About the song
In the realm of 1960s pop music, few artists have left an indelible mark on the industry like Bobby Vee. With a career spanning over five decades, Vee’s soulful voice and catchy melodies have captivated audiences worldwide. One of his most iconic and enduring hits is “More Than I Can Say,” a song that has become synonymous with the era’s musical landscape.
Released in 1961, “More Than I Can Say” was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the legendary songwriting duo behind hits like “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock.” The song’s origins date back to the 1950s, when Leiber and Stoller were working on a musical for the Broadway stage. Although the musical never came to fruition, the song remained in their repertoire, waiting for the right artist to bring it to life.
Enter Bobby Vee, a young singer from Fargo, North Dakota, who was just starting to make a name for himself in the music industry. Vee’s smooth, velvety voice was the perfect vehicle for “More Than I Can Say,” and his rendition of the song would go on to become one of his signature hits.
The song’s lyrics, penned by Leiber and Stoller, are a poignant expression of love and longing. The narrator confesses that his love is more than he can say, more than he can do, and more than he can be. The song’s soaring chorus, with its memorable “oh-oh-oh” refrain, has become an iconic part of pop music history.
“More Than I Can Say” was a massive hit for Vee, reaching the top of the Billboard charts and cementing his status as a major force in the music industry. The song has since been covered by numerous artists, including David Bowie, who recorded a version for his 1975 album “Young Americans.” Despite the many interpretations, Vee’s original version remains the most beloved and enduring, a testament to his unique vocal style and the timeless appeal of the song.
In the years since its release, “More Than I Can Say” has become a staple of 1960s nostalgia, evoking memories of sock hops, drive-in movies, and the carefree spirit of a bygone era. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the power of music to transcend time and generations, and to the enduring legacy of Bobby Vee, one of the most beloved and respected artists of his era.
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Lyrics
Whoa-whoa, yay-yay
Love you more than I can say
I’ll love you twice as much tomorrow
Whoa-whoa, love you more than I can sayWhoa-oh, yay-yay
I miss you every single day
Why must my life be filled with sorrow?
Whoa-whoa, love you more than I can sayDon’t you know I need you so? (Need you so)
Tell me please, I gotta know (gotta know)
Do you mean to make me cry? (Make me cry)
Am I just another guy? (Ooh)Whoa-oh, yay-yay
Love you more than I can say
I’ll love you twice as much tomorrow
Whoa-whoa, love you more than I can sayDon’t you know I need you so? (Need you so)
Tell me please, I gotta know (gotta know)
Do you mean to make me cry? (Make me cry)
Am I just another guy? (Ooh)Whoa-whoa, yay-yay
I love you more than I can say
I’ll love you twice as much tomorrow
Whoa-whoa, love you more than I can say