The pronunciation of Hammerstein's surname is often anglicized, to /ˈhæmərstiːn/ HAM-ər-steen. Hammerstein himself, however, kept a more German pronunciation of the vowels, /ˈhæmərstaɪn/ HAM-ər-stine.
People Will Say We're In Love
Oscar Hammerstein II Lyrics
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Why do the neighbors gossip all day behind their doors?
I know a way to prove what they say is quite untrue
Here is the gist
A practical list of don'ts fer you
Don't throw bouquets at me
Don't please my folks too much
People will say we're in love
Laughs at your jokes-
Don't sigh and gaze at me
Your sighs are so like mine
Your eyes musn't glow like mine
People will say we're in love!
Don't start collecting things
Give me my rose and my glove
Sweetheart, they're suspecting things
People will say we're in love!
Some people claim that you're to blame as much as I
Why do you take the trouble to bake my favorite pie?
Grantin' your wish, I carved our initals on that tree
Just keep a slice of all the advice you give so free
Don't praise my charm too much
Don't look so vain with me
Don't stand in the rain with me
People will say we're in love
Don't take my arm too much
Don't keep your hand in mine
Your hand feels so grand in mine
People will say we're in love!
Don't dance all night with me
'Til the stars fade from above
They'll see it's all right with me
People will say we're in love
The song "People Will Say We're in Love" by Oscar Hammerstein II was written for the musical "Oklahoma!" It is a duet sung by the characters Laurey and Curly, who are trying to convince each other that they shouldn't act too much like a couple in public because they don't want people to gossip about them.
At the beginning of the song, Laurey and Curly are questioning why people feel the need to gossip and make up stories about them. They then proceed to give each other a list of things they shouldn't do in order to avoid giving people the wrong impression. For example, Curly asks Laurey not to throw bouquets at him or please his folks too much, because people will assume they're in love. Similarly, Laurey instructs Curly not to sigh and gaze at her too much or stand too close to her, because people will say they're in love.
The song is meant to be a lighthearted take on the idea of gossip and how it can affect people's perceptions of others. It emphasizes the importance of not caring too much about what other people think and doing what makes you happy. At the same time, it pokes fun at the absurdity of gossip and how quickly rumors can spread.
Line by Line Meaning
Why do they think up stories that link my name with yours?
Why do people make up rumors about us being in love?
Why do the neighbors gossip all day behind their doors?
Why do people in the neighborhood talk about us behind closed doors?
I know a way to prove what they say is quite untrue
I have a plan to show that what they are saying is not true.
Here is the gist
Here is the main idea.
A practical list of don'ts fer you
A practical list of things you should avoid doing.
Don't throw bouquets at me
Don't give me flowers.
Don't please my folks too much
Don't try too hard to impress my parents.
Don't laugh at my jokes too much
Don't laugh too much at my jokes.
People will say we're in love
If you do these things, people will assume we're in love.
Don't sigh and gaze at me
Don't look at me with admiration.
Your sighs are so like mine
Our sighs are too similar.
Your eyes musn't glow like mine
Don't let your eyes show the same emotion as mine.
Don't start collecting things
Don't start collecting things that may imply we are in love.
Give me my rose and my glove
Just give me the things I asked for.
Sweetheart, they're suspecting things
Honey, people are starting to suspect something.
Some people claim that you're to blame as much as I
Some people say that you're as responsible as I am.
Why do you take the trouble to bake my favorite pie?
Why do you bother to make my favorite dessert?
Grantin' your wish, I carved our initals on that tree
I carved our initials on a tree as you wished.
Just keep a slice of all the advice you give so free
Just remember the helpful advice you give others.
Don't praise my charm too much
Don't compliment my personality excessively.
Don't look so vain with me
Don't act overly concerned with your appearance around me.
Don't stand in the rain with me
Don't stand in the rain and look romantic with me.
Don't take my arm too much
Don't hold my arm too tightly.
Don't keep your hand in mine
Don't hold my hand for too long.
Your hand feels so grand in mine
But I love holding your hand.
People will say we're in love!
Again, people will think we're in love if we act like this.
Don't dance all night with me
Don't dance with me for too long.
'Til the stars fade from above
Until the stars disappear from the sky.
They'll see it's all right with me
But I don't care what people think.
People will say we're in love
People will still assume that we're in love anyway.
Contributed by Sophia O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Mediumal
This is probably one of the most beautiful love song duets ever written. Just absolutely perfect.
@joybolger2944
'Amen'-- AGREED. I keep going back to it...'Ridiculous.'
@MarkBlackburnWPG
You think?
@hawkeyedave
It still gives me goosebumps when I hear it. Fantastic.
@Simon_de_Cornouailles
My guilty secret. This old, tough sailor loves this... but don't tell anyone!!
@susiem44
You're a doll!! 💕
@pjuggle
I love your name!
@debbiep8260
I’ll keep your secret if you’ll keep mine. 😂
- Another sucker for classic musicals.
@Awesnap
I would never admit that being a tough rugged man loves his wife. That would be horrible! What would people start saying about me if I sang love songs to my wife while slow dancing in the kitchen while she makes us diner!
@swilley1031
❤