My Funny Valentine
Ethan Hawke Lyrics
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sweet common valentine.
You make me smile with my heart.
Your looks are laughable,
unphotographable,
yet you're my favorite work of art.
Is your mouth a little weak,
when you open it to speak?
Are you smart?
But don't change a hair for me,
not if you care for me.
Stay little valentine.
Stay
each day and Valentine's Day.
The song My Funny Valentine is a classic jazz standard that has been performed by countless artists over the years. In Ethan Hawke's version of the song, he delivers a heartfelt and emotional rendition of the lyrics. The song is a love letter to someone who is not conventionally beautiful, but is loved for their unique qualities. The lyrics describe the subject as being "sweet" and "common" but also "unphotographable" and a favorite work of art.
The song then questions whether the subject's appearance is less than perfect, but reassures them that they don't need to change for the singer. This message of acceptance and love is the heart of the song. The final lines encourage the subject to stay just as they are, both on Valentine's Day and every day. The song is a celebration of love that transcends physical appearances and embraces the true essence of a person.
Line by Line Meaning
My funny valentine,
Addressing the subject of his admiration and affection, but in a way that acknowledges their quirks and imperfections.
sweet common valentine.
Acknowledging that this person might not fit society's expectations of a 'perfect' or 'ideal' significant other, but cherishing them all the same.
You make me smile with my heart.
Explaining that this person brings joy and happiness to his life in a way that is deeply felt and emotional.
Your looks are laughable,
Acknowledging that this person's physical appearance might not be conventionally attractive or glamorous.
unphotographable,
Going a step further to explain that their looks are so unique and unorthodox that they can't be captured in a photograph.
yet you're my favorite work of art.
Despite their unconventional appearance, they are still the most beautiful and valuable thing in his eyes.
Is your figure less than Greek?
Asking if their body matches the idealized standard of beauty from ancient Greek sculptures.
Is your mouth a little weak,
Acknowledging that they might not have the most perfect or confident way of communicating.
when you open it to speak?
Specifying that the weakness in their speech might become most apparent when they are speaking.
Are you smart?
Wondering about their intellect or knowledge, but in a way that suggests he values them for more than just their looks or surface-level qualities.
But don't change a hair for me,
Stressing that he loves and accepts them for who they are, and doesn't want them to change themselves to please him or anyone else.
not if you care for me.
Positing that true love means accepting someone unconditionally, imperfections and all.
Stay little valentine.
Asking them to stay close and continue being the source of love and happiness that they are now.
Stay
Repeating the previous line for emphasis, and to suggest that this person's presence is important and invaluable to him.
each day and Valentine's Day.
Extending this invitation to stay into the future, both through everyday life and special occasions like Valentine's Day.
Writer(s): Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart
Contributed by Violet J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.