"If I Had a Girl Like You" (Rudy Vallee, 1930)

A wistful and affecting love ballad by Rudy and the Connecticut Yankees with just the right blend of sentimentality and verve.

Words and music by the undeservedly obscure Louis McDermott.

IF I HAD A GIRL LIKE YOU

I'm lonesome and blue but when I look at you
there's one thing I know is true,
I wouldn't be lonesome--I wouldn't be blue
If I had a girl like you.

I waited a lifetime, I hated the night time,
those dark nights have made me blue.
I wouldn't be waiting--I wouldn't be hating
If I had a girl like you.

I don't know why I'm feeling the way I do.
I hope that I found someone who really can be true.

Everything seems like one of my dreams,
wake me up and say it's true.
I wouldn't be dreaming--I wouldn't be scheming,
If I had a girl like you.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Rudy Vallee
• Louis McDermott
• 1930
• Connecticut Yankees
• If had girl like you

[SirCyrano]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Rudy Vallee deserves credit for introducing intimacy into popular music. His voice is undoubtedly an acquired taste for many (I've personally always liked it), but there's no denying that he was a master of phrasing and mood. This recording is one of my favorites.

[RReady555]

Rudy deserves a lot (if not all) of the credit for creating an entirely new singing style (and broadcasting technique) to make the new electrical microphones an audio avenue into the collective heart of his audience.

Always liked him, too, and think his influence on Twentieth Century entertainment is still under-appreciated.

Best,

-RR

[genia106]

RRReady555, You sure are a man of your word.

Thank you so much for putting on this DREAMY Romantic Rudy recording and for the Vallee Rally. I love his voice! I'm sure if I were listening in 1930, I would be swooning. Sigh!

[RReady555]

You're entirely welcome, genia! In many ways Rudy's career anticipated Crosby and Sinatra's, with his initial #1 Radio Star and recording status parlayed into later film and stage success.

Are you familiar with Vallee's comedy performance in Preston Sturgess's "Palm Beach Story"? Truly outstanding! ;)

[paulkate72]

Good song from Rudy - quintessential singer and song in this recording from the period. What great music they made then!

[mylegsareswollen]

Love the performance of the entire band. Excellent arrangement with the modulation before the vocal enters a real nice touch.

The instruments are distributed intelligently in the opening version of the head with the piano intro to the vocal a sweet touch.

Great stuff.

[ClarasBeau]

How I love this "sweet music"... Don't you?... (sigh!)... Thanks!

[markstar777]

@RReady555 it certainally is underapps Sir

[fredjmp]

Beautiful and romantic music! I love his voice too!Thanks for sharing.

[thethebest85]

@petermurphreak it's beyond time!

[petermurphreak]

Rudy Vallee will ALWAYS be a SUPERSTAR in my opinion!!!.... From the 20's to the year 5000!!!... Rudy, you KICK ASS!!!

[BigIronOnHipMan]

One of the very best Rudy Vallee songs! GREAT POST! RR