About the song

“I’ve Got a Crush On You.” This timeless American standard, written by the legendary George and Ira Gershwin for their 1930 musical Strike Up the Band, has been interpreted by countless greats over the decades. However, it was Linda Ronstadt’s exquisite 1983 rendition, featured on her groundbreaking album What’s New, that introduced it to a whole new generation and solidified her status as a masterful interpreter of the Great American Songbook. This album, a bold departure into traditional pop and jazz standards, was a massive critical and commercial success, proving Ronstadt’s immense versatility. “I’ve Got a Crush On You” itself became a highlight, a charming and tender expression of burgeoning affection. It’s far more than just a popular song; it’s a sophisticated yet utterly relatable exploration of infatuation, the delightful vulnerability of admitting your feelings, and the timeless magic of new love.

The lyrics of “I’ve Got a Crush On You” are a charming and understated confession of romantic interest. The narrator admits to being completely smitten, experiencing all the classic symptoms of a crush: a sudden adoration, a fascination with every little detail of the beloved, and a hopeful, slightly shy desire for reciprocation. There’s a playful quality to the words, an innocent joy in acknowledging these new, delightful feelings, rather than a desperate plea. Phrases like “The minute I saw you / The world seemed to stop” and “I’ve got a crush on you, sweetie pie / All the time, my heart goes flippity-flop” perfectly capture this blend of genuine affection and the lighthearted giddiness of early romance. The song speaks to the universal human experience of developing a crush, that intoxicating period where every glance and every word from the object of affection holds immense significance. It’s about the simple, yet profound, desires of a heart awakening to new possibilities and the delightful, sometimes awkward, dance of admitting one’s feelings. It resonates deeply with anyone who remembers the exhilarating, butterflies-in-the-stomach feeling of falling for someone new.

Linda Ronstadt’s vocal performance on “I’ve Got a Crush On You” is nothing short of sublime and showcases her incredible artistry as an interpreter of classic American songs. Her voice, renowned for its pristine clarity, its remarkable control, and its extraordinary ability to convey both subtle nuance and soaring emotional power, here delivers the lyrics with an elegant simplicity and a palpable sense of genuine warmth. She doesn’t just sing the words; she inhabits the delightful shyness and hopeful anticipation of the narrator, making the listener feel every nuance of her budding affection. There’s a perfect blend of delicate phrasing and a rich, warm tone, a controlled sweetness that makes the song incredibly intimate and universally endearing. Ronstadt’s brilliance lies in her unparalleled ability to take a time-honored standard and infuse it with her own unique vocal personality and authentic feeling, connecting with audiences on a visceral, empathetic level through the sheer beauty and expressive power of her instrument. It’s a masterclass in conveying charming infatuation through song.

The musical arrangement of “I’ve Got a Crush On You” in Linda Ronstadt’s rendition is a pristine example of her masterful foray into traditional pop and jazz, meticulously crafted by arranger Nelson Riddle to evoke the elegance of the big band era. It typically features a rich, orchestral backdrop with prominent, sweeping strings that provide a luxurious and romantic atmosphere. Subtle, sophisticated piano chords lay down a smooth harmonic foundation, complemented by elegant brass sections that punctuate melodic lines with grace and warmth. The rhythm section is gentle and swinging, creating a sophisticated yet inviting pace that allows Ronstadt’s nuanced vocals and the charming lyrics to remain front and center. The instrumentation is exquisitely balanced and meticulously produced, creating a grand yet intimate soundscape that perfectly suits the song’s tender theme. The production is clean, warm, and remarkably clear, ensuring that every instrumental detail and, crucially, Linda Ronstadt’s incredible vocal are heard with pristine clarity, enhancing the song’s timeless appeal and its undeniable sophistication. It’s an arrangement that feels both classic and beautifully refreshed.

“I’ve Got a Crush On You” resonated profoundly with audiences because its universal themes of infatuation, the joy of new romance, and the simple beauty of admitting affection are deeply understood and intensely felt. It became a beloved highlight of Linda Ronstadt’s ventures into the Great American Songbook, a true signature performance that showcased her extraordinary versatility. It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder of that delightful feeling when you realize, with a happy heart, that I’ve Got a Crush On You.

Video

Lyrics

How glad the many millions
Of Toms and Dicks and Williams
Would be
To capture me
But you had such persistence
You wore down my resistance
I fell
And it was swell
You’re my big and brave and handsome Romeo
How I won you I will never never know
It’s not that you’re attractive
But oh my heart grew active
When you came into view
I’ve got a crush on you, sweetie pie
All the day and nighttime, hear me sigh
I never had the least notion
That I could fall with so much emotion
Could you coo
Could you care
For a cunning cottage we could share
The world will pardon my mush
Cause I’ve got a crush, my baby, on you
Could you coo
Could you care
For a cunning cottage we could share
The world will pardon my mush
Cause I’ve got a crush, my baby, on you

By tam