FRIDAYS ARE FOR FRANK: “My Funny Valentine”

OF COURSE we’re running with this one… And why wouldn’t we? It’s a layup for a pre-Valentine’s Day Sinatra tune.

Frank Sinatra performed the Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart song “My Funny Valentine” on his 1954 album Songs for Young Lovers—his first album for Capitol Records, once again joining forces with maestro Nelson Riddle for a formula that would continue to generate hit after hit after hit.

Originally written in 1937, “My Funny Valentine” contains some quirky lyrics, such as:

“Your looks are laughable, un-photographable
Yet, you’re my favorite work of art…”

Nice—obviously the precursor to Springsteen’s “You ain’t a beauty but hey, you’re alright” (“Thunder Road“). Those Jersey guys really know how to make a girl feel special.

The charm offensive continues with:

“Is your figure less than Greek?
Is your mouth a little weak?
When you open it to speak
Are you smart?”

Not sure if those lines would work in a bar, but when Frank serves them up it seems romantic. It’s all in the delivery…

Happy Valentine’s Day, Hoboken. May it be full of Songs for Young Lovers.