In honor of Valentine’s Day, I would like to write about historical love songs. One of the greatest ways that couples tell each other “I Love You” is through music. Many times, the most popular love songs have been written during times of war because they were reminders. Reminders of what? Reminders to soldiers and their sweethearts at home that their love, though tested, could and would endure. We, the generation of today, are here because their love stood the test of time. Not just their love for each other, but their love of freedom, and their country prevailed, giving us what we here in America enjoy today.
So, here are a few random love songs from three periods-World War 1, World War 2, and Korea. Enjoy!
If You were the Only Girl in the World was written by Nat D. Ayer and Clifford Grey. It was first sung at the Alhambra Theater, London, England in 1916 by Sir George Edward Wade or more commonly-George Robey. This song became a popular tune among soldiers in the trenches of France.
If you were the only girl in the world
And I were the only boy
A garden of Eden, just made for two
With nothing to mar our joy
If you were the only girl in the world
And I were the only boy
Fast forward fifteen years later, another romantic song-composed by Fabian Andre and Wilbur Schwandt with lyrics by Gus Khan, became an instant hit-Dream a Little Dream of Me: While it was introduced in 1931, this song was extremely popular in the Second World War when soldiers, sailors, and airmen longed for their sweethearts back home.
Stars shining bright above you
Night breezes seem to whisper, I love you
Birds singin' in the sycamore trees
Dream a little dream of me
Say nighty-night and kiss me
Just hold me tight and tell me you'll miss me
While I'm alone and blue as can be
Dream a little dream of me
Stars fading but I linger on dear
Still craving your kiss
I'm longin' to linger till dawn dear
Just saying this…
One last classic that was introduced at the beginning of the Korean War- 1951-Unforgettable. Irvin Gordon wrote it and Lee Gillette produced it, but it was Nat King Cole that made it famous. It was one of America’s favorite pop-singles.
Unforgettable, that's what you are
Unforgettable though near or far
Like a song of love that clings to me
How the thought of you does things to me
Never before has someone been more
Unforgettable in every way
And forever more, that's how you'll stay
That's why, darling, it's incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am unforgettable too
Unforgettable in every way
And forever more, that's how you'll stay
That's why, darling, it's incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am unforgettable too
These and so many more songs are Unforgettable. Sometimes the oldies really are the goodies as they have stood the test of time still bringing love and joy to all who hear them. However, even more enduring than their songs is the legacy of those who came before us. Their legacy of love of family and of country have given us the freedom we enjoy every day.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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