Written by: Scotty Wiseman
Recorded: 3, 9, 18 February 1970
Producer: George Martin
Engineers: Phil McDonald, Geoff Emerick
Released: 27 March 1970 (UK), 24 April 1970 (US)
Available on:
Sentimental Journey
Personnel
Ringo Starr: vocals
The George Martin Orchestra: instrumentation
‘Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?’ is the eleventh song on Sentimental Journey, Ringo Starr’s debut solo album.
It was written by Scotty Wiseman for the 1944 film musical Sing, Neighbor, Sing, in which it was performed by Wiseman and Lulu Belle.
The first released version was by Gene Autry in 1945, and was followed by recordings by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters, Elvis Presley, Eddie Cochran, Michael Bublé, Jerry Lee Lewis, Vera Lynn, Al Martino, Willie Nelson, Jim Reeves, Cliff Richard, and many more.
In the studio
The backing track for ‘Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?’ was recorded at A&M Studios in Los Angeles on 3 February 1970. It was arranged by Elmer Bernstein, and featured electric guitar, piano, organ, brass, violin, bass, drums and bird whistle.
Starr, who was not present for the LA session, overdubbed his lead vocals at Abbey Road on 9 February. The vocals, added simultaneously with a tape reduction mix, took 18 attempts to complete, after which the recording was mixed into stereo.
The vocals were re-recorded on 18 February 1970, however, necessitating new a stereo mix which was made on 20 February.
Lyrics
Have I told you lately that I love you?
Could I tell you once again somehow?
Have I told with all my heart and soul how I adore you?
Darling, I’m telling you now
This heart would break in two if you refuse me
I’m no good without you anyhow
Dear, have I told you lately that I love you?
Well, darling, I’m telling you now
Have I told you lately that I miss you
When the stars are shining in the sky?
Have I told you why the nights are long when you’re not with me?
Darling, I’m telling you now
This heart would break in two if you refuse me
I’m no good without you anyhow
Dear, have I told you lately that I love you?
Well, darling, I’m telling you now
This heart would break in two if you refuse me
I’m no good without you anyhow
Dear, have I told you lately that I love you?
Well, darling, I’m telling you now
