IF IT ISN'T LOVE
(From the film "Transatlantic Merry-Go-Round" (1934)
(Val Burton / Will Jason)

The Boswell Sisters (Film Soundtrack) - 1934
Fats Waller & His Rhythm - 1934
Anson Weeks & His California Orch. (vocal: Ben Gage) - 1934
Orville Knapp & His Orch. - 1934


As rec by THOMAS "FATS" WALLER & HIS RHYTHM
Nov 7th 1934, New York:


If it isn't love,
There are no seasons like the Summer or the Spring
(So help me there now, no!)
If it isn't love,
There are no reasons for the song I sing!

I never see the light,
The beauty beauty beauty beauty in those eyes.
(Mercy!)
Open your eyes, dear!
There would be no moon, no stars, within the skies.

If it isn't love,
Then you are a vision and this is nothing but a dream!
(So help me it isn't!)
And there never was a heaven up above, up above!
(La-de-de!)

Olivia, I adore you,
So tell me dear, I implore you,
Wh-what is this thing that's got me like this?
(Mercy!)
If it isn't love?
(Yes!)

I only know I adore you!
Tell me dear, I implore you,
What else can it be,
Oh baby, if it isn't love?
(Yes, mercy me!)


(Contributed by Peter Akers - February 2011)

*******************


As recorded by BEN GAGE with ANSON WEEKS
and His California Orchestra in New York City, 7th December 1934:


If it isn't love, there are no seasons like the Summer or the Spring
If it isn't love, there are no reasons for the songs I sing
I'd never see the light, the beauty in your eyes
There would be no moon, no stars within the skies

If it isn't love, then you're a vision, this is nothing but a dream
And there never was an Earth or Heaven up above
I only know I adore you, so tell me dear, I implore you
What else can it be, if it isn't love


(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - March 2017)