When I Lost You
Irving Berlin, Connee Boswell
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I lost the sunshine and roses, I lost the heavens so blue, I lost the beautiful rainbow, I lost the morning dew. I lost the angel who gave me Summer the whole winter through, I lost the gladness that turned into sadness When I lost you.
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: ROBERT BERKELEY DAVIS, RICHARD FREDERICK STANNARD, JULIAN GALLAGHER
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Composer's Information"When I Lost You" is a song by Irving Berlin. Berlin is known as one of the greatest songwriters in American history.
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InspirationThis song is said to have been written after the death of Berlin's first wife, Dorothy Goetz, in 1912. She died of typhoid fever a few months after their honeymoon in Cuba.
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Personal Connection"When I Lost You" is considered as one of Berlin's most personal songs due to its direct connection with a devastating event in his personal life.
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PopularityDespite its sad background, the song became a significant hit, being one of the earliest Irving Berlin songs to reach such success.
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Musical StyleThe song is considered a departure from the upbeat, ragtime style that Irving Berlin usually composed. It’s a rich, heartfelt ballad evocating deep emotion.
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Lasting LegacyOver the years, it has been covered by numerous artists including Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, and Michael Feinstein.
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Noteworthy PerformanceIn a particularly heartrending interpretation, Frank Sinatra included "When I Lost You" in his album "She Shot Me Down," an album dedicated to saloon songs about lost love.
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In Popular CultureThe song has also been featured in films, such as in the 1948 biographical film about Irving Berlin, "Easter Parade," where it was performed by Judy Garland.
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Song StructureThe song is notable for its simple structure, which helped underscore the poignant lyrics. Its simplicity is said to have sparked the shift in Irving Berlin's writing style, moving towards more emotionally resonate songs.
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Writing ProcessAccording to Berlin himself, the song took little effort to write since it was heavily inspired by his personal grief; the lyrics were a reflection of his feelings at the time.
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Citation
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"When I Lost You Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3110048/Irving+Berlin/When+I+Lost+You>.
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