Play It Again Sam
| PROFILE | |
| Composer | Larry Grossman |
| Lyricist | Hal Hackaday |
| Year Written | 1969 |
| About Play It Again, Sam | |
| “Play It Again, Sam” was written for Woody Allen’s 1969 play of the same name, where a nebbish film reviewer is coached in his lackluster love life with tips from his alter ego, Humphrey Bogart. The play starred Allen, Diane Keaton and Tony Roberts, all of whom reprised their roles in the 1972 film version. And, to be clear, no one ever said “play it again, Sam” in the film Casablanca. | |
Lyrics
Remember the love song you used to play?
The song that you played when I used to sing?
Play it again, Sam
And then you would play it again, Sam
It’s been a few years, Sam
But now and then
I have a few drinks
And remember when
I’d sit here and ask you
To play it again and again, Sam
The first time I heard it
I heard it with her
Sam you remember
How happy we were
Funny what memories
That song seems to stir
So play it for me
In her memory
I’ve nobody else
But myself to blame
For kidding myself
‘Cause they’re all the same
Should be a law
For what her kind of dame
Does to men, Sam
What’s over is over
I always say
I’ll just have a drink
And be on my way
Only came in here to ask you to play it again,
and again, and again, and again, and again,
Sam
Session / Album Information
1969
“Play It Again, Sam” was recorded on March 27, 1969 and released that year on the album I’ve Gotta Be Me. It was arranged by Torrie Zito.
This recording released on:
- 1969: Columbia LP 12″: CS 9882 — I’ve Gotta Be Me
- 2009: Beat Goes On CD: 886 — For Once In My Life/I’ve Gotta Be Me [UK
- 2011: Disc #38 in The Tony Bennett Complete Collection (88697874602-JK37) I’ve Gotta Be Me