"Should I?" is a song with music by Nacio Herb Brown and lyrics by Arthur Freed, first published in 1929. It was originally written for the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film Lord Byron of Broadway (1930), where it was introduced by singer and actor Charles Kaley. The song became a major hit, charting at number 3 on Billboard for 11 weeks in 1930.
Background The first recording of "Should I?" was on July 29, 1929, by Arden–Ohman Orchestra with Scrappy Lambert providing vocals.
In 1931, the song was recorded in Polish by Henryk Wars' Vocal Group under the title "Ja wiem o twej miłości" (eng. "I Know About Your Love"). The translation was made by Andrzej Włast.
Re-arranged by Conrad Salinger, Wally Heglin and Skip Martin, "Should I?" appeared in the musical film Singin' in the Rain (1952). Under the musical direction of Lennie Hayton, it was briefly sung by character actor Wilson Wood parodying Rudy Vallee during the "Beautiful Girl Montage" segment. A portion of the song had also been featured in the 1943 MGM musical film, Thousands Cheer, sung by Georgia Carroll as part of a medley built around an unrelated song, "I Dug a Ditch" by the Kay Kyser orchestra, for which Carroll was a featured vocalist.
Notable recordings Date Main recording artist Vocalist Notes July 29, 1929 Arden–Ohman Orchestra Scrappy Lambert Lambert credited as "Burt Lorin". October 10, 1929 The Harmonians Tom Frawley October 18, 1929 Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra Jack Fulton November 17, 1929 Jesse Stafford and his Orchestra Jesse Stafford December 5, 1929 Frank Munn and his Orchestra Frank Munn Credited as "Paul Oliver". December 23, 1929 Phil Spitalny and his Orchestra instrumental Credited as "Hotel Pennsylvania Music". December 24, 1929 Featured in Lord Byron of Broadway. January 15, 1930 Jack Miller and the New Englanders Jack Miller February 18, 1930 Jimmie Noone's Apex Club Orchestra Jimmie Noone February 20, 1930 The Rondoliers February 28, 1930 Seger Ellis Featuring Tommy Dorsey and Eddie Lang. 1931 Chór Henryka Warsa Polish version "Ja wiem o twej miłości". October 20, 1947 André Previn instrumental Featuring Al Viola and Jackie Mills. April 24, 1950 Released on the Sing and Dance with Frank Sinatra album. 1951 Lennie Hayton Wilson Wood Soundtrack recording for Singin' in the Rain and part of the "Beautiful Girl Montage" medley. September 19, 1956 Recording included on From The Capitol Vaults (Vol. 3) compilation album.
Charts Chart (1930)PeakpositionUS Billboard3
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