Anne Shelton, OBE (born Patricia Jacqueline Sibley on November 10, 1923, in… Read Full Bio ↴Anne Shelton, OBE (born Patricia Jacqueline Sibley on November 10, 1923, in Dulwich, London, England - died on July 31, 1994 in in Hurstmonceux, England) was a popular English vocalist who is widely remembered for providing inspirational songs for soldiers both on radio broadcasts, and in person, at British military bases during World War II. She was the first artist to record an English version of Lale Andersen's wartime classic "Lili Marleen" (lyrics written by Tommy Connor), and she had a UK #1 hit in 1956 with "Lay Down Your Arms", that was engineered by Joe Meek.

In 1961 she participated in BBC TV's A Song for Europe Contest, the UK qualifying heat for the Eurovision Song Contest. Her entry, "I Will Light a Candle" was placed fourth. Lale Andersen, who recorded the original German version of "Lili Marleen" also entered the 1961 Eurovision Song Contest, although her song only made it to #13. Anne made another attempt at Eurovision in 1963 with "My Continental Love" - and came fourth again.

She also sang and acted in several motion pictures.

In 1990 she was awarded the OBE for her work with the "Not Forgotten Association", a charitable organization for disabled former service personnel from all wars. Anne Shelton died in Hurstmonceux, England in 1994 and was interred in the Brenchley Gardens cemetery in South East London.

If I Give My Heart to You
Anne Shelton Lyrics

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If I give my heart to you, will you handle it with care?
Will you always treat me tenderly and in every way be fair?
If I give my heart to you, will you give me all your love?
Will you swear that you'll be true to me by the light that shines above?
And will you sigh with me when I'm sad
Smile with me when I'm glad
And always be as you are with me tonight

Think it over and be sure
Please don't answer 'til you do
When you promise all these things to me
Then I'll give my heart to you

If I give my heart to you, will you handle it with care?
Will you always treat me tenderly and in every way be fair?
If I give my heart to you, will you give me all your love?
Will you swear that you'll be true to me by the light that shines above?
And will you sigh with me when I'm sad
Smile with me when I'm glad
And always be as you are with me tonight

Think it over and be sure
Please don't answer 'til you do

When you promise all these things to me
Then I'll give my heart to you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Anne Shelton's If I Give My Heart to You speak about the vulnerability and doubts one may have when entering a relationship. The song talks about the need for assurance and the fear of getting hurt. The singer asks her lover whether they will handle her heart with care and always treat her tenderly, suggesting that they may have experienced heartbreak before. She also wants to know whether her lover will be true to her and stay committed to the relationship. The singer also asks her lover to share her emotions and always be there for her, saying that she needs someone who will be with her in both happy and sad times.

The song's lyrics are simple yet poignant, expressing the deep emotions of a person in love. The singer's voice is soulful and sincere, making the lyrics all the more relatable. The message of the song is universal, as it speaks about the universal fear of rejection and the desire for love and assurance.

Line by Line Meaning

If I give my heart to you, will you handle it with care?
If I trust you with my heart, will you take care of it and not break it?

Will you always treat me tenderly and in every way be fair?
Will you always be kind and fair to me and treat me gently?

If I give my heart to you, will you give me all your love?
If I give you my heart, will you reciprocate by giving me all your love?

Will you swear that you'll be true to me by the light that shines above?
Will you promise to be faithful to me, and swear it by the highest power you believe in?

If I Give My Heart to YouAnne Shelton Lyrics

If I Give My Heart to You
Anne Shelton Lyrics