17 Best Songs From 1947

Step back in time to the golden age of music and discover the best songs from 1947. From jazz and blues to rock and roll, this list has something for everyone. Join us on a melodious journey through pop culture history as we reminisce about these iconic tracks that defined an era.

“Near You” by Francis Craig

This song is a remarkable example of how a simple melody and heartfelt lyrics can create a lasting impact on listeners. “Near You” by Francis Craig enchanted the American public in 1947 with its romantic message and its catchy piano riff.

The song spent an astounding 12 weeks at the number one spot on the US Billboard chart, making it one of the most successful songs of that year.

Francis Craig's soothing voice and gentle delivery perfectly express the longing and devotion of a lover who wishes to be close to his beloved.

“Peg o' My Heart” by The Harmonicats

This song is a delightful rendition of a classic tune from the 1913 musical Ziegfeld Follies. “Peg o' My Heart” by The Harmonicats showcases the amazing talent and skill of Jerry Murad on the harmonica, accompanied by Al Fiore on the chord harmonica and Don Les on the bass harmonica.

The song became a huge hit in 1947, reaching the number two spot on the US Billboard chart and selling over one million copies.

The Harmonicats' version of “Peg o' My Heart” breathes new life into the old-fashioned love song, adding a touch of novelty and charm.

“Heartaches” by Ted Weems

“Heartaches” by Ted Weems became a surprise sensation in 1947, reaching the number three spot on the US Billboard chart and selling over two million copies. The song was originally recorded as a filler track for a radio show, but it gained popularity after being played on a jukebox in a North Carolina tavern.

Ted Weems' version of “Heartaches” combines a catchy melody and a melancholic lyric, creating a contrast between the upbeat tempo and the sad theme.

“Linda” by Ray Noble Orchestra and Buddy Clark

This song is a sweet and tender ode to a young girl named Linda, written by Jack Lawrence for his lawyer's daughter Linda Eastman, who would later marry Paul McCartney of The Beatles.

Ray Noble's version of “Linda” captures the innocence and joy of childhood, as well as the admiration and affection of the narrator. The song also has a nostalgic and sentimental quality, as it reflects on how Linda will grow up and change over time.

“Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)” by Tex Williams and the Western Caravan

This song is a humorous and satirical commentary on smoking addiction, written by Merle Travis and Tex Williams.

“Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)” by Tex Williams and the Western Caravan became a number four hit in 1947, featuring Tex Williams' witty and sarcastic vocals and his band's lively western swing music. The song was also the first number one country song on the Billboard charts.

It tells the story of a man who is constantly interrupted by his need to smoke a cigarette, whether he is playing cards, dancing with a girl, or dying in a hospital bed. The song uses exaggeration and irony to poke fun at the absurdity and inconvenience of smoking, as well as the social pressure and addiction that compel people to do it.

“Ballerina” by Vaughn Monroe

This song is a romantic and poetic song about a ballerina who dances for the narrator, written by Bob Russell and Carl Sigman for the film The Seventh Veil.

It expresses the admiration and love of the narrator for the ballerina, who he calls his “angel in white”. The song uses metaphors and imagery to describe the beauty and grace of the ballerina, as well as the emotions and dreams that she inspires in him.

The song is a beautiful and elegant tribute to a dancer, as well as a heartfelt declaration of love.

“Managua, Nicaragua” by Freddy Martin

This song is a lively and catchy song about the capital city of Nicaragua, written by Irving Fields and Albert Gamse as a novelty song. 

It celebrates the charm and beauty of the city, as well as the hospitality and friendliness of its people. The song uses Spanish words and phrases to create a colorful and exotic atmosphere, as well as a chorus that spells out the name of the city.

The song is a fun and cheerful tribute to a tropical destination, as well as a catchy and memorable tune.

“Mam'selle” by Art Lund

This song is a romantic and nostalgic song about a French girl who the narrator met during World War II, written by Mack Gordon and Edmund Goulding for the film The Razor's Edge.

It tells the story of how the narrator fell in love with a girl named Mam'selle in a small cafe in France, and how he still remembers her after the war. The song uses French words and phrases to create a romantic and sentimental mood, as well as a melody that evokes the style of a French chanson.

The song also has a wistful and longing quality, as it reflects on the lost love and the hope of seeing her again.

“That's My Desire” by Sammy Kaye

This song is a passionate and soulful song about the narrator's desire to be with his lover, written by Carroll Loveday and Helmy Kresa as a romantic ballad.

It expresses the intensity and sincerity of the narrator's feelings, as he declares his wish to spend his life with his lover. The song uses simple and direct lyrics to convey the depth and emotion of the message, as well as a melody that builds up to a powerful climax.

“Near You” by The Andrews Sisters

This song is a cheerful and upbeat song about the joy of being near the one you love, featuring the vocal harmonies of the famous trio. 

The Andrews Sisters' version of “Near You” adds a touch of fun and charm to the popular song by Francis Craig, as they sing with enthusiasm and flair. The song uses repetition and rhyme to create a catchy and memorable chorus, as well as a melody that invites the listeners to dance and swing.

“Too Fat Polka (I Don't Want Her-You Can Have Her-She's Too Fat For Me)” by Arthur Godfrey

This song is a humorous and playful song about a man who rejects a woman because of her weight, written by Ross MacLean and Arthur Richardson as a polka song.

It uses exaggeration and irony to poke fun at the man's shallow and rude attitude, as he lists the reasons why he doesn't want the woman.

The song has a catchy and infectious quality, as it makes the listeners laugh and sing along.

“The Anniversary Song” by Al Jolson

This song is a sentimental and romantic song about celebrating an anniversary with a loved one, written by Al Jolson and Saul Chaplin based on a Romanian folk tune.

It conveys the gratitude and devotion of the narrator for his partner, as he reminisces about their past and looks forward to their future. The song uses poetic and heartfelt lyrics to express the depth and emotion of the message, as well as a melody that evokes the style of a waltz.

“Chi-Baba, Chi-Baba (My Bambino Go to Sleep)” by Perry Como

This song is a charming and soothing song about a lullaby with Italian words, written by Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston.

It creates a cozy and warm mood, as Perry Como sings with tenderness and affection. The song uses Italian words and phrases to create a colorful and exotic atmosphere, as well as a melody that mimics the sound of a rocking cradle.

“Temptation (Tim-Tayshun)” by Red Ingle and The Natural Seven and Jo Stafford

This song is a hilarious and clever parody of Perry Como's version of Temptation, written by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed.

Red Ingle's version of “Temptation (Tim-Tayshun)” makes fun of the original song's lyrics and melody, as he changes the words to mock the narrator's lust and obsession.

The song uses humor and irony to create a ridiculous scenario, as well as a chorus that spells out the word temptation.

“I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now” by Ted Weems and Perry Como

This song is a sentimental and melancholy song about a lost love, written by Harold Orlob, Will M. Hough, Frank R. Adams, and Joseph E. Howard.

It conveys the sadness and regret of the narrator, who wonders about his former lover who left him for another man. The song uses simple and poignant lyrics to express the emotion and pain of the message, as well as a melody that reflects the mood of the song.

The song also has a nostalgic and timeless quality, as it was originally written in 1909 and became popular again in 1947.

“Near You” by Larry Green Orchestra

This song is a graceful and elegant song featuring an instrumental version of the popular song by Francis Craig. 

Larry Green's version of “Near You” showcases his skill and talent as a pianist and arranger, as he plays the melody with finesse and flair.

The song uses a smooth and soothing tempo to create a romantic and relaxing mood, as well as a melody that is easy to listen to and enjoy.

“Serenade Of The Bells” by Sammy Kaye

This song is a romantic and poetic song about bells ringing in the night, written by Kay Twomey, Al Goodhart and Al Urbano. Sammy Kaye's version of “Serenade Of The Bells” expresses the love and happiness of the narrator, who hears the bells as a sign of his lover's return.

The song uses metaphors and imagery to describe the beauty and magic of the bells, as well as a melody that evokes the style of a serenade. The song also has a dramatic and passionate quality, as it builds up to a powerful chorus that repeats the title phrase.

Top Songs From 1947, Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the music scene in 1947 was filled with timeless classics that still resonate with listeners today. From romantic ballads to upbeat swing tracks, there was something for everyone on the top charts.

While there is no definitive list of the best songs from this era, our outlines highlighted some of the most popular and iconic tunes of the time.