My Funny Valentine
Gerry Mulligan Chet Baker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You make me smile with my heart,
Your looks are laughable, un-photographical,
Yet you´re my favourite work of art
Is your figure less than Greek?
Is your mouth a little weak?
When you open it to speak, are you smiling?
Not if you care for me.
Stay little valentine, stay!
Each day is Valentine´s Day
Each day is Valentine´s Day
The song "My Funny Valentine" is a classic jazz standard originally written by Rodgers and Hart for the 1937 musical Babes In Arms. Gerry Mulligan & Chet Baker's version of the song has become one of the most iconic recordings of the tune. The song is a ballad that speaks about a lover who is unconventional in their looks and mannerisms, but is still deeply adored and appreciated by the singer. The opening line of the song, "My funny Valentine, sweet comic Valentine", sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics. The singer acknowledges the unconventional aspects of their lover but also highlights their endearing qualities, such as their ability to make the singer smile just by being themselves.
The second verse of the song delves deeper into the unconventional aspects of the lover, asking if their figure is less than Greek and their mouth a little weak. But the singer quickly dismisses these perceived flaws, recognizing that they are part of what makes their lover unique, special and beautiful. The last verse of the song is a plea to the lover to stay the way they are, as every day can be Valentine's Day when you're with someone you love.
In conclusion, "My Funny Valentine" is a timeless love song that celebrates the uniqueness and beauty of unconventional love. The melody and lyrics work together to create a feeling of tenderness and appreciation for the quirks and traits that make each person special and unique.
Line by Line Meaning
My funny Valentine, sweet comic Valentine
You, my love, are a peculiar, humorous figure that I cherish dearly, like a sweet, amusing Valentine.
You make me smile with my heart
The mere thought of you warms my heart and brings a smile to my face.
Your looks are laughable
Your appearance is unconventional and humorous, but it doesn't diminish your beauty or appeal.
Unphotographable
Your unique charm and essence cannot be captured in a photograph, and that makes you all the more special.
Yet you're my favorite work of art
Despite your unconventional looks, you are my favorite masterpiece and hold a special place in my heart.
Is your figure less than Greek?
Are you not conventionally attractive by society's standards?
Is your mouth a little weak?
Do you not have the most appealing features or perfect smile?
When you open it to speak
When you speak, does your imperfect smile reveal itself?
Are you smiling?
Despite your perceived flaws, do you still have a lovely smile on your face?
But don't change a hair for me
I love you just the way you are, and I wouldn't want you to change anything about yourself just to please me.
Not if you care for me
If you truly care about me, you don't need to change anything about yourself for my sake.
Stay little Valentine, stay
Stay with me, my dear, and don't change.
Each day is Valentine's Day
Every day with you feels like Valentine's Day, and I treasure every moment we spend together.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lamprecchtm
Wow , that's music
@pigshitpoet
In 2015, it was announced that the Gerry Mulligan quartet featuring Chet Baker's version of this song was inducted into the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry for the song's "cultural, artistic and/or historical significance to American society and the nation’s audio legacy".
@kerota
very best take
@57dogsbody
Chet does a very clever thing here: he takes an upbeat song with (dare I say it) almost jokey lyrics and makes it heartbreaking in a simple beautiful way. If you know anybody who doesn't understand you when you tell them Chet is a very soulful player, play them this.
@bondmatty
This is played so sensitively. My favourite version.
@Rocket57ca
My fave version of this standard. Gorgeous, stark, beautifully played.
@MrDimwits
Yeah, thank you. Thank you all. Brilliant.
@sandyotis
Thanks for this, two of the very best artists ever, and who left us way too soon. Can't believe that you haven't had more hits. But no dislikes!
@ese3go
This sends me . . .
@jenng128
Have always loved this romantic melody. Just proves any instrument is capable of seducing a person's mind.👏⚘🎺