Track 5—From When We Were Young (2011)

Have I Told You Lately That I Love You 

Scott Wiseman, Songs of Universal, Inc.

 

Have I told you lately that I love you

Could I tell you once again, somehow

Have I told with all my heart and soul how I adore you

Well, darling, I’m telling you now

 

(Chorus)

This heart would break in two if you refuse me

I’m no good without you anyhow

Dear, have I told you lately that I love you

Well, darling, I’m tellin’ you now

 

Have I told you lately how I miss you

When the stars are shinning in the sky

Have I told you why the night are long

When you’re not with me

Well, darling, I’m tellin’ you now

           

(Chorus 2)

Have I told you lately that I love you

For I’m no good without you anyhow

Oh, have I told you lately that I love you

Well, darling, I’m tellin’ you now

Well, darling, I’m tellin’ you now

 

I first learned this song due to a request. Our community college was readying to dedicate a new state of the art, three-story building to house our budding allied health department. The invitations had been mailed and the grounds were being groomed for the gala affair. A week before the building dedication, I got a phone call from one of our administrators.

 

“Al, Mr. Hoyt Bailey called me this morning wanting to know if you would be willing to play a song at the dedication next week. He used to sing a song to his late wife entitled ‘Have I Told You Lately That I Love You.’ It’s one Hank Williams used to sing. Do you think you and your group could work up a rendition, it would mean a lot to him?”

 

Well, that was like saying sickem’ to a dog. I hadn’t heard Hank’s version, so I quickly found a track online and worked up the chords in the key of B. A couple days before the dedication, our group got together and practiced. When it was time to perform the special song, Mr. Bailey was seated about six feet away from me where the microphone was situated on the podium. As I sang the tender love song, I tried my best not to make eye contact with Mr. Bailey, knowing that I would emotionally lose it if I did.

 

The song turned out fine and it has been a favorite ever since. Thank you, Mr. Bailey for the request.