My Funny Valentine
Russ Freeman & Chet Baker Lyrics

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My funny Valentine, sweet comic Valentine
You make me smile with my heart
Your looks are laughable
Unphotographable
Yet you're 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 smiling?
But don't change a hair for me
Not if you care for me

Stay little Valentine, stay
Each day is Valentine's Day

Overall Meaning

The song "My Funny Valentine" is a ballad that speaks about a unique love that is not necessarily conventional. The song begins with the singer referring to his love interest as his "funny Valentine," and stating that they make him smile from the depth of his heart. The lyrics compare the Valentine to a work of art that is unique and special, despite their looks not conforming to standard beauty ideals. The line "unphotographable" suggests that the Valentine is beyond the limitations of a camera's vision and exists beyond the physical realm.

The second verse questions the Valentine's physical attributes, asking if they have flaws, but then follows up by stating that it doesn't matter because the Valentine's smile is all that matters to the singer. The final lines suggest that the singer wants the Valentine to remain as they are, without change, because they are perfect in the way that they are.

Overall, "My Funny Valentine" is a sweet and tender love song that looks beyond physical appearance to focus on the inner qualities and personality of the Valentine.

Line by Line Meaning

My funny Valentine, sweet comic Valentine
My unique and amusing Valentine, endearing silly Valentine

You make me smile with my heart
You cause my heart to fill with joy and happiness

Your looks are laughable
Your appearance might be described as funny

Unphotographable
Impossible to capture in a photograph

Yet you're my favorite work of art
Nonetheless, you are still my most treasured masterpiece

Is your figure less than Greek?
Is your body type not of the traditional Grecian ideal?

Is your mouth a little weak?
Is your voice somewhat delicate?

When you open it to speak
When you start to talk

Are you smiling?
Are you grinning?

But don't change a hair for me
Do not alter anything about yourself for my benefit

Not if you care for me
Not unless you truly are devoted to me