Berlin, who was Jewish, was one of the few Tin Pan Alley/Broadway songwriters who wrote both lyrics and music for his songs. Although he never learned to read music beyond a rudimentary level, he composed over 3,000 songs. Many of his songs, including "God Bless America", "White Christmas", "Alexander's Ragtime Band", and "There's No Business Like Show Business," left an indelible mark on American music and culture. He produced 17 film scores and 21 Broadway scores, in addition to his individual songs.
I've Got a Crush on You
Irving Berlin Lyrics
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Would be to capture me
But you had such persistence, you wore down my resistance
I fell and it was swell
I'm your big and brave and handsome Romeo
How I won you I shall never never know
It's not that you're attractive
When you came into view
I've got a crush on you, sweetie pie
All the day and night time give me sigh
I never had the least notion that
I could fall with so much emotion
Could you coo, could you care?
For a cunning cottage we could share
The world will pardon my mush
'Cause I have got a crush my baby on you
Could you coo, could you care?
For a cunning cottage
That we could share
The world will pardon my mush
'Cause I have got a crush, my baby, on you
In the song "I've Got a Crush on You," Irving Berlin tells the story of a man who is surprised to find himself falling for a woman who isn't conventionally attractive. He recognizes that other women would be thrilled to have his attention, but it was the persistence of this woman that eventually won him over. He describes himself as a "big and brave and handsome Romeo," but admits that he doesn't know how he managed to win her affections. Despite her appearance not being the primary factor in his attraction, his heart became "active" when he had his first glimpse of her.
Throughout the song, the singer expresses his infatuation with this woman, calling her "sweetie pie" and admitting that he thinks about her constantly. He is surprised by the strength of his emotions, saying "I never had the least notion that I could fall with so much emotion." The chorus repeats the phrase "I've got a crush on you," reinforcing the singer's growing feelings. He even suggests the possibility of sharing a "cunning cottage" with the object of his affection.
Overall, the song describes a surprising and intense romantic attraction that defies traditional beauty standards. The singer is overwhelmed by his feelings for this woman, and the song celebrates the power of love and attraction.
Line by Line Meaning
How glad the many millions of Annabelles and Lillians
There are many women in the world, and they would be happy to have me.
Would be to capture me
These women desire me and my attention.
But you had such persistence, you wore down my resistance
However, you were persistent and your determination broke through my defenses.
I fell and it was swell
I gave in and was pleased with the outcome.
I'm your big and brave and handsome Romeo
I am your heroic figure, large and attractive like the famous Romeo.
How I won you I shall never never know
I am unsure of how I managed to capture your heart.
It's not that you're attractive
It's not just your physical beauty that draws me to you.
But, oh, my heart grew active
My heart became lively and energized when I saw you.
When you came into view
I was filled with excitement and joy when you appeared.
I've got a crush on you, sweetie pie
I am fond of you and have an infatuation with you, my darling.
All the day and night time give me sigh
You evoke deep emotions from me both day and night.
I never had the least notion that
I never realized that I was capable of feeling such strong emotions towards someone.
I could fall with so much emotion
I am surprised by how much I am falling in love with you.
Could you coo, could you care?
Do you have affection for me? Do you care for me?
For a cunning cottage we could share
We could share a clever and charming home together.
The world will pardon my mush
Others may find my romantic words and behavior ridiculous, but I do not care.
'Cause I have got a crush my baby on you
Because I am deeply in love with you, my darling.
Lyrics © TuneCore Inc., Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind