“Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” is a timeless declaration of love, but did you know there are two versions? This article focuses on the original 1944 song by Scotty Stoneman, providing the chords for you to play and sing along. We’ll delve into the story behind the song and clear up any confusion with Van Morrison’s later hit of the same name.
Two Songs, One Title: The Story Behind the Tune
In 1944, Scotty Stoneman released his version of “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You.” Decades later, in 1989, Van Morrison released a song with the identical title. While song titles themselves can’t be copyrighted, the similar titles have led to some confusion over the years.
A personal anecdote highlights this confusion: A woman requested the song for her 100th birthday, hoping to hear the tune her husband used to sing during their courtship. The pianist, unfortunately, played Van Morrison’s version. While she appreciated the gesture, it wasn’t the melody she cherished. The song she remembered, Scotty Stoneman’s version, went like this:
Have I Told You Lately That I Love You: Chords
Here are the chords for Scotty Stoneman’s “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” in the key of C:
[C] Have I told you lately that I [G] love you
Could I [G7] tell you once again some[C]how
[C7] Have I [F] said with all my heart and [C] soul
how I [A7] adore you
Well [D7] Darling, I'm [G7] telling you [C] now.
[C7]
My world would [F] end without a mem'ry [C] of you
I'm no [G7] good without you any[C]how
[C7] Oh, have I [F] told you lately that I [C] love you
[A7] Well [D7] Darling, I'm [G7] telling you [C] now.
[G7]
Have I [C] told you lately how I [G] miss you
When the [G7] stars are shining in the [C] sky
[C7] Have I [F] told you why the nights are [C] long
when you're not [A7] with me
Well, [D7] Darling, I'm [G7] telling you [C] now.
[G7]
Have I [C] told you lately when I'm [G] sleeping
Every [G7] dream, I dream of you some[C]how
[C7] Have I [F] told you that I'd like to [C] share
your love for[A7]ever
Well [D7] Darling, I'm [G7] telling you [C] now.
[C7]
My world would [F] end without a mem'ry [C] of you
I'm no [G7] good without you any[C]how
[C7] Oh, have I [F] told you lately that I [C] love you
[A7] Well [D7] Darling, I'm [G7] telling you [C] now.A Classic Love Song for the Ages
Scotty Stoneman’s “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” provides a beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics that continue to resonate with listeners today. Now armed with these chords, you can play and sing this timeless classic, keeping its legacy alive. Enjoy sharing this piece of musical history with loved ones!
