I Don't Want to Walk Without You

Harry James

About I Don't Want to Walk Without You

"I Don't Want to Walk Without You" is a popular song. The music was written by Jule Styne with the lyrics by Frank Loesser. Composer Irving Berlin was a huge admirer of the song. Berlin reportedly said that of all the songs by other composers he had heard, he would have been most proud to have written "I Don't Want to Walk Without You". Writing of Berlin's praise for the song, Loesser wrote in his diary, "Irving Berlin came in today and spent a solid hour telling me that 'Walk' is the best song he ever heard. He played and sang it over, bar by bar, explaining why it's the best song he ever heard. I was flattered like crazy."A review in the trade publication Billboard called the composition "one of those natural songs with a down-to-earth story that boy sings to girl and vice versa, with a matching melody that makes it contagious on the first listen". The song was published in 1941. "I Don't Want to Walk Without You" was first performed in the 1942 Paramount Pictures film, Sweater Girl, by actress Betty Jane Rhodes. In 2012, Tom Vallance of The Independent wrote of Rhodes' performance, "Her place in the history of popular song is secured by her having introduced on screen one of the great songs of wartime longing, "I Don't Want to Walk Without You".""I Don't Want to Walk Without You" became a number one pop hit for Harry James and his orchestra in 1942, with Helen Forrest as vocalist (Columbia 36478), and other charting versions that year were by Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore. Tommy Tucker also recorded the song on December 2, 1941 and Vaughn Monroe recorded it on November 24, 1941 (Bluebird 11399). There have been several charting versions of this song during the rock era. Phyllis McGuire charted with her 1964 version, and Barry Manilow released a version of the song in early 1980. It was the third single released from his album One Voice (1979). His rendition reached No. 36 on the U. S. Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Its best chart performance was in Canada, where it spent two weeks atop the Adult Contemporary chart. 


Year:
2006
2:54
72 
#1

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

All our friends keep knocking at the door
They've asked me out a hundred times or more
But all I say is, "Leave me in the gloom"
And here I stay within my lonely room
'Cause

I don't want to walk without you, Baby
Walk without my arm about you, Baby
I thought the day you left me behind
I'd take a stroll and get you right off my mind
But now I find that
I don't want to walk without the sunshine
Why'd you have to turn off all that sunshine?
Oh, Baby, please come back or you'll break my heart for me
'Cause I don't want to walk without you
No, sire

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Harry James

Henry Haag “Harry” James (March 15, 1916 – July 5, 1983) was an actor and musician best known as a trumpeter who led a swing band during the Big Band Swing Era of the 1930s and 1940s. He was especially known among musicians for his astonishing technical proficiency as well as his superior tone. more »

1 fan

Written by: FRANK LOESSER, JULE STYNE

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Composer and Lyrics
"I Don't Want to Walk Without You" was composed by Frank Loesser and Jule Styne. Frank Loesser also wrote the lyrics for the song.
Original Release
The song was originally released by Harry James and his orchestra in 1941, featuring Helen Forrest on vocals.
Wartime Impact
This song was popular during World War II, becoming an anthem for separated lovers.
Movie Feature
The song was first introduced in the Paramount music film "Sweater Girl" in 1942.
Barry Manilow’s Version
Barry Manilow, the pop singer, recorded a cover of the song that was included on his 1997 album "Manilow Sings Sinatra."
Bing Crosby’s Cover
Bing Crosby also recorded a version of the song that reached number 20 on the Billboard chart in February 1942.
Influence and Inspiration
It's widely believed that Frank Loesser, the lyricist, was inspired to write the song after his wife at the time, singer Lynn Garland, told him, "I don't want to walk without you" after an argument.
Dinah Shore’s Version
Dinah Shore also made a successful cover of the song, and it became one of her early hits.
Time Signature
The song is performed in 4/4 time signature and is usually sung at a slow, sentimental pace.
Musical Themes
The recurring musical themes of loss, longing, and love have made this song resonate with audiences for decades.
Today's Reception
Despite being over 70 years old, "I Don't Want to Walk Without You" remains a popular choice for modern artists to cover, demonstrating its enduring appeal.

Discuss the I Don't Want to Walk Without You Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

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

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "I Don't Want to Walk Without You Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/10528065/Harry+James/I+Don%27t+Want+to+Walk+Without+You>.

    Missing lyrics by Harry James?

    Know any other songs by Harry James? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    I Don't Want to Walk Without You

    61,157
    426     7

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    What is the key of Bohemian Rhapsody?
    A Bb minor
    B Bb major
    C B major
    D F major

    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 Harry James's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Harry James tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!