A Guide To I Love Lucy

Songs performed:

     Throughout the series, many songs were performed by the cast and guests. The songs of I Love Lucy were of the pre-rock and roll era. Most of them had been written in the early twentieth century, and had been popular songs during that time. The show's main audience was people who were adults in the 1950s, the pre-"baby boomer" generation who preferred crooners to "this new rock and roll".
     What follows is a list of the songs that were performed on I Love Lucy, along with what episodes they were performed in. This list is complete to the best of my knowledge. However, if anyone notices any errors I might have made, or knows of any songs performed on the show that are not on this list, please let me know. You can email me here.

The Anniversary Waltz

• Episode #121: "Hollywood Anniversary" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

Auf Wiedersehn

• Episode #13: "The Benefit" (sung by Desi Arnaz, with a little help from Lucille Ball)

Babalu

• Episode #6: "The Audition" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

• Episode # 162: "The Ricardos Visit Cuba" (sung by Desi Arnaz and Richard Keith)

Birmingham Jail
     Sung to the tune of the classic folk song "Down In The Valley".

• Episode #135: "Lucy Goes To The Rodeo" (sung by Vivian Vance and William Frawley)

By Jingo
     Written in 1919. Music by Albert von Tilzer, lyrics by Lew Brown.

• Episode #99: "Mertz And Kurtz" (sung by William Frawley and guest Charles Winniger)

By The Light Of The Silvery Moon
     A popular song from the early 20th century. It was written in 1909 by Gus Edwards and Edward Madden.

• Episode #47: "Lucy's Show Biz Swan Song" (sung by Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance)

By The Waters Of The Minnetonka

• Episode #59: "The Indian Show" (sung twice: The first time is by Desi Arnaz and guest Carol Richards. The second time is by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.)

California, Here I Come
     A popular song from the 1920s. It was first performed by Al Jolson in 1924, and became a hit.
     Written by Al Jolson, Buddy DeSylva, and Joseph Meyer.

• Episode #110: "California, Here We Come" (sung by Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley)

Canta Guitarra

• Episode #104: "Ricky's Screen Test" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

Charleston
     Written in 1923 by James P. Johnson.
     Introduced in the 1923 Broadway musical "Runnin' Wild".

• Episode #44: "Ricky Loses His Voice" (played as an instrumental by Desi Arnaz's band)

Cheek To Cheek
     A song from the movie Top Hat (1935).
     It was nominated for the 1936 Academy Award for Best Song.
     Written by Irving Berlin.

• Episode #46: "Pregnant Women Are Unpredictable" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

Cielito Lindo
     A traditional Spanish folk song. In English, it means "Beautiful Heaven".
     Written by Quirino Mendoza y Cortes.

• Episode #29: "The Freezer" (sung by Desi Arnaz in Spanish)

• Episode #31: "The Publicity Agent" (sung by Desi Arnaz in Spanish)

• Episode #141: "Lucy's Second Honeymoon" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

Cuban Cabbie

• Episode #54: "The Club Election" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

Cuban Pete
     (see also "Texas Pete")

• Episode #3: "The Diet" (sung by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz)

• Episode #118: "The Hedda Hopper Story" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

Don't Cry
     A song from the 1950s Broadway musical "The Most Happy Fella". Written by Frank Loesser.

• Episode #175: "Lucy's Night In Town"

Down Argentine Way

• Episode #38: "The Anniversary Present" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

Down By The Old Mill Stream
     Written in 1908 by Tell Taylor.

• Episode #135: "Lucy Goes To The Rodeo" (played as an instrumental by Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley)

Dragon Waltz
     An original song written for the show.
     Lyrics by Larry Orenstein.

• Episode #144: "Lucy Goes To Scotland"

El Cumbanchero

• Episode #18: "Breaking The Lease" (sung by Desi Arnaz in Spanish)

Five Foot Two, Eyes Of Blue
     See "Has Anybody Seen My Gal?"

Friendship
     A song from the movie DuBarry Was A Lady (1943). Lucille Ball had starred in that movie, and had sang the song in it.
     Written by Cole Porter.

• Episode #69: "Lucy And Ethel Buy The Same Dress" (sung by Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance)

Fernando The Matador

• Episode #120: "Bullfight Dance" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

Goodnight Ladies
     A traditional American folk song.
     Lyrics written by E. P. Christy in 1853.

• Episode #47: "Lucy's Show Biz Swan Song" (sung by Vivian Vance and William Frawley)

Guadalajara

• Episode # 1: "The Girls Want To Go To A Night Club" (sung by Desi Arnaz in Spanish)

Happy Birthday
     The traditional birthday song written in 1893 by Mildred Hill and Patty Hill.

• Episode #60: "Lucy's Last Birthday" (sung by guests)

• Episode #149: "Lucy Gets Homesick" (sung by guests in Italian)

Has Anybody Seen My Gal? (also called "Five Foot Two, Eyes Of Blue")
     A popular song from the 1920s.
     Written in 1925. Music by Ray Henderson, lyrics by Sam M. Lewis and Joe Young.

• Episode #44: "Ricky Loses His Voice" (sung by Lucille Ball and chorus)

• Episode # 157: "Little Ricky Gets Stage Fright" (played as an instrumental by a guest band)

Havana U
     (actually the "Notre Dame Victory Song" with different lyrics)
     The original "Notre Dame Victory Song" is a band march written in 1908 by John and Michael Shea.

• Episode #48: "Lucy Hires An English Tutor" (sung by Desi Arnaz in Spanish)

Hawaiian War Chant

• Episode #88: "Lucy's Hawaiian Vacation" (sung by Lucille Ball, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley)

How About You?
     A song from the movie Babes On Broadway (1941). It was also featured in the movie Don't Bother To Knock (1952).
     Music by Burton Lane, lyrics by Ralph Freed.
     At the 1943 Academy Awards, it was nominated for the Oscar for Best Song.

• Episode #124: "The Dancing Star" (sung twice, both times by Lucille Ball and guest Van Johnson)

I Am The Queen Of The Gypsies
     An original song written for the show.

• Episode #40: "The Operetta" (sung by Lucille Ball and a ladies chorus)

I Found A Peach On The Beach

• Episode #99: "Mertz And Kurtz" (sung by Lucille Ball, Vivian Vance, William Frawley, and guest Charles Winniger)

I Get Ideas

• Episode #31: "The Publicity Agent" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

• Episode #130: "Lucy And The Dummy" (sung by Lucille Ball)

I Love Lucy
     An original song written for the show.

• Episode #60: "Lucy's Last Birthday" (sung by Desi Arnaz and company)

I Love You Truly
     Written in 1906 by Carrie Jacobs-Bond.

• Episode #26: "The Marriage License" (sung by guest Elizabeth Patterson)

I Want A Girl Just Like The Girl That Married Dear Old Dad

• Episode #99: "Mertz And Kurtz" (sung by William Frawley and guest Charles Winniger)

I'll Be True To You, Lily
     An original song written for the show.

• Episode #40: "The Operetta" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

I'll See You In C-U-B-A

• Episode #23: "The Mustache" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

• Episode #107: "Ricky's Contract" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

I'm An Old Cowhand
     A song from the movie Rhythm On The Range (1935).
     Written by Johnny Mercer.

• Episode #86: "Home Movies" (sung by Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance)

I'm Breaking My Back Putting Up A Front For You

• Episode 14: "The Amateur Hour" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

I'm In Love With A Dragon's Dinner
     An original song written for the show.
     Lyrics by Larry Orenstein.

• Episode #144: "Lucy Goes To Scotland" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

In Acapulco

• Episode #71: "Baby Pictures" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

In Santiago, Chile

• Episode #39: "The Handcuffs" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

The Inn On The River Out
     An original song written for the show.

• Episode #40: "The Operetta" (sung by William Frawley and a ladies chorus)

Jezebel
     Written by Wayne Shanklin.
     A 1951 hit by Frankie Laine.

• Episode #10: "Lucy Is Jealous Of A Girl Dancer" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

La Cucaracha
     The traditional Spanish folk song. In English, it means "The Cockroach".

• Episode #148: "Lucy In The Swiss Alps" (played as an instrumental by a guest band)

The Lady In Red

• Episode #28: "Cuban Pals" (sung by Desi Arnaz and guest Lita Baron)

Lady Of Spain
     Written in 1931. Music by Tolchard Evans, lyrics by Erell Reaves.

• Episode #67: "Ricky's Life Story" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

Lily Of The Valley
     An original song written for the show.

• Episode #40: "The Operetta" (sung by Vivian Vance and a ladies chorus)

The Longest Night Of The Year

• Episode #67: "Ricky's Life Story" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

A Lucky Guy

• Episode # 162: "The Ricardos Visit Cuba" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

Mama Inez

• Episode #29: "The Freezer" (sung by Desi Arnaz in Spanish)

Man Smart, Woman Smarter

• Episode #174: "Ragtime Band" (sung by Desi Arnaz, with Lucille Ball)

Martha

• Episode #19: "The Ballet" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

A McGillicuddy Is Here
     An original song written for the show.
     Lyrics by Larry Orenstein.

• Episode #144: "Lucy Goes To Scotland"

The Merry Merry Month Of May
     Written in 1862 by Stephen Foster.

• Episode #25: "Pioneer Women" (sung by Desi Arnaz and William Frawley)

• Episode #47: "Lucy's Show Biz Swan Song" (sung by Lucille Ball)

Mexican Hat Dance
     The traditional Mexican folk tune.

• Episode #18: "Breaking The Lease" (played as an instrumental by Desi Arnaz's band)

My Hero

• Episode #113: "Ethel's Hometown" (sung by VivianVance)

Nobody Loves The Ump

• Episode # 154: "Lucy And Bob Hope" (sung by Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, and guest Bob Hope)

Nothing Could Be Finer Than To Be In Carolina In The Morning
     A popular song from the 1920s.
     Written in 1922. Music by Walter Donaldson, lyrics by Gus Kahn.

• Episode #44: "Ricky Loses His Voice" (sung by Vivian Vance and William Frawley)

• Episode #47: "Lucy's Show Biz Swan Song" (sung by Vivian Vance and William Frawley)

Old MacDonald Had A Farm
     The traditional children's song.

• Episode #112: "Tennessee Bound" (sung by Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, William Frawley, and guest Tennessee Ernie Ford)

On The Boardwalk In Atlantic City

• Episode #99: "Mertz And Kurtz" (sung by Lucille Ball, Vivian Vance, William Frawley, and guest Charles Winniger)

Par Le Veau

• Episode #138: "Passports" (sung by William Frawley)

Pass That Peace Pipe
     A song from the movie Good News (1947).
     It was nominated for the 1948 Academy Award for Best Song.
     Written by Ralph Blaine, Hugh Martin, and Roger Edens.

• Episode #59: "The Indian Show" (sung by Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley)

Phipps Department Store Jingle
     An original song written for the show.

• Episode #102: "Mr. And Mrs. TV Show" (sung by Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley)

Ragtime Cowboy Joe
     A traditional American folk song, sung by hobos.
     Written in 1912. Music by Murry Abrams & Louis Muir, lyrics by Grant Clarke.

• Episode 14: "The Amateur Hour" (sung by Lucille Ball and guests David Stollery and Jimmy Ogg)

Rancho Grande

• Episode #134: "The Ricardos Are Interviewed" (sung by Desi Arnaz, aided by Lucille Ball, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley)

Red River Valley
     A traditional American folk song. Author unknown.

• Episode #135: "Lucy Goes To The Rodeo" (sung by Vivian Vance and William Frawley)

Rock-A-Bye Baby
     The traditional lullaby, first published in 1765. Author unknown.

• Episode #45: "Lucy Is Enciente" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

• Episode #164: "The I Love Lucy Christmas Show" (a clip of the same scene from "Lucy Is Enciente")

Shine On Harvest Moon
     A popular song from the early 20th century. It was written in 1908 by Nora Bayes Norworth and Jack Norworth.

• Episode #13: "The Benefit" (sung by Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley)

Shortnin' Bread
     A slave song, sung by Negro slaves in the 1800s.

• Episode #113: "Ethel's Hometown" (sung by VivianVance)

Similau

• Episode #28: "Cuban Pals" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

Skip To My Lou
     The traditional children's song. Author unknown.

• Episode #138: "Passports" (sung by Lucille Ball and guest Sam Hearn)

Standing On The Corner
     A song from the 1950s Broadway musical "The Most Happy Fella".

• Episode #175: "Lucy's Night In Town"

Straw Hat Song

• Episode #8: "Men Are Messy" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

Sweet And Lovely

• Episode #44: "Ricky Loses His Voice" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

Sweet Adeline
     A popular song from the early 20th century, written in 1903. Music by Henry Armstrong. Lyrics by Richard H. Gerard.

• Episode #47: "Lucy's Show Biz Swan Song" (sung by Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley)

• Episode #164: "The I Love Lucy Christmas Show" (a clip of the same scene from "Lucy's Show Biz Swan Song")

Sweet Sue

• Episode #18: "Breaking The Lease" (sung twice: The first time is by Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley. The second time is by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz alone.)

Take Me Out To The Ball Game
     The traditional American baseball song.
     Written in 1905. Music by Albert Von Tilzer, lyrics by Jack Norworth.

• Episode #125: "Harpo Marx" (played as an instrumental by guest Harpo Marx)

Texas Pete
     (actually the song "Cuban Pete" with different lyrics)

• Episode #135: "Lucy Goes To The Rodeo" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

Thanks For The Memories
     Bob Hope's theme song.
     Written in 1938. Music by Ralph Rainger, lyrics by Leo Robin.
     Introduced in the movie The Big Broadcast Of 1938 (1938).
     Won the 1939 Academy Award for Best Song.

• Episode #154: "Lucy And Bob Hope" (sung by Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, and guest Bob Hope, with different lyrics)

There's No Business Like Show Business
     A song from the Broadway musical "Annie Get Your Gun".
     Written in 1946 by Irving Berlin.

• Episode #77: "Lucy Has Her Eyes Examined" (sung by Lucille Ball, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley)

They Go Wild Over Me

• Episode #99: "Mertz And Kurtz" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

Tippy Tippy Toe

• Episode #48: "Lucy Hires An English Tutor" (sung by guest Hans Conreid, aided by Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley)

Tis Nay A Bra Bricht Nicht
     An original song written for the show.
     Lyrics by Larry Orenstein.

• Episode #144: "Lucy Goes To Scotland"

Twelfth Street Rag

• Episode #91: "Lucy's Club Dance" (played as an instrumental by Desi Arnaz's band)

Two Heads Are Nay Better Than One
     An original song written for the show.
     Lyrics by Larry Orenstein.

• Episode #144: "Lucy Goes To Scotland" (sung by Vivian Vance and William Frawley)

Underneath The Bamboo Tree
     A popular song from the early 20th century, written in 1902 by Bob Cole.

• Episode #13: "The Benefit" (sung by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz)

Valentino

• Episode #73: "The French Revue" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

The Varsity Drag
     Written in 1927. Music by Ray Henderson, lyrics by Buddy De Sylva and Lew Brown.

• Episode #77: "Lucy Has Her Eyes Examined" (sung by Vivian Vance and William Frawley)

Vaya Con Dios

• Episode #69: "Lucy And Ethel Buy The Same Dress" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

• Episode #86: "Home Movies" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

The Wabash Cannonball
     A traditional American folk song, sung by hobos. Written by Theodore Dreiser.

• Episode #95: "Tennessee Ernie Hangs On" (sung by guest Tennessee Ernie Ford)

We Are Friends Of The Friendless
     An original song written for the show.

• Episode #60: "Lucy's Last Birthday" (sung by Lucille Ball and guests)

We Like To Drink
     An original song written for the show.

• Episode #40: "The Operetta" (sung by the cast)

We're Having A Baby
     Written in 1941. Music by Vernon Duke, lyrics by Harold Adamson and John La Touche.
     A song from the Broadway musical "Banjo Eyes".

• Episode #45: "Lucy Is Enciente" (sung by Desi Arnaz)

• Episode #164: "The I Love Lucy Christmas Show" (a clip of the same scene from "Lucy Is Enciente")

We're The Pleasant Peasant Girls
     An original song written for the show.

• Episode #40: "The Operetta" (sung by a ladies chorus)

When The Red Red Robin Comes Bob-Bob-Bobbin' Along
     Written in 1926 by Harry Woods.

• Episode #69: "Lucy And Ethel Buy The Same Dress" (sung by Vivian Vance and William Frawley)

When You're Smiling
     Written in 1928 by Mark Fisher, Joe Goodwin, and Larry Shay.

• Episode #107: "Ricky's Contract" (sung by Lucille Ball, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley)

Who?
     A song from the Broadway musical "Sunny", which debuted in 1925.
     Music by Jerome Kern, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and Otto Harbach.

• Episode #53: "Inferiority Complex" (sung by Lucille Ball)

Y'all Come

• Episode #95: "Tennessee Ernie Hangs On" (sung by Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, William Frawley, and guest Tennessee Ernie Ford)

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