After Guy Mitchell caught his set at one club, Jerry Vale began recording demonstration discs for Columbia. When A&R supremo Mitch Miller heard his excellent voice, however, he signed Vale to his own contract. Vale first hit the charts in 1953 with "You Can Never Give Me Back My Heart" (arranged by Percy Faith), and continued during the mid '50s with "Two Purple Shadows," "I Live Each Day," and his biggest hit, "You Don't Know Me." Though his first explicitly Italian recording, "Innamorata (Sweetheart)," finally appeared in 1956, it wasn't until 1962 that Vale convinced the notoriously conservative Miller to record a full album of Italian songs. "I Have But One Heart" proved a big seller and was followed one year later by "Arrivederci, Roma" and a continental LP, "The Language of Love," both of which placed even higher than the first on the album charts.
Though the mid '60s were a trying time for traditional pop singers, Vale continued to be successful, with singles like "Have You Looked Into Your Heart" and "For Mama," and Top 40 LPs like "There Goes My Heart" and "It's Magic." Even after his albums began failing to make the charts in the early '70s, Vale remained a popular name in clubs and on television throughout the '70s and '80s. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
It Had to Be You
Jerry Vale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why must I just give you your way?
Why do I sigh?
Why do I try to forget?
It must have been that something lovers call "Fate"
Kept on saying I had to wait
I saw them all
It had to be you, it had to be you
I wandered around and finally found the somebody who
Could make me be true, could make me be blue
And even be glad just to be sad thinkin' of you
Some others I've seen might never be mean
Might never be cross or try to be boss, but they wouldn't do
For nobody else gave me a thrill
With all your faults, I love you still
It had to be you, wonderful you, it had to be you
The lyrics to Jerry Vale's "It Had To Be You" speak of a deep love and affection for someone who has captivated the singer's heart. The questions posed in the lyrics are more rhetorical than seeking for an answer. The singer is accepting that they are willing to follow and give their lover their way, not because of compulsion, but because they want to make them happy. The realization that it was fate that brought them together and kept them waiting is significant. The singer had seen others, but they hadn't felt as deeply as they do now that they have met their lover. They can't seem to shake off the thoughts of their lover and are content just to be sad, thinking of them. The final verse emphasizes how no one could ever replace the lover with all their flaws, and they are loved still.
The song's narrative is one of profound and enduring love that has been a staple of romantic songs since time immemorial. It communicates the idea that true love can be difficult to find, but once found, it can be transformative and life-altering. The lyrics can be interpreted to be touching and sentimental, which is why the song has remained a constant in the American Songbook. The melody is catchy, simple and elegant, with a slight melancholic tone that matches the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Why do I do just as you say?
I am obedient to you and wonder why I listen to everything you say.
Why must I just give you your way?
I always give in to your requests and wonder why I do that.
Why do I sigh?
I let out a deep breath when I think about you because I cannot stop thinking about you.
Why do I try to forget?
I make an effort to forget you, but it is incredibly difficult, and I do not think I can.
It must have been that something lovers call "Fate"
I believe that destiny has brought us together, just like other lovers.
Kept on saying I had to wait
The universe has been telling me that I had to be patient to meet you.
I saw them all
I have met other people in my life.
Just couldn't fall till we met
I never fell in love with anyone until I met you.
It had to be you, it had to be you
You are the only one for me, and I cannot imagine anyone else.
I wandered around and finally found the somebody who
I searched for love with other people but found it in you.
Could make me be true, could make me be blue
You are the only one who can make me loyal and melancholic when I think about you.
And even be glad just to be sad thinkin' of you
I am happy to be sad because it means that you are always on my mind.
Some others I've seen might never be mean
I have seen other people, but they do not match your kindness.
Might never be cross or try to be boss, but they wouldn't do
Others might not be demanding or dominant, but they are not you.
For nobody else gave me a thrill
You are the only person who excites me.
With all your faults, I love you still
Even with your imperfections, I still love you.
It had to be you, wonderful you, it had to be you
You are unique, wonderful, and I know that it had to be you that I fell in love with.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Isham Jones, Gus Kahn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
DonCheech Petti
Jerry, one of the best voices of our time. His voice is eternal.
Nick Riggio
Listen to Jerry on Facebook at The Amazing Jerry Vale all welcome
David DavidD
I think Buddy would be very pleased with Jerry's version of this beautiful song. Top Marks Jerry.
Alvaro DE LA GUERRA NEVARES
esta cancion me trae grandes recuerdos de ciertas personas y lugares ,Jerry to version no puede ser mas romantica
MsIncurableromantic
Marvellous. I've listened to the great American singers all through my life, and have heard nothing to match the beauty of Jerry's voice. Just perfection!
Nick Riggio
Listen to Jerry on Facebook at The Amazing Jerry Vale all welcome
Joan Mattia
Three greatest, Frank Sinatra, Jerry Vale and Al Martino. There will never be any the likes of these three. Could sing a love song and make you want more!!!!!
Lewis Sanders
@Nick Riggio PERRY COMO THE BEST.
Nick Riggio
Listen to Jerry on Facebook at The Amazing Jerry Vale all welcome
Nick Riggio
The real three greatest: Jerry Vale; Tony Bennett; Jimmy Roselli