My Funny Valentine
Anita O'Day · Other Songs - Anita O'Day
His virtue doth parade
Thou knowest not, my dim-witted friend
The picture thou hast made
Thy vacant brow, and thy tousled hair
Conceal thy good intent
Thou noble upright truthful sincere
And slightly dopey gent, you are...
My funny valentine, sweet comic valentine
You make me smile with my heart
Your looks are laughable, un-photographable
Yet, you're my favorite work of art
Is your figure less than Greek?
Is your mouth a little weak?
When you open it to speak
Are you smart?
But, don't change a hair for me
Not if you care for me
Stay little valentine, stay
Each day is Valentine's Day
Is your figure less than Greek?
Is your mouth a little weak?
When you open it to speak
Are you smart?
But, don't change a hair for me
Not if you care for me
Stay little valentine, stay
Each day is Valentine's Day
My Funny Valentine
Anita O'Day's rendition of 'My Funny Valentine' stands as a testament to her mastery of swing and bebop phrasing. Known for her precise diction and ability to ride the beat with effortless grace, O'Day transforms this classic standard into a showcase of her unique vocal architecture. The recording captures her signature style, balancing emotional depth with rhythmic sophistication that defined her career across decades. As a staple of the Great American Songbook, the song benefits from her nuanced interpretation, which avoids cliché in favor of a fresh, conversational delivery. This performance remains a vital song in her extensive discography, highlighting her enduring influence on jazz vocalists and her capacity to reinvent familiar material with timeless elegance.