About the song
“I’ve Told Every Little Star,” a timeless classic penned by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II, first graced the musical stage in 1932 as part of ‘Music in the Air’. Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics have since enchanted audiences worldwide, becoming a cherished piece of musical history.
Initially brought to life by Jack Denny and His The Waldorf-Astoria Orchestra with vocals by Paul Small, the song found early success in 1932. However, it was Linda Scott’s rendition in 1961 that truly propelled it to global stardom. Released under Canadian-American Records, Scott’s version of “I’ve Told Every Little Star” not only soared to the third spot on the Billboard Hot 100 but also claimed top positions in countries like the Philippines, South Africa, Sweden, and Denmark, where it shared the spotlight with Gitte Hænning’s interpretation.
Produced by Hutch Davie, Linda Scott’s rendition captivated listeners with its pop sensibilities and Scott’s own emotive delivery. Its popularity transcended borders and decades, solidifying its place as a classic of the era. The song’s melodic allure and poignant lyrics about love and longing resonated with listeners of all ages, making it a staple in both pop music and broader cultural references.
In popular culture, “I’ve Told Every Little Star” continued to leave its mark. It was famously lip-synched by Melissa George’s character in an audition scene in the film ‘Mulholland Drive’, adding a layer of cinematic mystique to its legacy. Additionally, it served as the title track for ‘The Girl’ in 2012 and became a familiar tune on Matsuko Deluxe’s television program in Japan.
Beyond its cinematic and television appearances, the song has been sampled and referenced by various artists, including Mac Miller on his mixtape ‘K.I.D.S.’. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its musical craftsmanship but also in its ability to evoke nostalgia and capture the essence of romantic yearning.
Through Linda Scott’s interpretation and its subsequent adaptations, “I’ve Told Every Little Star” remains a cherished gem in the tapestry of popular music, a testament to the enduring power of Kern and Hammerstein’s musical genius. As it continues to be rediscovered and reinterpreted, its place in the hearts of listeners around the world remains steadfast, ensuring its legacy for generations to come.
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Lyrics
Dum-da-dum, da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Dum-da-dum, da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Dum-da-dum, da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Why haven’t I told you?
Oh, baby, I’ve told every little star
Just how sweet I think you are
Why haven’t I told you?
Da-dum, da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da
I’ve told ripples in a brook
Made my heart an open book
Why haven’t I told you?
Friends ask me, am I in love
I always answer “yes”
Might as well confess
If the answer’s yes
Maybe you may love me, too
Oh, my darling, if you do
Why haven’t you told me?
Da-dum, da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Dum-da-dum, da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Dum
Friends ask me, am I in love
I always answer “yes”
Might as well confess
If the answer’s yes
Maybe, you may love me, too
Oh, my darling, if you do
Why haven’t you told me?
Da-dum, da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Dum-da-dum, da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Dum-da-dum, da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da