In the Headlights: I Wish I Were In Love Again

I Wish I Were In Love Again

This was on The Writer's Almanac earlier this week. It is actually a song by Lorenz Hart, with music by Richard Rodgers for the 1937 musical Babes in Arms. Frank Sinatra sang it in 1957. He sang a number of other songs from this musical. Though largely unknown, this show packed a number of great musical numbers: "Where or When," "My Funny Valentine," and "The Lady is a Tramp," among others, many popularized by Sinatra.

The words are clever, even if not particularly P.C. But I think they're true for most. The high of being in love trumps what we rationally know--that the high is fleeting, the pain is real. Love Hurts (another great song!)

The sleepless nights,
The daily fights
The quick toboggan when you reach the heights--
I miss the kisses and I miss the bites
I wish I were in love again!
The broken dates,
The endless waits
The lovely loving and the hateful hates,
The conversation with the flying plates--
I wish I were in love again!
No more pain
No more strain
Now I'm sane but...
I would rather be gaga!
The pulled out fur-of cat and cur,
The fine mismating-of a him and her--
I've learned my lesson but I
Wish I were In love again.
The furtive sigh,
The blackened eye,
The words "I'll love you 'til the day I die",
The self deception that believes the lie--
I wish I were in love again.
When love congeals
It soon reveals
The faint aroma of performing seals.
The double crossing-of a pair of heels
I wish I were in love again!
No more care.
No despair.
I'm all there now,
But I'd rather be punch-drunk!
Believe me, sir,
I much prefer
The classic battle-of a him and her.
I don't like quiet and I
Wish I were in love again!