A huge hit in the 1940's and one of the great
classic standards of all time, most people would be surprised to learn “It Had To Be You” actually dates much earlier—to 1924. Written by bandleader-composer Isham Jones, with lyrics by Gus Khan, this song has been featured in over forty feature films and is one of America’s most beloved popular songs.
LYRICS
I had to be you,
it had to be you,
I wandered around and finally
found the somebody who—
Could make me be true,
could make me be blue,
And even be glad,
just to be sad, thinking of you.
Some others I've seen
might never be mean,
Might never be cross,
or try to be boss, but they wouldn't do
For nobody else gave me a thrill,
with all your faults, I love you still,
It had to be you,
wonderful you, had to be you.
Throughout his vast collection of work, Richard Rodgers is almost unequaled in inventiveness and consistent excellence. With lyricist, Oscar Hammerstein II, he wrote an amazing string of Broadway hit shows, beginning with “Oklahoma!” in 1943 and including “Carousel”, “South Pacific”, “Flower Drum Song”, “The King and I”, and “The Sound of Music”. But some of my favorite songs are earlier works he wrote with lyricist Lorenz Hart, including “You Took Advantage of Me” from the 1928 musical, “Present Arms.”
LYRICS
I'm a sentimental sap that's all,
what's the use of trying not to fall?
I have no will, you've made me kill,
cause you took advantage of me.
I'm just like an apple on a bough
and you're going to shake me down somehow
So what's the use, you've cooked my goose, cause you took advantage of me.
I'm so hot and bothered
that I don't know my elbow from my ear.
I suffer something awful each time you go
and much worse when you're near.
Here I am with all my bridges burned,
just a babe-in-arms where you're concerned
So lock the doors and call me yours,
cause you took advantage of me.
“It Had To Be You”
(Gus Kahn/Isham Jones)
1924
“You Took Advantage of Me”
(Lorenz Hart/Richard Rogers)
1928