I Wanna Be Around
Johnny Mercer
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I wanna be around to pick up the pieces When somebody breaks your heart Some somebody twice as smart as I A somebody who will swear to be true As you used to do with me Who'll leave you to learn That mis'ry loves company, wait and see I mean, I wanna be around to see how he does it When he breaks your heart to bits Let's see if the puzzle fits so fine And that's when I'll discover that revenge is sweet As I sit there applaudin' from a front-row seat When somebody breaks your heart Like you, like you broke mine
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Written by: Sadie Vimmerstedt, Johnny Mercer
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Songwriter"I Wanna Be Around" song was written by Johnny Mercer who was an American lyricist, songwriter and singer. He is considered one of the greatest lyricists in the history of American Music.
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Date of ReleaseThis classic song was released in January 1963.
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InspirationMercer wrote the song after reading a note written by Sadie Vimmerstedt, a grandmother from Ohio, who sent the idea and title to him. She had speculated that she would like to see her husband who left her for another woman, suffer as much as she had. From this, Mercer crafted a poignant song about unrequited love and betrayal.
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Profit ShareIn a rare gesture, Mercer offered Vimmerstedt a 50% share of the song's royalties for inspiring the lyrics.
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Performed by Other ArtistsAlthough originally recorded by Johnny Mercer, the song became more widely associated with Tony Bennett who covered it in the same year it was released.
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Chart PerformanceTony Bennett’s version of "I Wanna Be Around" charted at #14 on the Billboard 100 in 1963, giving the song a significant boost in popularity.
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Grammy NominationBennett's recording was nominated for a Grammy Award in the "Best Solo Vocal Performance, Male" category in 1963.
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Album TitleThe song also served as the title for Tony Bennett's 1963 album "I Wanna Be Around".
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Prolific SongwriterDespite the success of "I Wanna Be Around", Mercer is perhaps best known for his other hit songs such as "Moon River" and "Days of Wine and Roses" which both won Academy Awards for Best Original Song.
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LegacyBeyond its original release, "I Wanna Be Around" has continued to resonate with audiences. It has been covered by multiple artists, further cementing its position in the pantheon of great American songs. Notable artists who have covered the song include Frank Sinatra, James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Vonda Shepard and Michael Bublé.
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"I Wanna Be Around Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3136157/Johnny+Mercer/I+Wanna+Be+Around>.
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