About the song
Perry Como, the velvet-voiced crooner whose music graced countless living rooms throughout the 20th century, delivers a heart-wrenching performance on “And I Love You So.” This timeless ballad, penned by the prolific Don McLean, captures the bittersweet emotions of love lost and the enduring power of memory.
Released in 1973, “And I Love You So” marked a departure from Como’s typical upbeat, lighthearted fare. The song’s poignant lyrics, coupled with Como’s soulful vocals, created a deeply moving listening experience. The opening lines, “I love you so, that it almost hurts,” immediately set a somber tone, inviting the listener to contemplate the intensity of love and the pain of its absence.
Como’s interpretation is marked by a remarkable emotional range. His voice, rich and resonant, conveys a sense of longing, regret, and resignation. The way he delivers the lines “I’ll always be thinking of you, always be dreaming of you” is particularly poignant, evoking a sense of melancholy and nostalgia.
The song’s arrangement is simple yet effective, with a gentle piano accompaniment that complements Como’s vocals. The absence of elaborate instrumentation allows the lyrics and melody to take center stage, emphasizing the song’s emotional impact.
“And I Love You So” is a testament to Perry Como’s enduring artistry. His ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level is evident in this timeless classic. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal appeal and the power of music to touch the human heart.
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Lyrics
And I love you so
The people ask me how
How I’ve lived till now
I tell them I don’t know
I guess they understand
How lonely life has been
But life began again
The day you took my hand
And yes, I know how lonely life can be
The shadows follow me ‘n’ the night won’t set me free
But I don’t let the evening get me down
Now that you’re around me
And you love me, too
Your thoughts are just for me
You set my spirit free
I’m happy that you do
The book of life is brief
And once a page is read
All but life is dead
That is my belief
And yes, I know how lonely life can be
The shadows follow me and the night won’t set me free
But I don’t let the evening get me down
Now that you’re around me