Tuesday, July 3, 2007

you must remember this

Go see the video on youtube.

You must remember this
A kiss is just a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh.
The fundamental things apply
As time goes by.

Ingrid Bergman is so beautiful, isn't she? By the way, I really enjoyed the verbal sparring between her and Sam in the beginning of the clip. It would have been unthinkable for a vassal to argue with his master's ex in those times. But Sam, the faithful companion that he is, doesn't hesitate to do so. This exchange is one of the delightful moments in this film. Look at Bergman's reaction, she knows she deserves all the berating, and she just smiles sweetly, helpless to defend herself against justified accusations.

And when two lovers woo
They still say, "I love you."
On that you can rely
No matter what the future brings
As time goes by.

Dooley Wilson, who played Sam in Casablanca, actually performs the song, both vocal and on the piano. Amazing talent this guy. Timeless lyrics are the hallmark of this song, making it as popular today as it was then. Find a lover who wouldn't want to say "I love you" to his beloved!

Moonlight and love songs
Never out of date.
Hearts full of passion
Jealousy and hate.
Woman needs man
And man must have his mate
That no one can deny.

It is really hard to find another song that is so perfect. Pictured on Bergman, performed by
Wilson, in a movie where Bogart is the lead, in a situation so perfect--this song will always be the hallmark all other great movie songs will try to achieve. Note the self-referential "Moon light and love songs, never out of date". Perfect.

It's still the same old story
A fight for love and glory
A case of do or die.
The world will always welcome lovers
As time goes by.

Oh yes, the world will welcome lovers, and it will continue to love this song as well. Just notice Bogart's reaction at the end of the clip when he sees it was Ilsa for whom Sam was playing. Bogart is often dismissed as being a shallow actor because of his frequent appearances in Hitchcock's movies. Ah the irony, both are considered greats now, but in their prime, it was their destiny to be dismissed. The trash of today is the classic of tomorrow--wish we remembered this lesson always when dismissing something as being less than perfect.

Oh yes, the world will always welcome lovers
As time goes by.

Lyrics: © 1931 Warner Bros.

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