My Funny Valentine
Ingram James Lyrics
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You make me smile with my heart
Your looks are laughable, unphotographable
Yet, you're my favorite work of art
Is your figure less than Greek?
Is your mouth a little bit weak?
When you open it to speak, baby
Don't change your hair for me, baby
Not if you care for me, baby
Stay my little valentine's, oh, please stay
Oh, oh, stay baby
'Cause each day is Valentines Day
The song "My Funny Valentine" by Ingram James was originally written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1937 musical "Babes In Arms." The song has since been recorded by many artists and has become a classic standard in jazz and pop music.
In this song, the singer speaks directly to their valentine, describing them as a "sweet comic valentine" who makes them smile with their heart. The singer acknowledges their valentine's unconventional beauty, stating that their looks are "laughable" and "unphotographable," yet they are still the singer's favorite work of art. The singer reassures their valentine that they are perfect just the way they are, even if their figure is not "less than Greek" and their mouth is "a little bit weak." They plead with their valentine to not change anything about themselves, insisting that each day they are together is like Valentine's Day.
The lyrics of this song have been interpreted in different ways by different artists and listeners, but the general sentiment is one of loving someone for who they are, flaws and all. The song has been covered by many prominent artists in various styles, including Chet Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Chrissie Hynde. The simple melody and sentimental lyrics have made it a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions.
Line by Line Meaning
My funny valentine, sweet comic valentine
You have a unique sense of humor and a quirky charm that makes me find you endearing and amusing.
You make me smile with my heart
Your presence and personality bring me joy and happiness that goes beyond mere physical reactions.
Your looks are laughable, unphotographable
Your physical appearance is not conventionally attractive, but that does not affect my appreciation of other aspects of you.
Yet, you're my favorite work of art
You are special to me and valuable in a way that goes beyond physical aesthetics or societal expectations.
Is your figure less than Greek?
Do you deviate from the stereotypical ideal physical form, by Ancient Greek or modern standards?
Is your mouth a little bit weak?
Do you have any physical attributes that some people might consider flaws or imperfections?
When you open it to speak, baby
What you say and how you express yourself verbally are important to me and I appreciate them.
I could smile
Your words or voice have the power to affect me positively and make me happy.
Don't change your hair for me, baby
I do not want you to alter your physical appearance or conform to societal standards just for my sake.
Not if you care for me, baby
If you truly care about me, I want you to be authentic and true to yourself, rather than compromising your identity to please me.
Stay my little valentine's, oh, please stay
I want you to continue being a part of my life and remain special to me.
Oh, oh, stay baby
I am earnestly asking you to maintain our connection and keep being yourself around me.
'Cause each day is Valentines Day
You bring me so much joy and love that every moment shared with you feels like a special occasion or celebration.
Lyrics © TuneCore Inc., CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind