About the song
“And I Love You So” is a timeless piece that has captured the hearts of many since its creation. Written by the esteemed folk singer and guitarist Don McLean, the song first appeared on his 1970 debut album, “Tapestry.” McLean, known for his profound lyrical abilities, crafted a chorus with a unique rhyming scheme—ABBA—which stands out in the realm of popular music where the conventional AB(C or A)B pattern is more prevalent.
The song’s lyrical content and melodic structure are a testament to McLean’s songwriting prowess, combining simplicity with emotional depth. The chorus, in particular, with its unconventional rhyme pattern, adds a distinctive charm that differentiates it from typical love ballads of its time.
In 1973, “And I Love You So” found renewed success when recorded by the legendary singer Perry Como. Como included the song on his RCA Victor album, also titled “And I Love You So,” and it quickly climbed the charts. It reached No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking the last of his numerous hits to enter the Top 40. This achievement is particularly notable as it signifies the end of an era for Como, whose career had been filled with chart-topping successes since 1943. Additionally, the song spent a week at No. 1 on the easy listening chart, further solidifying its popularity.
The international appeal of “And I Love You So” was evident as it achieved remarkable success outside the United States as well. In South Africa, the song reached No. 2, and in the United Kingdom, it climbed to No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart. It remained on the chart for an impressive 35 weeks, making it Como’s longest-charting hit in the UK. The song’s enduring popularity led Como to record a Spanish version, titled “Y te quiero así,” broadening its reach to Spanish-speaking audiences and showcasing the universal appeal of its heartfelt message.
“And I Love You So” stands as a classic example of a love song that transcends time and language. Its success, both in its original rendition by Don McLean and its celebrated cover by Perry Como, highlights the song’s timeless quality and its ability to resonate deeply with listeners across generations and cultures.
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Lyrics
And I love you so
The people ask me how
How I’ve lived till now
I tell them I don’t know
I guess they understand
How lonely life has been
But life began again
The day you took my hand
And yes, I know how lonely life can be
The shadows follow me ‘n’ the night won’t set me free
But I don’t let the evening get me down
Now that you’re around me
And you love me, too
Your thoughts are just for me
You set my spirit free
I’m happy that you do
The book of life is brief
And once a page is read
All but life is dead
That is my belief
And yes, I know how lonely life can be
The shadows follow me and the night won’t set me free
But I don’t let the evening get me down
Now that you’re around me