I Wanna Be Around

Johnny Mercer

About I Wanna Be Around

"I Wanna Be Around" is a popular song. In the lyrics, the singer declares that he "wants to be around" when the woman who spurned him inevitably gets her heart broken. The song is credited to Sadie Vimmerstedt and Johnny Mercer.


Year:
1971
564 
#3

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

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

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Johnny Mercer

John Herndon "Johnny" Mercer (November 18, 1909 – June 25, 1976) was an American lyricist, songwriter and singer. Mercer was also a co-founder of Capitol Records. more »

5 fans

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.
Date of Release
This classic song was released in January 1963.
Inspiration
Mercer 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.
Profit Share
In a rare gesture, Mercer offered Vimmerstedt a 50% share of the song's royalties for inspiring the lyrics.
Performed by Other Artists
Although originally recorded by Johnny Mercer, the song became more widely associated with Tony Bennett who covered it in the same year it was released.
Chart Performance
Tony 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.
Grammy Nomination
Bennett's recording was nominated for a Grammy Award in the "Best Solo Vocal Performance, Male" category in 1963.
Album Title
The song also served as the title for Tony Bennett's 1963 album "I Wanna Be Around".
Prolific Songwriter
Despite 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.
Legacy
Beyond 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.

Discuss the I Wanna Be Around Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "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>.

    Missing lyrics by Johnny Mercer?

    Know any other songs by Johnny Mercer? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    I Wanna Be Around

    59
    5     0

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "Drop the pilot, try my balloon. Drop the monkey, smell my ________."
    A kaboom
    B perfume
    C mushroom
    D legroom

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Johnny Mercer's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Johnny Mercer tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    I Wanna Be Around

    »