George Jessel - "MY MOTHER'S EYES" (1929)

"My Mother's Eyes" sung by George Jessel
From the film "Lucky Boy", 1929
Lyrics: L. Wolfe Gilbert
Music: Abel Baer
Recorded on Victor 21852, Jan. 18, 1929

Having Missed out on "The Jazz Singer," Jessel was starred in a low budget imitation, "Lucky Boy," in which he played the son of a poor watchmaker who finally made good on the stage. Like many films of the transitional period (between silent and sound) this picture is largely silent, except for a few dialogue and musical sequences and no less than four renditions of "My Mother's Eyes," the most popular song associated with this comedian.

Lyrics for "My Mother's Eyes"

Back in childhood days,
I can remember loving caresses all showered on me.
Mother's eyes would gaze at me so tender,
What was their meaning? Now I can see.

One bright and guiding light,
That taught me wrong from right,
I found in my mother's eyes.
Those baby tales she told,
That road all paved with gold,
I found in my mother's eyes.

Just like a wandering sparrow,
One lonely soul.
I walk the straight and narrow,
To reach my goal.
God's gift sent from above,
One real unselfish love,
I found in my mother's eyes.

And if I were hanging on the highest tree,
I know who's tears would come up to me,
My mother's.
And if I were drowned in the deepest sea,
I know who's tears would come down to me,
My mother's.
For the world may call you "failure,"
And the fates may grind you small.
But in the eyes of your mother,
You're as big and as great as them all.

Just like a wandering sparrow,
One lonely soul.
I walk the straight and narrow,
To reach my goal.
God's gift sent from above,
One real unselfish love,
I found in my mother's eyes.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• George
• Jessel
• original
• Lucky
• Boy
• Victor
• 21852
• 78rpm
• 1929
• film
• my
• mothers
• eyes
• Al
• Jolson
• Jazz
• Singer
• sentimental
• ballad
• tear-jerker
• Mothers Day
• Mothers day song
• lyrics
• tribute
• bette
• midler

[Buzzywasthere]

Your channel dedicated to Georgie Jessel is wonderful! I knew Georgie back in the 70's and he was quite a guy. He was a true gentleman and always full of anecdotes and jokes. His best friend was Eddie Cantor, the two grew up together in NY. Can never forget him and the times we spent together with him reminicising and me listening intently. Oh, he was quite a character and he is surely missed. Thank you for these memories!

[bsgs98]

@Buzzywasthere Thanks for the comments and your memories of George Jessel. The first time I remember seeing Jessel on TV was in 1966 when he was a guest on the Johnny Carson Show. When he was introduced, the band played "My Mother's Eyes" which was the song that was always associated with him.

[iamsumaty]

I'm 62 with a 93 yr old mom so I can relate to Jessel. The young may have a hard time finding this stuff any good, but I cried like a baby the first time I listened to this. Too bad that the simple things are no longer good enough or cool. This song came from a time when it was the lyrics that were important. I'll agree that Jessel was no singer, but he was a character in this movie who just happened to have a song to sing. This is part of our history, shut up and try to enjoy it.

[bsgs98]

@iamsumaty This song came from an era when such sentiments were expressed in popular music. This song has always been associated with Jessel and no one does it as well as he does. Thanks for your comments

Bill

[63filmbuff]

Now who could be the two people who could dislike this song and this delightful arrangement??

[slowdream101]

not bad but it doesn't swing

[HLC26]

This song may be dated but it has a charm that someone who had a mother

born in the 1920's can appreciate. She always made me feel "as great as them all" and I miss her every day.

[prior1013]

Oh my! Was there actually a time in our history when anything like this was considered popular?

[63filmbuff]

@hayeschaffee Sounds excellent to me, If you like 1920s music, George Jessel like Al Jolson on this tune

[hayeschaffee]

Not the best voice.