About the song
“(Where Do I Begin?) Love Story,” composed by Francis Lai with lyrics by Carl Sigman in 1970, emerged as a timeless ballad synonymous with the romantic drama of the same name. Initially introduced as an instrumental theme in the film *Love Story*, Paramount Pictures later commissioned Carl Sigman to provide lyrics to accompany the haunting melody. Despite an initial rejection of the first set of lyrics for being too somber, Sigman’s eventual creation captured the essence of the film’s poignant narrative.
Andy Williams, renowned for his mellifluous voice and emotive delivery, recorded the definitive vocal version of “(Where Do I Begin?) Love Story.” Released in 1971, Williams’ rendition ascended to number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and clinched the number one spot on the Easy Listening chart, solidifying its place as a classic love song beloved by listeners worldwide.
The song’s popularity transcended its initial release, prompting reissues and reinterpretations across genres and decades. In 1979, Andy Williams revisited the song with a disco-infused version titled “Love Story (Where Do I Begin),” produced by Bob Esty. This rendition, marking Williams’ 25th anniversary in music, aimed to contemporize the beloved classic for a new audience. Despite mixed critical reception regarding its adaptation to disco, the song’s enduring melody and poignant lyrics continued to resonate.
Chart success for “(Where Do I Begin?) Love Story” spanned multiple versions and interpretations. Henry Mancini’s instrumental rendition and Tony Bennett’s vocal interpretation also contributed to its widespread acclaim, each adding unique flavors to the song’s legacy. In the UK, Andy Williams’ rendition reached number four on the charts, underscoring its international appeal and enduring popularity.
Beyond its cinematic origins, “(Where Do I Begin?) Love Story” remains a fixture in popular culture, featuring in various adaptations and becoming a standard for romantic ballads. Its ability to evoke deep emotions and nostalgia has ensured its place in the hearts of music lovers, affirming its status as a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its evocative storytelling and soulful melodies.
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Lyrics
Where do I begin
To tell the story of how great a love can be
The sweet love story that is older than the sea
The simple truth about the love she brings to me
Where do I start
With her first hello
She gave new meaning to this empty world of mine
There’d never be another love, another time
She came into my life and made the living fine
She fills my heart
She fills my heart with very special things
With angels’ songs, with wild imaginings
She fills my soul with so much love
That anywhere I go I’m never lonely
With her around, who could be lonely
I reach for her hand, it’s always there
How long does it last
Can love be measured by the hours in a day
I have no answers now but this much I can say
I know I’ll need her ’til the stars all burn away
And she’ll be there
How long does it last
Can love be measured by the hours in a day
I have no answers now but this much I can say
I know I’ll need her ’til the stars all burn away
And she’ll be there