It Had to Be You
B.B. King & Diane Schuur Lyrics

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It had to be you
It had to be you
I've wandered around
Finally found
Somebody who
Could make me be true
Could make me be blue
And even be glad

Just to be sad
Thinking of you

Some others I've seen
Might never be mean
Might never be cross
Try to be boss
They wouldn't do
For nobody else
Gave me a thrill
With all your faults
I love you still
It had to be you
Wonderful you
It had to be you

Some others I've seen
Might never be mean
Might never be cross
Or try to be boss
But they wouldn't do
'cause nobody else
Gave me a thrill
With all your faults
I love you still
It had to be you
Had to be you
Had to be you
It had to be you
Wonderful you
It had to be you

It had to be you
Wonderful you
It had to be you

Had to be you
Wonderful you, yeah

Overall Meaning

The song "It Had to Be You" is a classic love song about finally finding someone who is able to make the singer feel true emotions. The lyrics are romantic and speak to the idea of fate and destiny, as though the singer was meant to be with the person they are addressing. The opening lines set up the story of the singer's search for love and finding that special someone who can make them feel every shade of emotion. The verse "Some others I've seen, might never be mean, might never be cross, try to be boss" speaks to how other potential love interests were not quite right for the singer, lacking a certain spark and specific qualities that this person embodies.

The chorus of the song repeats the sentiment that it had to be this person, and nobody else could give the singer the same rush of joy and feeling. The repetition of the phrase drives home the message that the singer is completely smitten with this person, and that this love is meant to be forever. The song borrows heavily from traditional jazz and blues, with a smooth and soulful sound that is classic of B.B. King's style. The combination of King's bluesy guitar playing and Diane Schuur's powerful voice create a perfect pairing that brings the romantic lyrics to life.

Line by Line Meaning

It had to be you
You were inevitable, nothing else would do

It had to be you
You were the only choice for me

I've wandered around
I searched for a long time

Finally found
I found what I was looking for

Somebody who
Someone who

Could make me be true
Made me be honest

Could make me be blue
Caused me to be sad

And even be glad
And still be happy

Just to be sad
Knowing you make me feel, no matter what emotion

Thinking of you
When I'm lost in thought of you

Some others I've seen
I've seen other people