My Funny Valentine
McCoy Tyner Lyrics


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My funny valentine
Sweet comic valentine
You make me smile with my heart
Your looks are laughable
Unphotographable
Yet your my favorite work of art

Is your figure less than Greek?
Is your mouth a little weak?
When you open it to speak
Are you smart?

But don't change your hair for me
Not if you care for me
Stay, little Valentine, stay
Each day is Valentine's
Stay Valentine




Each day is Valentine, my Valentine
Each day is Valentine's day

Overall Meaning

"My Funny Valentine" is a jazz standard written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1937 musical Babes in Arms. The song shows a contrast between the way the singer sees their lover and the way the world views them. The opening lines, "My funny Valentine, sweet comic Valentine," suggest that the person is not conventionally attractive, but their lover finds them endearing nevertheless. The next line, "You make me smile with my heart," suggests that the person's inner beauty is what truly captivates their lover.


The next two lines, "Your looks are laughable, unphotographable," reinforce the idea that the person is not conventionally attractive. However, the line "Yet you're my favorite work of art" suggests that the lover values the person for who they are on the inside, not their appearance.


The next section questions whether the person is smart or physically perfect, but ultimately concludes that the lover wants them to stay just the way they are. The final lines, "Each day is Valentine's day," suggests that the singer will continue to see their lover as their special Valentine every day.


Line by Line Meaning

My funny valentine
My beloved partner who is unique and quirky


Sweet comic valentine
You are more than just a lover, you bring joy and laughter into my life


You make me smile with my heart
I feel deeply happy and content when I am with you


Your looks are laughable
Your physical appearance is not conventionally attractive, but I find it endearing nonetheless


Unphotographable
Capturing your essence in a photo is impossible, as it is something that can only be experienced


Yet your my favorite work of art
Despite not conforming to societal beauty standards, you are the most beautiful thing to me and I treasure you


Is your figure less than Greek?
Does your body not adhere to western beauty ideals?


Is your mouth a little weak?
Do you struggle to express yourself verbally?


When you open it to speak, are you smart?
Your intelligence is not defined by your ability to speak, and I value your mind over your words


But don't change your hair for me
I do not want you to alter your physical appearance to please me


Not if you care for me
If you truly love me, you do not need to change yourself


Stay, little Valentine, stay
I want you to stick around and be my Valentine


Each day is Valentine's
Every day we spend together feels like Valentine's Day


Stay Valentine
Remain my beloved partner, my Valentine


Each day is Valentine, my Valentine
Every day is special and meaningful when I am with you, my Valentine




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Grant Koeller

Mccoy was one of the greatest who ever played piano!!!

Aubrey Camacho,MD

This is a wonderful arrangement of a classic and headed by John Coltrane's favorite pianist. This is simply beautiful.

Dreamer8girl

¸.•*¨*•¸☆ Otaku-san,
A very enjoyable performance. It was an absolute pleasure to hear.
Thank you so much!!
Ro Dreamer

60otaku4

You're most welcome, Ro Dreamer-san!!
Otaku4 (^o^)/

Bernabé Fernández Touceda

this is a hard bop classic in my book

MrChetbak

oui, très beau !

ben landro

Bird Lives!

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