I Surrender, Dear
Lena Horne · Other Songs - Lena Horne
Sworn enemy of love
Kept my lips from saying
Things I was thinking of.
But now my pride you've humbled,
I've cast it to the winds,
Broken, beaten, sick at heart
My confession begins.
We've played the game of stay away
But it cost more that I can pay.
Without you I can't make my way,
I surrender, dear.
I may seem proud, I may act gay,
It's just a pose, I'm not that way,
'Cause deep down in my heart I say
I surrender, dear.
Little mean things we were doing
Must have been part of the game,
Lending a spice to the wooing,
But I don't care who's to blame.
When stars appear and shadows fall,
Why then you'll hear My poor heart call,
To you my love, my life, my all
I surrender, dear.
We've played the game of stay away
But it cost more that I can pay.
Without you I can't make my way,
I surrender, dear.
I may seem proud, I may act gay,
It's just a pose, I'm not that way,
'Cause deep down in my heart I say
I surrender, dear.
Little mean things we were doing
Must have been part of the game,
Lending a spice to the wooing,
But I don't care who's to blame.
When stars appear And shadows fall,
Why then you'll hear My poor heart call,
To you my love, my life, my all
About I Surrender, Dear
Lena Horne's "I Surrender, Dear" stands as a poignant testament to her mastery of the Great American Songbook, blending vocal elegance with the emotional weight of classic jazz standards. Recorded during an era when Horne was redefining the role of the female performer on stage and in the recording studio, the track showcases her ability to navigate complex harmonic structures with grace and authority. The song, often associated with the romantic and dramatic themes prevalent in mid-20th-century musical theater, highlights her unique capacity to convey deep vulnerability through her voice. As a staple of her discography, this recording reflects her commitment to preserving the integrity of traditional songwriting while infusing it with her distinct interpretive style. It remains a significant example of her contribution to the canon of American popular music, demonstrating how a seasoned vocalist can bring fresh life to timeless compositions.