Where will you likely find the best love song lyrics?
The Big Band songs of the 40s and 50s are probably the premier songs from which to get examples, in addition to other songs with Big Band rhythm that were composed outside of that era.
The songs of the 20s and 30s, including many songs played in this time period, are also examples of song rhythm and lyric meter, but they may, in many cases, sound a bit less complete and less connected than the Big Band songs.
And now, some living examples of the thyme and meter of a few wonderful songs of our past - they need to linger with us into our present.
Stardust Lyrics
Lyrics from the chorus only:
Sometimes I wonder why I spend the lonely night Dreaming of a song? The melody haunts my reverie And I am once again with you When our love was new, and each kiss an inspiration but that was long ago, Now my consolation is in the star dust of a song. Beside a garden wall when stars are bright You are in my arms, The nightingale tells his fairy tale Of paradise where roses grew. Though I dream in vain, in my heart it will remain; My Stardust melody The memory of love's refrain.
This song is a beautiful example of random rhyme and a far departure from much of the poetry meter we are accustomed to seeing.
Unusual Song Lyric Style from the 30s
Also notable are the lyrics to a song that contain very short lines and rhyme that seldom appear n other songs we know. One example of this short line system is:
I Can Dream, Can't I? (1937)
Music - Sammy Fain - Lyrics - Irving Kahal
This song has Big Band rhythm all the way. Both composers are well known. Here are the lyrics.
I can see - no matter how near you'll be You'll never belong to me But I can dream, can't I?
Can't I pretend that I'm locked in the bend of your embrace? For dreams are just like wine And I am drunk with mine?
I'm aware My heart is a sad affair There's much disillusion there - But I can dream, cant I?
Can't I adore you Although we are oceans apart? I can't make you open your heart, But I can dream can't I?
Unlike much poetry, you may find that the rhyming occurs quickly, and an extra line hangs out by itself.
