Pierino Ronald "Perry" Como (May 18, 1912 – May 12, 2001) was an Italian Am… Read Full Bio ↴Pierino Ronald "Perry" Como (May 18, 1912 – May 12, 2001) was an Italian American crooner during the 20th century. Throughout a career spanning more than half a century he recorded exclusively with the RCA Victor label after signing with them in 1943. He sold millions of records for RCA but he also pioneered a weekly musical variety television show which set the standard and proved one of the most successful in television history. His combined success on television and popular recordings has never been equalled by any other artist of the time. He was always noted for his relaxed attitude, an attitude which was reflected in his singing style. His was a beautiful voice, possessed by this former barber.

Como was also very popular in the UK. His chart successes ranged from 1953 to 1974 and included two number one's, his first hit 'Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes' in 1953 and 'Magic Moments' which stayed at the top for 8 weeks in 1958. His other big UK hits were 'Delaware' ( No 3 in 1960), ' It's Impossible' (No 4 in 1971) , 'And I Love You So' (No 3 in 1973), and 'For The Good Times' (No 7 in 1973).

As well as TV and recording success, Perry Como also made a number of films, including ' Something For The Boys' and 'Doll Face' which were released during WW2.

He died in his sleep on 12 May 2001.

And I Love You So
Perry Como Lyrics

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And I love you so
The people ask me how
How I've lived till now
I tell them I don't know

I guess they understand
How lonely life has been
But life began again

The day you took my hand

And yes, I know how lonely life can be
The shadows follow me 'n' the night won't set me free
But I don't let the evening get me down
Now that you're around me

And you love me, too
Your thoughts are just for me
You set my spirit free
I'm happy that you do

The book of life is brief
And once a page is read
All but life is dead
That is my belief

And yes, I know how lonely life can be
The shadows follow me and the night won't set me free

But I don't let the evening get me down
Now that you're around me

Overall Meaning

Perry Como's And I Love You So is an emotional ballad about love and the transformative effect it can have on one's life. The lyrics emphasize the pervasive loneliness of life before finding love, and the profound difference it can make when someone comes into your life and takes your hand. The verses deal with the melancholy of living without love and the transformative power of the experience of loving someone so deeply. The song is told from the perspective of someone who has finally found the love they have longed for and is so grateful for the change it has brought about in their life that they cannot express it properly.

The theme of loneliness is carried throughout the song, but it is not presented in a way that is deeply melancholic. Instead, it is presented in a way that is nonetheless honest and vulnerable. It is clear that the singer has experienced great personal loss and pain, yet they maintain a sense of hope and believe that life can change for the better, all with the help of someone who loves them. The line "I don't let the evening get me down / Now that you're around me" conveys the newfound happiness that the singer is experiencing with their newfound love.

Line by Line Meaning

And I love you so
I am deeply in love with you

The people ask me how
People wonder how I survived without your love

How I've lived till now
How I managed to exist until I met you

I tell them I don't know
I have no explanation for it

I guess they understand
They seem to comprehend

How lonely life has been
Life was incredibly lonely without you

But life began again
Meeting you gave me new life

The day you took my hand
The day you entered my life

And yes, I know how lonely life can be
I am aware of how isolating life can feel

The shadows follow me 'n' the night won't set me free
I am haunted by my past sorrows that follow me incessantly

But I don't let the evening get me down
I refuse to let darkness and despair take over me