I Could Write A Book
Anita O’Day Lyrics
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I never learned to spell
At least not well.
1-2-3-4-5-6-7
I never learned to count
A great amount.
To use what learning I've got.
I won't waste any time,
I'll strike while the iron is hot.
If they asked me, I could write a book
About the way you walk and whisper and look.
I could write a preface on how we met
So the world would never forget.
And the simple secret of the plot
Is just to tell them that I love you a lot.
Then the world discovers as my book ends
How to make two lovers a friend.
Use to hate to go to school
I never cracked a book;
I played the hook.
Never answered any mail;
To write I used to think was wasting ink.
It was never my endeavor
To be too clever and smart.
Now I suddenly feel
A longing to write in my heart.
If they asked me, I could write a book
About the way you walk and whisper and look.
I could write a preface on how we met
So the world would never forget.
And the simple secret of the plot
Is just to tell them that I love you a lot.
Then the world discovers as my book ends
How to make two lovers a friend.
In Anita O'Day's song "I Could Write A Book," the lyrics convey a sense of the singer's lack of formal education in spelling and counting. The opening lines of the song, "A-B-C-D-E-G, I never learned to spell, At least not well" and "1-2-3-4-5-6-7, I never learned to count, A great amount," highlight her admission that she didn't excel in these basic academic skills.
However, despite her limited education, the singer emphasizes that her mind is still active and eager to use the knowledge she does possess. She expresses a strong desire to make the most of her learning abilities. This is seen in the lines, "But my busy mind is burning, To use what learning I've got" and "I won't waste any time, I'll strike while the iron is hot."
The subsequent verses of the song shift the focus to love and personal relationships. The singer imagines writing a book about someone she deeply admires, detailing their mannerisms, words, and appearance. She believes that the story of their meeting should be immortalized for the world to know. The simple secret of the plot is revealed as pure and genuine love, as she wishes to convey the overwhelming affection she feels for this person. By doing so, she hopes to show that true love can lead to a deep and lasting friendship between two individuals.
The final part of the song reflects on the singer's past attitude towards education and writing. She states that she used to hate going to school, never bothered with reading books, and neglected responding to letters. However, a sudden change has occurred within her, and now she feels a longing within her heart to write. This change is triggered by her intense emotions for the person she regards so highly.
Ultimately, "I Could Write A Book" showcases a person who may not possess traditional education but still possesses a wealth of emotional depth, ready to express her love through writing. The lyrics suggest that love is a powerful force that can inspire even the least educated to express themselves passionately and meaningfully, weaving a story that brings people closer together.
Line by Line Meaning
A-B-C-D-E-G
I never learned to spell, at least not well.
1-2-3-4-5-6-7
I never learned to count, a great amount.
But my busy mind is burning
My mind is filled with thoughts and ideas.
To use what learning I've got.
To apply the knowledge I have.
I won't waste any time,
I won't procrastinate or delay.
I'll strike while the iron is hot.
I'll take action when the opportunity arises.
If they asked me, I could write a book
If someone requested, I could write a detailed account.
About the way you walk and whisper and look.
About your charming mannerisms and appearance.
I could write a preface on how we met
I could write an introduction explaining our initial encounter.
So the world would never forget.
So that the world would always remember.
And the simple secret of the plot
And the key aspect of the story
Is just to tell them that I love you a lot.
Is simply to convey my deep affection for you.
Then the world discovers as my book ends
As my story concludes, the world realizes
How to make two lovers a friend.
How to transform a romantic relationship into a friendship.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind