With music by Fred E. Ahlert and lyrics by Roy Turk, this was the favorite song of my grandmother, Virginia Rawson, who, as a young woman, led a dance orchestra in the 1920's, playing violin, banjo and ukelele. When she discovered I had an interest in music and could play by ear at age six, Nana brought out her ukelele and began teaching me her repertoire of vintage hits such as "Ain't She Sweet" and "Five Foot Two"[at the time-1954-I thought these were the current hits of the day. I didn't realize till later that these were old songs even then]. Nevertheless, I loved those great old songs then and I love them today. Since "I Don't Know Why" was Nana's favorite song, I would play it for her every time we were together and I played it for her many times over the years, since she lived a long and happy life. One of my most tender memories is accompanying her as she sang this song at her 100th birthday party. My CD ends with this last selection in tribute to her.
LYRICS
Verse
All day long you're asking me, what I see in you
All day long I'm answering but what good does it do?
I have nothing to explain. I just love, love you and I'll tell you once again—
Chorus
I don't know why I love you like I do, I don't know why I just do.
I don't know why you thrill me like you do, I don't know why you just do.
You never seem to want my romancing,
The only time you hold me is when we're dancing.
I don't know why I love you like I do, I don't know why, I just do.
“I Don’t Know Why”
(Roy Turk/Fred E. Ahlert)
1931