Thanks for the Memory

Shirley Ross, Bob Hope, Emma Kragen

About Thanks for the Memory

"Thanks for the Memory" (1938) is a popular song composed by Ralph Rainger with lyrics by Leo Robin. It was introduced in the 1938 film The Big Broadcast of 1938 by Bob Hope and Shirley Ross, and recorded by Shep Fields and His Orchestra featuring John Serry Sr. on accordion in the film and vocals by Bob Goday on Bluebird Records (B-7318, 1937). Dorothy Lamour's solo recording of the song was also popular, and has led to many mistakenly believing over the years that it was she who sang the tune with Hope in the film (in which Lamour also appeared). In the film, Ross and Hope's characters are a divorced couple who encounter each other aboard a ship. Near the film's end, they poignantly sing one of the many versions of this song, recalling the ups and downs of their relationship (then they decide to get back together). The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and became Hope's signature tune, with many different lyrics adapted to any situation. In 2004, it finished No. 63 on AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs survey of top tunes in American cinema. 


Year:
2001
3:10
54 
#1

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Thanks for the memory
Of sentimental verse,
Nothing in my purse,
And chuckles
When the preacher said
For better or for worse,
How lovely it was.

Thanks for the memory
Of Schubert's Serenade,
Little things of jade
And traffic jams
And anagrams
And bills we never paid,
How lovely it was.

We who could laugh over big things
Were parted by only a slight thing.
I wonder if we did the right thing,
Oh, well, that's life, I guess,
I love your dress.

Thanks for the memory
Of faults that you forgave,
Of rainbows on a wave,
And stockings in the basin
When a fellow needs a shave,
Thank you so much.

Thanks for the memory
Of tinkling temple bells,
Alma mater yells
And Cuban rum
And towels from
The very best hotels,
Oh how lovely it was.

Thanks for the memory
Of cushions on the floor,
Hash with Dinty Moore,
That pair of gay pajamas
That you bought
And never wore.

We said goodbye with a highball,
Then I got as high as a steeple,
But we were intelligent people,
No tears, no fuss,
Hooray for us.

Strictly entre nous,
Darling, how are you?
And how are all
Those little dreams
That never did come true?

Awfully glad I met you,
Cheerio and toodle-oo
Thank you,
Thank you so much.

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Bob Hope

Bob Hope, KBE, KCSG, KSS, born Leslie Townes Hope, (May 29, 1903 – July 27, 2003) was an English-born American comedian and actor who appeared on Broadway, in vaudeville, movies, television, and on the radio. He was noted for his numerous United Service Organizations (USO) shows entertaining American military personnel—he made 57 tours for the USO between 1942 and 1988. Throughout his long career, he was honored for this work. In 1996, the U.S. Congress declared him the "first and only honorary veteran of the U.S. armed forces." more »

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Written by: Leo Robin, Ralph Rainger

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Performance
"Thanks for the Memory" was originally sung by Bob Hope and Shirley Ross in the film "The Big Broadcast of 1938."
Awards
This song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1938.
Composition
"Thanks for the Memory" is composed by Ralph Rainger, and the lyrics are written by Leo Robin.
Significance to Bob Hope
The song quickly became Bob Hope's signature tune. He used it frequently in his performances as well as his USO shows.
Noteworthy Performances
Hope and Dorothy Lamour performed the song in the 1940's film "My Favorite Blonde."
Covers of the Song
There have been numerous covers of "Thanks for the Memory," including renditions by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Rosemary Clooney.
Shep Fields' Contribution
Swing Band Leader, Shep Fields and his Rippling Rhythm orchestra performed the song in the 1938 film it was featured in.
Evolution of Lyrics
Different versions of "Thanks for the Memory" exist. Bob Hope often changed the lyrics to suit the context of where he would perform the song, such as on his radio and television shows.
Context of Song
It is originally performed in the film as a duet after the lead characters realize they are likely to end their romantic relationship.
Cultural Impact
The song has since become a standard, becoming embedded in popular culture, and is often used as a nostalgic or sentimental cue in films and TV shows.

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