Brian Davies, a Welsh-born actor and singer, gained fame as Rolf Gruber in Broadway’s 1959 The Sound of Music, performing “Sixteen Going on Seventeen“ with Lauri Peters.
Alongside his work on stage, Davies appeared in films like American Gigolo (1980) and The Age of Innocence (1993). His work in both theater and film has made him a respected and very seasoned performer.
About the Song
The song is lighthearted and comedic, showcasing Davies’s vocal talents as he portrays Hero, a young man experiencing the confusion and excitement of falling in love for the first time.
The song is a standout from a classic musical known for its humor and Sondheim’s clever lyrics.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | 1962 |
| Album | A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum |
| Writers | Stephen Sondheim |
| Producers | Dick Jones & Andy Wiswell |
Love, I Hear Lyrics
HERO
Now that we’re alone
May I tell you
I’ve been feeling very strange
Either something’s in the air
Or else a change is happening in me
I think I know the cause
I hope I know the cause
From everything I’ve heard
There’s only one cause it can be
Love, I hear, makes you sigh a lot
Also love, I hear, leaves you weak
Love, I hear, makes you blush and turns you ashen
You try to speak with passion, and squeak… I hear
Love, they say, makes you pine away
But you pine away, with an idiotic grin
I pine, I blush, I squeak, I squawk
Today I woke too weak to walk
What’s love I hear, I feel, I fear, I’m in
sighs
See what I mean?
hums
I hum alot too
I’m dazed, I’m pale
I’m sick, I’m sore
I’ve never felt so well before
What’s love, I hear
I feel, I fear
I know I am
I’m sure, I mean
I hope, I trust
I pray, I must be in
Forgive me if I shout
Forgive me if I crow
I’ve only just found out, and
Well, I thought you ought to know
Similar Songs Like Love, I Hear
The following songs, performed by Brian Davies, showcase youthful characters experiencing love and adventure, similar to “Love, I Hear.”
- “Lovely“: A charming duet where Hero and Philia express their mutual attraction, highlighting the innocence of young love.
- “Pretty Little Picture“: An upbeat, whimsical number where Hero, Philia, and Pseudolus fantasize about an ideal future together.
- “Free“: This lively and comedic exchange is about freedom from the album A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, featuring Zero Mostel and Brian Davies.
- “Sixteen Going on Seventeen“: Sweet, playful duet from The Sound of Music (Original Broadway Cast Recording) where Rolf and Liesl express the innocence and excitement of first love during their teenage years.
Similar Artists Like Brian Davies
Here are a few artists with their genres and notable works, with a background in musical theater, involved in Broadway and classic musicals.
- Zero Mostel
Genre: Musical Theater
Notable Works: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Fiddler on the Roof - Jack Gilford
Genre: Musical Theater
Notable Works: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Cabaret - Rodgers
Genre: Musical Theater
Notable Works: Once Upon a Mattress, The Mad Show - John McMartin
Genre: Musical Theater
Notable Works: Fiddler on the Roof, Sweet Charity
Frequently Asked Questions
What Scene Does Love, I Hear Appear In?
It’s sung early in the show when Hero first realizes he’s falling for Philia, setting up the romantic storyline.
What Instruments are Featured in the Song’s Arrangement?
It features light strings, soft woodwinds, and gentle percussion, creating a whimsical, romantic atmosphere that matches the innocence and charm of Hero’s character.
Has Love, I Hear Been Covered by Other Artists?
Yes, various musical theatre performers have covered it in revivals and concerts, but Brian Davies’s version remains the original.
