I Understand

The Four Freshmen

About I Understand

"I Understand" is a popular song with music by Mabel Wayne and lyrics by Kim Gannon. It was published in 1941. It has been recorded by: Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra (vocal by Bob Eberly). This reached the No. 11 position in the Billboard charts in 1941. Fats Waller - recorded May 13, 1941 for Bluebird records (catalog No. 11175A). Harry James and His Orchestra (vocal by Buddy DiVito), recorded November 6, 1947 for Columbia Records (catalog No. 38059). The Four Aces - recorded for Decca Records (catalog No. 28162) (1952). Keely Smith - I Wish You Love (1957) Nat "King" Cole - in his album Just One of Those Things (1957) Kenny Dorham - This Is the Moment! (1958) The Four Freshmen - The Four Freshmen and Five Guitars (1959) Dinah Washington - Unforgettable (1959) Stan Kenton on The Romantic Approach (1961) Lena Horne - for her album Lena... Lovely and Alive (1962) Sarah Vaughan - included in the album Sarah + 2 (1962) The Hollies - (1963) Ray Conniff and His Orchestra and Chorus - Friendly Persuasion (1964). 


Year:
1999
3:16
35 
#1

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

Why do you go on pretending
You know you want to be free
Darling, you know I'll let you go
You'd do the same for me
 
I understand
And darling, you are not to blame
If when we kiss it's not the same
I understand
It's not your fault because your heart has changed it's mind
You didn't mean to be unkind
I understand
Forgetting you will be far from easy
I've grown so used to your charms
I'll miss that old thrill and no one can fill
The place here in my arms
But if you find our love was really meant to be
Then darling, hurry back to me
And I'll understand
 
I understand
And darling, you are not to blame
If when we kiss it's not the same
I understand.
It's not your fault because your heart has changed it's mind
You didn't mean to be unkind
I understand
Forgetting you will be far from easy
I've grown so used to your charms
I'll miss that old thrill and no one can fill
The place here in my arms
But if you find our love was really meant to be
Then darling, hurry back to me

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


The Four Freshmen

The Four Freshmen is a multiple (six) Grammy-nominated American male vocal band quartet that blends open-harmonic jazz arrangements with the big band vocal group sounds of The Modernaires (Glenn Miller), The Pied Pipers (Tommy Dorsey), and The Mel-Tones (Artie Shaw), founded in the barbershop tradition. The Four Freshmen is considered a vocal band because the singers accompany themselves on guitar, horns, bass, and drums, among other instrumental configurations. more »

1 fan

Written by: WILLIAM PAT BEST

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Song Origin
"I Understand" was an iconic song by the vocal harmony quartet, The Four Freshmen. This group, established in the early 50s, is known for their unique blend of harmonizing vocals and jazz instrumentals.
Song Release
The song "I Understand" was released in 1960 as a part of their 10th album titled 'Voices and Brass'.
Musical Style
The track blends the distinctly smooth sound of jazz music with pop overtones, a style that The Four Freshmen helped popularize.
Song Lyrics
The lyrics of "I Understand" speak of understanding and accepting an ending relationship. It encompasses a range of emotions from nostalgia to resignation, typical of many songs from this era.
Critical Acclaim
Although it wasn't a chart-topper, "I Understand" received critical acclaim for the group's innovative approach to harmonies and their incorporation of jazz elements into pop music.
Band Influence
The Four Freshmen's harmony style, particularly showcased in "I Understand", has greatly influenced numerous bands, including The Beach Boys.
Song Longevity
Despite being over six decades old, "I Understand" has managed to endure, continuing to be a popular track among fans of classic American music and vocal harmony.
Album Success
The album 'Voices and Brass,' where "I Understand" originates, is considered one of the Four Freshmen's finest works, blending their harmonizing vocals with large brass arrangements.
Cover Versions
Due to its popularity and enduring appeal, "I Understand" was covered by various artists over the years, a testament to the song's timeless appeal.
Song Composer
"I Understand" was composed by Mabel Wayne and lyrics were penned by Kim Gannon. These songwriters were well-established figures in the music industry during the 1940s and 1950s, known for their contributions to pop and jazz music.
Legacy
"I Understand" continues to be revered for its complex harmonies and emotive lyrics, maintaining the legacy of The Four Freshmen as pioneers in their field.

Discuss the I Understand Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

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

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "I Understand Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5329315/The+Four+Freshmen/I+Understand>.

    Missing lyrics by The Four Freshmen?

    Know any other songs by The Four Freshmen? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    I Understand

    10
    0     0

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Who's the American singer behind the 1978 disco hit "I Will Survive"?
    A Gloria Gaynor
    B Gwen McCrae
    C Amii Stewart
    D Donna Summer

    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!

    The Four Freshmen tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    I Understand

    »