
Alternatively, I might be incorrect
Loving you dear like I do
Feeling deep affection for you like I currently do
If it's a crime then I'm guilty
If loving you is considered an offense, then I accept responsibility
Guilty of loving you
I confess that I love you deeply
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Harry Akst, Gus Kahn, Richard A. Whiting
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MrPetermurphy
Is it a sin, is it a crime
Loving you, dear, like I do?
If it's a crime, then I'm guilty
Guilty of loving you
Maybe I'm wrong
Dreaming of you
Dreaming the lonely night through
If it's a crime, then I'm guilty
Guilty of dreaming of you
What can I do
What can I say
After I've taken the blame?
You say you're through
You'll go your way
But I'll always feel just the same
Maybe I'm right
Maybe I'm wrong
Loving you, dear, like I do
If it's a crime, then I'm guilty
Guilty of loving you
@tupinijazz
March Winds and April Showers - Teddy Joice and His Orchestra
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Heartaches - Dorsey Brothers Orchestra
Stardust - Louis Armstrong and His Orchestra
I'll See You In My Dreams - Isham Jones and His Orchestra
Close Your Eyes - Al Bowlly & Ray Noble and His Orchestra
It's Within Your Power - Al Bowly & Ray Noble and His Orchestra
London On A Rainy Night - Harry Roy and His Orchestra
There's A Lull In My Life - dk the Orchestra
What Will I Tell My Heart - Harry Roy and His Orchestra
After You've Gone - Quintette Hot Club of France
@1chriscarlone
This has to be one of the most beautiful songs ever written.
@Lilactime402
You don't like the junk kids today listen to??? Neither do I!!
@corydevious
Yea
@L0veepanicc
I love songs of this era :') So sad he died in the bombing of England during WW2..
@fishbone-yq8ts
I feel so sorry for him .. If he had not died, he would have given us many more wonderful songs ..
@jaymorris171
@@fishbone-yq8tsnever knew this. Love Al
@TheJackster-tl8oi
Is that actually true?! I’ve never head that before
@Issaaay260
I just learned this recently. 😢 I ❤ Al Bowley. May that angel beckon to him as the pearly gates swing out. 😇
@Lilactime402
@@TheJackster-tl8oi Yes, his biography said instead of going to a bomb shelter he chose to go home. He died in his bed. The thing is, he could have spent the war in America - as did Ray Noble and many others.
@davidwise9487
So romantic!
Guilty of loving you..
Total expression of deepfelt emotions!