Where do I begin
To tell the story of how great a love can be
The sweet love story that is older than the sea
The simple truth about the love she brings to me
Where do I start
With her first hello
She gave new meaning to this empty world of mine
There’d never be another love, another time
She came into my life and made the living fine
She fills my heart
She fills my heart with very special things
With angels’ songs, with wild imaginings
She fills my soul with so much love
That anywhere I go, I’m never lonely
With her along, who could be lonely
I reach for her hand, it’s always there
How long does it last
Can love be measured by the hours in a day
I have no answers now but this much I can say
I know I’ll need her till the stars all burn away
And she’ll be there
Behind the Lyrics: Meaning & Story
The Love Story theme song, originally composed as an instrumental by Francis Lai for the 1970 romantic drama, remains one of the most recognizable pieces of cinema history. After the film’s massive success, lyrics were added by Carl Sigman, transforming the haunting melody into the vocal classic “(Where Do I Begin?) Love Story.”
The song captures the bittersweet essence of the film’s narrative—a tragic yet enduring romance between Oliver Barrett IV and Jenny Cavilleri. The lyrics reflect on the overwhelming nature of a first, great love and the profound impact a single person can have on one’s life. The instrumental version famously won the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
The emotional weight of the piano-driven melody, paired with Andy Williams’ iconic vocal performance, solidified its place as a staple of 20th-century pop culture, perfectly echoing the movie’s famous tagline: “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who composed the music for the Love Story theme?
The music was composed by French composer Francis Lai.
Who wrote the lyrics for “(Where Do I Begin?) Love Story”?
The lyrics were written by Carl Sigman after the instrumental theme became popular.
Did the Love Story theme win any awards?
Yes, Francis Lai won the Academy Award for Best Original Score for his work on the film.
