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.
My Gypsy Heart
Anne Shelton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
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?
And will you sigh with me when I'm sad
Will you empathize with me when I'm sad and mournful?
Smile with me when I'm glad
Will you celebrate with me when I'm happy, and be glad for me?
And always be as you are with me tonight
Will you always remain the way you are with me tonight, sweet and affectionate?
Think it over and be sure
Take some time to ponder these questions and make sure you're ready for this commitment.
Please don't answer 'til you do
Please don't give me your answer until you have considered everything carefully.
When you promise all these things to me
If you promise to do all of these things for me, without exception,
Then I'll give my heart to you
Then I will entrust my heart to you, knowing that it will be in good hands.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: AL JACOBS, JIMMIE CRANE, JIMMY BREWSTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sondra Smith
Thanks so much for the lyrics! Never heard before, but wanted to so badly. This is music.
Patrick Perreault
Wonderful voice...
mrrkdino
Wonderful Anne Shelton. Much better singer than Vera Lynn.