If I Had a Talking Picture of You
Paul Whiteman and Bing Crosby Lyrics
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I would run it every time I felt blue.
I would sit there in the gloom of my lonely little room
And applaud each time you whispered, "I love you; love you."
On the screen the moment you came in view
We would talk the whole thing over, we two.
I would give ten shows a day,
If I had a talking picture of you.
In this song, the singer is longing for a way to keep their love with them, even when they are apart. The idea of a "talking picture" is essentially a movie, but one that would feature the person they love. The singer wants to be able to watch this movie whenever they feel down, and be comforted by the sight of the person they care for. They imagine sitting in a lonely room and watching the movie, feeling better with each whispered "I love you" from their beloved.
The singer goes on to describe how they would watch the movie over and over again, discussing it with their love each time they appear on screen. They express their desire to share this experience with others as well, saying they would give multiple shows a day and even a midnight matinee if they had to. The song is a sweet and romantic expression of love and longing, using the concept of a talking picture to emphasize the desire to hold onto a loved one even when they are not physically present.
Line by Line Meaning
If I had a talking picture of you,
If I possessed a motion picture with audio of your likeness,
I would run it every time I felt blue.
At each moment of sadness, I would play it repeatedly.
I would sit there in the gloom of my lonely little room
In my isolation, I would sit alone in a dimly-lit space.
And applaud each time you whispered, "I love you; love you."
At the point in which you expressed affection, I would give hearty applause.
On the screen the moment you came in view
At the very instant your image appeared onscreen,
We would talk the whole thing over, we two.
We would discuss the happenings of the picture in concert.
I would give ten shows a day,
Ten times each day I would show the movie,
And a midnight matinee,
Even a special late-night showing,
If I had a talking picture of you.
If only I had such a film of your voice and image.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LEW BROWN, BUDDY DESYLVA, RAY HENDERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Trombonology
This number is a gem! -- despite the actually rather wistful tone of the DeSylva-Brown lyric, the song seems always to receive a very upbeat treatment, to match Henderson's melody. For me, this version is the daddy of them all, with Bing's robust vocal and Venuti & Lang's hot jazz being its standout features.
@giovannirivoira5496
Great interpretation of this nice tune!!That orchestra,crowded of jazz aces,was supreme!!!thank you!!
@eustace8520
One of the most influential and nostalgic side for me! Brings back so many memories of how much I loved listening to this song in long rides during high school and much more.
@larrydewein401
One of my favorite songs by Bing (the BEST VOICE EVER)!!
@brucemercer8458
This is more like it! First hearing of this version and not disappointed. The disc I started out with decades ago was well worn when I got it and was played countless more times and is still loved when I run across it...will find it to see who does it and possibly cleaned up. Any takers?
@jourwalis-8875
Very nice!
@christianlacroix9133
love
@fromthesidelines
Arranged by Lennie Hayton.
Lang and Venuti at 1:51.
@thescoobymike
I have some talking pictures of her