1927
Some have claimed that this song was actually written by Fats Waller and his collaborator Andy Razaf, but this remains unproven. It was originally written as "I Can't Give You Anything but Love, Lindy" in honor of Charles Lindburgh, but was dropped from the show in which it would have served that purpose. It was instead introduced in the all-black show Blackbird Revue. Today, many recall it from its unforgettable usage in the classic Grant/Hepburn screwball comedy Bringing Up Baby.
Lyrics:
Gee but it's tough to be broke kid,
It's not a joke kid,
It's a curse.
My luck is changing it's gotten from simply rotten,
To something worse.
Who knows someday I will win too,
I'll begin to reach my pride.
Now that i see what our end is,
All can spend is just my time.
I can't give you anything but love, baby.
That's the only thing I've plenty of, baby.
Dream a while. Scheme a while.
We're sure to find,
Happiness, and I guess
all those things you've always pined for.
Gee I'd like to see you looking swell,
My little baby
Diamond bracelets Woolworth's doesn't sell, baby.
Till that lucky day you know darn well, baby,
I can't give you anything but love.
Recorded By:
Fats Waller
Ella Fitzgerald
Judy Garland
Doris Day
Louis Armstrong