I Can’t Tell a Lie [song lyrics]

Song lyrics to I Can’t Tell a Lie (1942). Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin. Sung at the Holiday Inn by Fred Astaire on Washington’s Birthday

I could say that you’re homely
Just as homely as pie
But this is Washington’s birthday
And I’ve got to say you’re beautiful
‘Cause I can’t tell a lie

I could say that you’re stupid
Nothing up in your crown
But this is Washington’s birthday
And the truthful he of the cherry tree
Would look down on me and frown

I could say that I hate you if I try
But I’ve got to say I love you
‘Cause it’s February, the twenty-second
And I can’t tell a lie

I could say that you’re homely
Just as homely as pie
But this is Washington’s birthday
And I’ve got to say you’re beautiful
‘Cause I can’t tell a lie

I could say that you’re stupid
Nothing up in your crown
But this is Washington’s birthday
And the truthful he of the cherry tree
Would look down on me and frown

I could say that I hate you if I try
But I’ve got to say I love you
‘Cause it’s February, the twenty-second
And I can’t tell a lie