Helen Morgan "Why Was I Born?" (1929)

Why Was I Born?
from "Sweet Adeline"
Words by Oscar Hammerstein II, Music by Jerome Kern
Sung by Helen Morgan
with orchestra conducted by Leonard Joy
Recorded October 16, 1929, New York


Spending these lonely evenings with nothing to do
But to live in dreams that I make up all by myself
Dreaming that you're beside me, I picture the prettiest stories
Only to wake up all by myself
What is the good of me by myself?

Why was I born? Why am I living?
What do I get? What am I giving?
Why do I want a thing I daren't hope for?
What can I hope for? I wish I knew.
Why do I try to draw you near me?
Why do I cry? You never hear me.
Im a poor fool, but what can I do?
Why was I born? To love you.