Exactly Like You
PROFILE | |
Composer | Jimmy McHugh |
Lyricist | Dorothy Fields |
Year Written | 1930 |
About Exactly Like You | |
“Exactly Like You” was written in 1930 for Lew Leslie’s International Revue, which also introduced On The Sunny Side Of The Street. While the reviewers were not kind to the production, the score was then, and remains still, quite noteworthy. Even though Fields’ lyrics for the song are very fine, the early recordings of the song were mostly instrumentals, such as that by Louis Armstrong. The song became popular again in 1936, with a fine recording by Benny Goodman that featured Lionel Hampton on the vibraphone, followed by the 1937 recording by Count Basie, which included the vocals by Jimmy Rushing. Later notable recordings include those by Carmen McRae (1954), Bing Crosby (1944), Patti Page (1949), Anita O’Day (1975), Nina Simone (1959) and Diana Krall (2006). |
Lyrics
I know why I’ve waited
I know why I’ve been blue
I prayed each night for someone
Exactly like you
Why should we spend money
On a show or two?
You know, no one does those love scenes
Exactly like you
You make me feel so grand
I wanna hand the world to you
You seem to understand
Each foolish little scheme I’m schemin’
Dream I’m dreamin’
Now I know why my mama
Taught me to be true
She meant me for someone
Exactly like you
I know why I’ve waited
Know why I’ve been blue
Prayed each night for someone
Exactly like you
Now why should we spend money
On a show for two?
When no one does those love scenes
Exactly like you
You make me feel so grand
I want to hand the world to you
You make me understand
Each foolish little scheme I’m schemin’
Dream I’m dreamin’
I know why my mother
Taught me to be true
She meant me for someone
Exactly like you
No, exactly like you
Exactly like you
Exactly like you
Exactly like you
No, Tony, exactly like you
Yes, dear
Session / Album Information
2002
“Exactly Like You,” a duet with k.d. lang, was recorded in March 2002 and released that same year on Tony Bennett & k.d. lang: A Wonderful World. Vocal arrangements were by Rob Mathes. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Peter Matz, with musical direction and arrangements by Lee Musiker.
This recording released on:
- 2001: RPM/Columbia CD: CK 86734 — Tony Bennett & k.d. lang: A Wonderful World
- 2011: Disc #68 in The Tony Bennett Complete Collection (88697874602-JK66) Tony Bennett & k.d. lang: A Wonderful World