I HAD TO DO IT
Words by Andy Razaf; music by Thomas "Fats" Waller. ©1938.
As recorded by Fats Waller.

VERSE: What in the world am I doin'?
Why am I feelin' this way?
Can this be me?
What can it be
That is causing me to say—?

CHORUS: I had to do it.
I had to do it.*
What else was there to do,
But fall in love,
Yes, fall in love
With you?

I had to stumble.
I had to tumble
Like Humpty Dumpty, too.
I took a fall,
My heart and all,
For you.

I said that I would not be led by romance.
Instead, right at your first glance,
I fell like a drinker,
Hook, line and sinker.

I had to do it.
Was glad to do it.
Sweetheart, I never knew
How grand it was
To fall in love
With you.


* On one recording, he sings "was s'posed to do it."
Early recordings were made by:
Horace Heidt and His Brigadiers, 1938?.
Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, 1938.
Recent recordings were made by:
John Sheridan and His Dream Band, on "Swing Is Still the King" (2007)
Antti Sarpila Swing Band on "Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Fats Waller" (as an instrumental - 2004)