Who?
Judy Garland (Et Al.) Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

[Chorus]
Who, stole my heart away
Who, makes me dream all day
Dreams I know can never come true
Seems as though I'll ever be blue
Who, means my happiness
Who, would I answer yes to
No one, but you!

A woman's intentions, her famine inventions
A seldom if ever defined
And I am no different, why should I be different?
I simply can't make up my mind
How can I solve this situation
Except by the process of elimination

[Chorus]

Can it be, can it be, who can it be?
You'll never guess who has stolen my heart away Dreamin' dreams I know
Can never come true

Seems as though
I'll never be blue!
Oh who, means my happiness
Who, would I answer yes to

Well you oughta guess who, who...
No one but you!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Judy Garland's song "Who?" describe a woman's struggle to figure out who has captured her heart and who she would answer "yes" to. The chorus asks "Who stole my heart away?" and "Who means my happiness?" and ultimately concludes that "No one, but you!" is the answer.

The verses add more complexity to the story, with the singer acknowledging that women's intentions are often hard to define and that she herself "simply can't make up my mind." She wonders how to solve this situation, and decides that the only way is through "the process of elimination."

Line by Line Meaning

Who, stole my heart away
Who has taken possession of my heart and emotions

Who, makes me dream all day
Who is the object of my dreams and fantasies, occupying my thoughts throughout the day

Dreams I know can never come true
I am aware that my dreams of being with this person will never become a reality

Seems as though I'll ever be blue
I will continue to feel sad and disappointed because I cannot be with this person

Who, means my happiness
This person is the key to my happiness and well-being

Who, would I answer yes to
This person is the one I would say 'yes' to, if asked to be in a relationship

No one, but you!
There is no one else but this person who has the power to make me feel this way

Can it be, can it be, who can it be?
I am questioning who this person might be, wondering if I have correctly identified them

You'll never guess who has stolen my heart away
It is unlikely that anyone would be able to correctly identify the person who has captured my heart

Well you oughta guess who, who...
Despite the difficulty in guessing, I am hinting that the person is actually quite obvious

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Ultra Tunes, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ADIDJA PALMER, CHRISTOPHER BIRCH, KARIM THOMPSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Comments from YouTube:

Circus_ Satan

5y↑29

I always thought that the song started so quickly, like the first millisecond Judy starts to sing. Love this Extended version!💕

Kenneth Sloan

1y↑4

It's a shame the unused version was lost. Would love to see what was missing. Judy sound absolutely radiant.

csm

7y↑31

Love the trumpets section. I can say those were specific for MGM film music in the 40's, even in their cartoons.

Ted Watson

3y↑8

she is so beautiful here. her dancing is as amazing as her singing.

Grant Walker

5y↑8

Superb ! They had talent and style back in the day. The old time composers were romantics who had class. Musicals and songs of yesteryear are timeless.

Ann D Britch-Barney

Yes! So called romance now leaves nothing to the imagination.

R.J. Powers

3y↑9

Judy who was known for her sense of humour thought it hysterically funny that she was singing lines like "who stole my heart away" while she was nearly six months pregnant. And does she not look radiant!

Júlia G.

1y↑1

wasn’t there also a story about that treadmill (conveyor belt? i don’t know what it’s called in english) they were on at the beginning? apparently the “landing” was not smooth at all and she also joked about it. in fact you can see just milliseconds before the camera cuts that there’s a bit of a jolt there (1:01)

Axl Heck

43w

i noticed that too .

Casey Jason Griffin

9y↑8

The first time that I heard the complete audio track for this number was 1995. I recall being quite impressed with it. Ms. Garland's phrasing and interpretation is both sophisticated and exquisite while singing her vocals for the second deleted portion (3:33-4:58) of this song. I hadn't heard this in ages, simply because I was too lazy to retrieve the CD from my collection of music that's still in the closet packed away after I had moved several years ago. With the accessibility of YouTube, I don't find the necessity of playing my CDs as all the music that I enjoy is available at my finger tips on YouTube!

Jonathan Grewcock

+Casey Jason Griffin I had a CD which included this song but just with the introduction "When a girl's in love with someone" before it launches into the chorus. It didn't have the rest of the complete track but like you, I am impressed with Judy's interpretation of the different tempos in the song. I didn't until now realise that there was an extended version of this song that had been cut from the film - I just though the song on my CD was just a different recording altogether. I don't blame you for listening to all the music on You Tube rather than playing CDS - I am exactly the same!

David Allen

3y↑6

Judy in her prime and at her best ; the only number in “Clouds” that really grabs me these days.

Matthew Darnell

3y↑2

That’s true! It had a great cast but Judy garlands numbers are the ones people remember from it!

David Allen

3y↑2

@Matthew Darnell ,Qute so ; I enjoy Van Johnson and one or two other guests but the plot-line is boring and the
Frank Sinatra pristine,snow-white interpretation of ‘Ol’ Man River’ is one big mistake.

Sara Pokharel

6y↑31

Judy looked so much happier off pills... what a angel

Clay Swidler

She was on pills at this time

Raphael Basile

3y↑11

@Clay Swidler Not while she was pregnant with Liza.

Wayne Brasler

6y↑3

Oh boy is this a treat. Judy said the recording sessions at M-G-Mv were unforgettable, everyone supercharged, everyone very respectful but also having great fun.
"Clouds" and "Words and Music" are almost the same film.

Paul McElveen

40w

Thank you for posting and sharing this classic musical number with the deleted extended audio! I don't understand why they deleted the full four minutes of this number! I own all of Judy Graland's movies on Video Tape, Laser Disc, DVD, and Blue Ray! I have always loved Judy Garland! She is in a class by herself! I was born in 1978.The beloved, excellent, fantastic, magnificent, and wonderful MGM 1939 classic movie is my favorite movie of all time!

Patti Brooks

2y↑1

I love this song always have loved this song and all of Judy s songs ! Thank you very very much for the greatest video of Judy !

Carol Griffith

9y↑28

Didn't even know this complete a version existed... the version on the soundtrack album released at the time was even shorter then the one used in the film! It's almost criminal the way MGM chopped musical numbers up for a movie, and even worse the way they chopped songs up to fit on a record LP. Thanks for posting!

Amber Lantern

5y↑4

They had some of, if not, THE best composers, directors, actors, etc. I'm kinda surprised they wouldn't want to make their musical numbers as long, diverse and interesting as they could get them in order to get maximum publicity and revenue. They cut some of the cutest musical numbers out of The Harvey Girls. Even though I still love these movies and always will, it is disappointing they cut so much sometimes. Judy would've gotten the Academy Award for A Star Is Born if some assholes hadnt complained that the picture was too long, absolutely criminal.

nickgreatpwrful

3y↑1

The original soundtrack to this would've been released in 1946, on 78 RPM discs, so that's why the "official" soundtrack versions are so short. I think barely 4 minutes of music could fit on one 10" 78 record.

NA’STASHA VALENTINO, DEFRANCO

This could never be over done, back in the golden age of movies The Music was just as IMPORTANT! THAT'S WHAT GLAMOR AND SOPHISTICATION LOOKED LIKE! Like take Marilyn she always had some fantasy glamorous production in her movies, see back then Judy WAS A TRIPLE THREAT! She could Sing! Dance! And Act! It's not over done, it's done just Right.

bewareoftheleaven

4y↑3

What a lovely surprise! Thank you so much for finding and uploading this.

Ticha Serrano

2y↑1

Me es grato recordar esta bonita cancion que siempre me tarareaba mi mama alla por los años de 1956

MKIVWWI

8y↑12

Those who say this wonderful number is "overdone" must not have great familiarity with musicals of the era! That was the name of the game. If anything, the finale of "Till the Clouds Roll By" would more fit that adjective. As for the contention that including this whole number would have "slowed down the plot" -- have you ever watched "Till the Clouds Roll By"? Much of the screen time is devoted to the utterly tedious sub-plot about Jerome Kern's (Robert Walker) cutting the song his niece Sally Hessler (Lucille Bremer) is supposed to sing after she gets a big head and throws a tantrum. She runs off, and then Kern spends what seems to be years trying to find her. Yaaaaaawn... So the inclusion of this number complete would have "slowed it down"? Don't think so... If anything was edited out, it should have been the niece sub-plot! And lets face it, these biopics were largely tedious, plot-wise, and most of these composers lead rather dull, unexciting lives anyways. Some were largely fictionalized. They were merely excuses to showcase the composer's great music! So more musical numbers and less phony dramatics would have been an improvement to "Till the Clouds Roll By". I'm actually reminded of how good the 1946 production of "Zeigfeld Follies" was (aside from a corny prologue of William Powell as Zeigfeld in heaven) -- it was pure musical numbers and comedy skits. No slow, boring (and largely faked) biographical storyline! Sorry, but MGM made a bad decision to cut this number up. Thanks for posting it so we can at least now enjoy it as intended!

Steven Torrey

6y↑1

Frank Sinatra singing "Old Man River" was the height of silliness and fatuous in the movie, by the way.

Terry Smith

4y↑2

Steven,. You are correct, they should have had Judy sing it. Have you ever heard Judy sing Old Man River? It's awesome.

Terry Smith

Sally was not related to Mr. KERN, SHE was the daughter of Kerns new associate played by Van Heflin.

Saxon C

4y↑3

That voice!

Zoltan Korda

9y↑40

On this day, June 22, 1969, you left us, Miss Garland. I remember the day vividly. It was a beautiful Sunday morning in Indianapolis, Indiana and my father was sitting in the kitchen listening to the radio, drinking his coffee. I noticed a curious look on his face from the hallway; when I entered the kitchen he simply said "Judy Garland died today" as if he, himself, didn't believe it. I was in disbelief myself. It was difficult for an eight year old to fathom that the little girl in "The Wizard of Oz" was dead. For me, this was to be the beginning of numerous experiences with that rather expressive, though somewhat old fashion phrase, "the brevity of life".

Casey Jason Griffin

9y↑4

+Zoltan Korda I was also exactly eight years old in 1969 when Judy Garland passed away. My recollection is very hazy, but I seem to remember seeing her picture on a magazine a week after she had passed away. I think that it might have been "Parade Magazine" as I always remember that magazine would accompany the Sunday newspaper. I read some of the article contained in the magazine. I don't recall how much I was able to grasp at that age other than the concept that she was gone.

I do remember my mom telling me that Dorothy from the "Wizard of Oz" had died when she noticed that I was looking at the magazine. The main difference in our stories is that I had received the information a week after your discovery of the event. I honestly don't have any recollections on the actual day that she died. Traveling so far back through time in my memory to this ancient point in time seems almost like another lifetime to me. Rather, somewhat like a dream state than recalling reality. Your memory serves you better than mine!

When you referenced "the brevity of life" I immediately thought of the Carpenters song "One Love". In this song, there is a verse that says, "Few are the choices we are given, the sands of time pass quickly by." There is such profundity in these words.

M Taylor 2

4y↑1

Being an 80s child, it was Heather O'Rourke's death that i remember at a very young age

Richard Lee

the cuts were judicious, and right for the number. a terrific number, enhanced by the editing.

Orlando Cordova

4y↑1

SUCH A GREAT CLASSIC MGM SCENE! THE FREED UNIT IS ALL IN PLACE AND IT SHOWS!
MY GIRL IS AT THE TOP OF THE GAME HERE! I WISH IT WASN'T EDIT. I LOVE THE SONG! ESPECIALLY THE PART WHERE SHE'S VOICALY NAILING IT IN THE CUT PART!
THIS SCENE IS THE REASON WHY GOD CREATED COLOR FOR FILM AND HER! 🙂!

Daphne Anson

4y↑1

Jerome Kern's greatest song. Oscar Hammerstein wrote some of the lyrics- he later wrote the lyrics for Richard Rodgers after Lawrence Hart died.

Esmee Phillips

3y↑1

Lorenz.

In fact Hammerstein began work with Rodgers on Hart's recommendation. Hart knew he was washed up.

neutrogenaaveeno

7y↑1

Judy, in fact, recorded the vocals for "Who?" in the fall of 1945 and filmed the number before her maternity leave for Liza . . . which lasted until December of 1946. "Till the Clouds Roll By" itself did not premiere until December of 1946 at Radio City Music Hall and was not put into general release until January of 1947.

Classic Clips

7y↑3

While she filmed it before her maternity leave, she was pregnant during filming.

Hollie Devine

liza was born in march, she was in hospital for a month after that, so she had like 8-9 months maternity leave?

Michael Balllenger

34w

No one will ever come close to her talent.

Bluejeans0701

11y↑25

This musical number should never have been halved.

Valentina Maggie

5y↑1

So Beautiful!! I love you Judy!!!

carol tenge

Judy was good, but Marilys version is the ultimate performance of this classic song and without all the glitz!

Owlzindabarn

48w

We were cheated; the opening is terrific!

Michael Mcgee

6y↑2

Imagine if they kept the whole sequence?It would have been drawn out. It's good that m.g.m preserved the multi tracks that the film was recorded

Futaba Todd

There will Never be a Bigger Star than Judy Garland!

Liberté

36w

Outstanding historical Hollywood archive performance rendering ever. Merci beaucoup from Paris France 😂👍👍👍👍👍😁

Robert Jennings

9y↑1

I love the lyrics around the 3:30 mark, the slowing down of the tempo makes the piece seem much less frenetic. Does anyone know if Kern wrote both the music and lyrics, or just the music?
Thanks
Bob

Carol Griffith

Robert Jennings I checked it out online, and found that the song "Who?" was originally from the 1925 stage musical "Sunny", and all the songs are credited to Jerome Kern (composer), Otto Harbach, and Oscar Hammerstein II (lyricists). (Harbach was also credited as the lybrettist on "Sunny" -- he wrote all the dialog). Hope this info helps!

Michael McBride

8y↑1

I agree. The vocal arrangement was by Kay Thompson, whose middle name was "frenetic." :)

Donald Miller

At least she didn't use the bongos on this one!

mickeymouse2able

Wow. A dream come true. Can't believe she didn't think she was beautiful.

Steven Torrey

9y↑10

The complete song routine would have slowed down the movie. Sometimes we have to give the film editors credit for producing a successful movie by deleting excess.

Steven Torrey

I'm watching this 3 years after I made that comment. As I look at it again, I see a piece of silliness in the choreography.

jeremynv89523

2y↑1

@Steven Torrey I agree with you about the number. It is well done, but it's too long. I prefer the cut version.

Having said that, what silliness do you see in the choreography? I didn't find anything untoward.

Francisco Ferrer Galiana

INOLVIDABLE...

Walking Trails 777

8y↑13

Stunning! What happened to fashion? There are so many amazing fabrics and gems. Why is it women choose to be MORE than half naked or wearing dresses made without any appeal whatsoever when appearing on stage, film, or while attending award events? It's obviously the LACK of imagination and the desire to just look like everyone else. Where are all the amazing Dress makers gone? Hope someday true style and fashion that has women looking luxurious will come alive again.

Stephanie Payne

To be young again XO 💜

bellini verdi

4y↑2

lo dicho.................estos fueron tiempos de oro..............y ahora....volvemos a la edad de piedra.................casi no sabemos ni andar.................y cuando lo intentamos......parecemos.....que lo hacemos a drede.............pero es lo que hay..............la elegancia y el arte ha desaparecido................................

Noor Clean

3y↑1

I like the full version better somehow 😔

Classic Clips

I think the instrumental is a little long.

Noor Clean

3y↑1

@Classic Clips yes the instrumental is too long but i prefer her bridge lyric but they cut it

Stephanie Payne

I noticed Judy is wearing my African mommy!!!! Too Powerful!!! Far,far,far, too Powerful XO 💜

Esmee Phillips

Orchestrator Conrad Salinger, vocal arranger Kay Thompson, choreographer Robert Alton. This little ditty is given perhaps over-the-top treatment; not surprised it was trimmed, but the whole movie was overstuffed, no doubt to gloss over Kern's fairly uneventful life and increasingly pernickety character.

My favorite version of 'Who?' is Jack Buchanan's, in his intimate, hypnotic burr. Judy was still being forced into 'goes up to 11' mode, and her teenage ebullience was turning neurotic- which some feast on and warier admirers find tiresome.

Axl Heck

43w

i think matt mattox was the male dancer that was featured the most in that number .

Hobert

40w↑1

One very busy lady of the40s movies miss Garland!!!

kim buck

5y↑33

Surprised mgm gave her time off to have Liza.

Colin Bryan

The movie Till the Clouds Roll By, mentioned is well worth watching.

Stephanie Payne

I prayed for a ball. I never even got my senior prom

sarakat76

11y↑5

wow .... long cut ... would have been nice to see the ballet

Corey Brix

4y↑7

Her cute little baby belly. 😍

Judy Alcatraz

10y↑5

Happy birthday Judy love u

Tim Y.

She reminds me a little of Elizabeth Perkins in this .

Bob Benson

thank you!

Dale Fordsman

4y↑2

Look close..they cut down the # because she is 3 months pregnant

NA’STASHA VALENTINO, DEFRANCO

I think it's awful they made her work while she was pregnant with Liza! No wonder Liza is a lil off the chain! All that spinning and dipping and Judy was so Tiny! Makes me sad.

Don Tellahfonne

5y↑2

she looks like Kylie Minogue here

Orlando Cordova

THE BIG ? IS THIS? WHY THE HELL WAS IT TRIM DOWN! CUT SOMEBODY'S ELSE NUMBER! NEVER JUDY'S!

藤澤健司

4y↑1

日本人です。ジュディの映像・歌は、自慢じゃありませんが、たぶんほとんど視聴してます。

munegugo

Why did Judy get pregnant? Was it an accident?

Classic Clips

2y↑1

Because she wanted to have a child.

terri m

33w

She was married

M Taylor 2

this madonna?

Mitchell McGuire

8y↑1

It's always a treat to hear Ms. Garland but this is so overdone and "comes Tardy off", to steal a phrase.

Michael McBride

8y↑1

Steal the phrase you may have, but I still have no idea what it means. :)

More Comments

just now