My Funny Valentine
Helen Merrill · Other Songs - Helen Merrill
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 - Helen Merrill
Helen Merrill's recording of 'My Funny Valentine' stands as a definitive interpretation of Irving Berlin's enduring standard. Released in the mid-1950s, this jazz vocal performance exemplifies Merrill's signature style, blending technical precision with a warm, understated emotional delivery that has come to define the song's legacy. As one of the most recorded versions of the tune, her rendition remains a cornerstone of the Great American Songbook, showcasing her ability to navigate complex harmonic structures with clarity and grace. The track captures the bittersweet nature of the original composition, balancing playful wit with deep sentimentality. Merrill's version is frequently cited by musicians and critics alike as a model of elegance, influencing countless subsequent artists who sought to honor the song's classic status while bringing a fresh, intimate perspective to the material.