Lyr Add: I'm Yours (Green and Harburg)

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: I'm Yours (Green and Harburg)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 10 Oct 09 - 08:08 PM

Originally made as five reel, later reduced to one reel, no copy known to exist.
Evelyn Hoey sang "I'm Yours" in the film. I can't find a recording of her singing the song.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: I'm Yours (Green and Harburg)
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Oct 09 - 07:45 PM

The German close-harmony pop quartet The Comedian Harmonists also recorded this song with a German lyric under the title of "Hunderttausendmal" ("A Hundred Thousand Times") wherein the lyric is about a fellow so much in love that he has asked the object of his love a hundred thousand times to be his, but she keeps closing the door in his face or just saying no, when all he wants is to possess her.

It's a gorgeous tune by Johnny Green with a melody similar to that of his most famous song, "Body and Soul."

"'I'm Yours" was written in 1930 for a long-lost Paramount featurette LEAVE IT TO LESTER. "Body and Soul" was written in 1929.

Subject: Lyr Add: I'M YOURS (Green and Harburg)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 08:47 PM

Song incomplete, lacks introduction and the odd word incorrect.

Lyr. Add: I'M YOURS
E. Y. Harburg and Johnny Green, 1930

Ever since we parted, from the love we started with,
I can't erase you from my mind;
Really, it's regrettable; you're non-forgettable;
Every place I go your face I find.
What would nighttime be with every star away?
What is life to me when you are so far away?

Ask the sky above and ask the earth below,
Why I'm so in love, and why I love you so.
Couldn't tell you though I try, dear,
Just why dear, I'm yours.

When you went away, you left a glowing spark,
Trying to be gay is whistling in the dark.
I am only what you make me,
Come take me, I'm yours.

How happy I would be to beg and borrow
Or sorrow, with you.
Even though I knew tomorrow
You'd say we were through.

If we drift apart, then I'd be *left alone. *lost?
Though you use my heart just for a stepping stone.
How can I help dreaming of you?
I love you. I'm yours.

Sung by Billie Holiday, Ruth Etting, the Biltmore Rhythm Boys and Hotel Biltmore Orchestra and many others.
Introduction used as a break by some singers before repeating the verses.

ASCAP code 390115534; Sony ATV Harmony.

Subject: Lyr Add: I'm Yours (Green and Harburg)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 05 Sep 08 - 05:47 PM

Lyr. Add: I'M YOURS
Johnny Green, E. Y. Harburg

Ask the sky above
And ask the earth below
Why I'm so in love
And why I love you so.
Couldn't tell you,
Though I tried, dear,
Just why, dear,
I'm yours.

When you went away
You left a glowing spark,
Trying to be gay
Is whistling in the dark.
I am only what you make me
Come take me
I'm yours.

How happy I would be to beg or borrow,
Or sorrow, with you.
Even though I knew tomorrow
You'd say that we were through.
If we drift apart,
Than I'll be lost alone
Though you use my heart
Just for a stepping stone
How can I help dreaming of you
I love you,
I'm yours.

Made famous by Billie Holiday (1939) and other singers of that time. A favorite of mine, seldom heard now.

I hope the lyrics I have posted are correct, since I can't find the sheet music. The lyrics sites seem slightly mixed up in places, and my memory of the song may be faulty. If someone has sheet music, please correct any errors.

Another song with the same title, completely different, has been composed much more recently and sung by Jason Mraz.