1942 • Harry James & Helen Forrest • I’ve heard that song before

Today’s song is the 1942 hit, “I’ve Heard That Song Before.” It was introduced by Martha O’Driscoll in the 1942 film Youth on Parade.

“I’ve Heard That Song Before” is an American popular song of 1942. The song is about nostalgia, and the music is by Jule Styne and the lyrics by Sammy Cahn. “I’ve Heard That Song Before” was introduced by Martha O’Driscoll in the 1942 film Youth on Parade.

“I’ve Heard That Song Before” was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1942. However, the song lost to “White Christmas.” This song was recorded by Harry James and his Orchestra with Helen Forrest on vocals on July 31, 1942.

“I’ve Heard That Song Before” was the last recording before the banning of the Musician Union. This recording was issued on Columbia 36668 and rose to number one on Harlem Hit Parade and pop charts in the US in early 1943. A version of “I’ve Heard That Song Before” can be heard in Woody Allen’s 1986 movie Hannah and Her Sisters.

Interesting Song Facts: 

• “I’ve Heard That Song Before” is a popular song in America, and it is about nostalgia.
• The lyrics of “I’ve Heard That Song Before” are by Sammy Cahn.
• This song was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original song in 1942.
• Helen Forrest was responsible for the vocals of “I’ve Heard That Song Before.”

Lyrics:

It seems to me, I’ve heard that song before

It’s from an old familiar score

I know it well, that melody

It’s funny, how a theme recalls a favorite dream

A dream that brought you so close to me

I know each word, because I’ve heard that song before

The lyrics set forever more

Forever more’s a memory

Please have them play it again

And I’ll remember just when

I heard that lovely song before