Why Was I Born?
Helen Morgan
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Why was I born? Why am I living? What do I get? What am I giving? Why do I want a thing I daren't hope for? What can I hope for? I wish I knew Why do I try to draw you near me? Why do I cry? You never hear me I'm a poor fool, but what can I do? Why was I born to love you?
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Written by: Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Composer Information"Why Was I Born?" was composed by Jerome Kern, an American composer of musical theatre and popular music, who was also considered one of the most important American theatre composers of the early 20th century.
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Lyricist CollaborationThe lyrics for the song were written by Oscar Hammerstein II, who collaborated with Jerome Kern on several occasions.
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Film DebutThe song was first introduced in a 1929 film named "Sweet Adeline," a musical drama produced by Warner Bros.
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Singing by CharacterIn the movie "Sweet Adeline," the song is sung by the title character, Adeline Schmidt, a character played by American actress and singer Helen Morgan.
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Historic SignificanceThe song is one of the most popular and enduring songs composed by Jerome Kern and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
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Popularity Among Jazz MusiciansThe song is particularly popular among jazz musicians and has been recorded by many notable jazz artists, including John Coltrane, Kenny Burrell, and Chet Baker.
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Song ThemeThe lyrics of the song carry a poignant theme as they express yearning and questioning about love and life.
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Song Style"Why Was I Born?" is often classified as a torch song – a sentimental love song in which the singer laments an unrequited or lost love.
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Collection InclusionThe song is included in Robert Gottlieb's collection "Reading Lyrics," which is a compilation of some of the best lyrics from the great age of songwriting.
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Cover VariationsThe song has been covered in multiple music styles like jazz, blues, and pop, testifying to its versatile appeal.
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Song Recognition"Why Was I Born?" is widely recognized as one of the standout songs in the American Songbook, a collection of the most important and influential American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century.
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Citation
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