Face to Face
Jane Powell & Gordon MacRae Lyrics
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She almost makes the day begin
I've grown accustomed to the tune she whistles night and noon
Her smiles, her frowns, her ups and downs
Are second nature to me now
Like breathing out and breathing in
I was serenely independent and content before we met
Surely I could always be that way again and yet
Accustomed to her face
She's second nature to me now
Like breathing out and breathing in
I'm very grateful she's a woman and so easy to forget
Rather like a habit one can always break and yet
I've grown accustomed to the trace of something in the air
Accustomed to her face
The lyrics of Jane Powell and Gordon MacRae's song "Face to Face" express the idea of growing accustomed to a person's presence and influence in one's life. The singer describes how they have become familiar with every aspect of the person's being, from the tune they whistle to their expressions and moods. They acknowledge that they were content before meeting this person, but now they cannot imagine life without them. Despite this reliance, there is a sense of ambivalence about the relationship, as the singer contemplates their own independence and the possibility of breaking away from this habit. However, they ultimately recognize that they have grown accustomed to the "trace of something in the air," a sign of the person's presence that they cannot escape.
The song's lyrics capture the conflicting emotions of dependency and independence that can arise in a relationship. On one hand, the singer clearly values the presence of the person they have grown accustomed to, stating that they "almost make the day begin." On the other hand, there is a recognition that this reliance may not be entirely healthy or sustainable, as the singer wonders if they could ever go back to their previous state of being "serenely independent and content." Ultimately, the song captures the complexity of human relationships and the ways in which we can become inextricably linked to certain people, despite our best intentions.
Line by Line Meaning
I've grown accustomed to her face
I have become familiar and comfortable with seeing her face regularly.
She almost makes the day begin
Her presence has a positive effect on the start of my day.
I've grown accustomed to the tune she whistles night and noon
I have become accustomed to the melody that she whistles throughout the day and night.
Her smiles, her frowns, her ups and downs
I have grown familiar with her expressions of joy, sadness, and everything in between.
Are second nature to me now
I have become so accustomed to her mannerisms that they feel instinctual and natural.
Like breathing out and breathing in
Similar to the natural act of breathing, she has become an integral part of my daily existence.
I was serenely independent and content before we met
I was peaceful and satisfied with my life before she entered it.
Surely I could always be that way again and yet
Despite my previous contentment, I still find myself unable to let go of my attachment to her.
I've grown accustomed to her looks, accustomed to her voice
I have become so familiar with her physical appearance and the sound of her voice.
Accustomed to her face
Overall, I have become accustomed to her entire being and cannot easily forget her.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Integrity Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Alan Jay Lerner, Frederick Loewe
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@liliabalan7077
Just suddenly thought of this song and memories came rushing back.
@salvatorepedi5183
A most beautiful song sung by the most beautiful Jane Powell. A few years ago, I was at a private Broadway dinner party and she was sitting alone at a table. I ached to say hello to her but lacked the courage. My loss!...
@yvetterattenbury7741
It was our song. He passed away 5 mouths ago. I play it all the time.
@kingusmcgee
I remember back-when early 1950's when I was in the Navy also Gordon MacCrae on the right was the one who had the big hit with this song, circa 1953. Jane Powell only sang it in this movie.
@simplyblues1
I love this song. I believe Gordon MacRae used it has his theme song for a while. I recently aquired this movie and would rather he'd sung it as I think his version is better although you can't help but like Jane Powell. They worked together several times as she appeared a number of times on his Railroad Hour radio show also.
@liliabalan7077
Yes Girdon MacRae also has a version of this song.
@felixbautista
Great for favorites... have planned to post Gordon MacRae's version.