Pat Boone’s Friendly Persuasion (Thee I Love), released in 1956, is a beautiful, romantic ballad that reflects the gentle spirit of the song’s theme — the simple, peaceful joys of love. The song was written by Paul Simon and was featured in the 1956 film Friendly Persuasion, which starred Gary Cooper and Dorothy McGuire. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Boone’s version of Friendly Persuasion became one of his biggest hits and is a prime example of his ability to deliver soft, melodic pop ballads with sincerity and warmth. The song’s lyrics express a deep, serene affection, evoking imagery of a love that is uncomplicated, pure, and enduring. The gentle tone of Boone’s voice complements the song’s peaceful, idyllic message perfectly, and his delivery exudes a sense of tender devotion.
Musically, the song has a folk-like quality, with its simple acoustic instrumentation and smooth orchestral arrangement, which Boone sings over with a calm, almost reverent delivery. His version has a lush, almost dreamy quality to it, capturing the feeling of serenity that the song conveys.
Friendly Persuasion (Thee I Love) was a commercial success for Boone, and it remains one of his most beloved songs. His performance helped solidify his reputation as one of the leading pop stars of the 1950s, known for his sweet, smooth vocal style and his ability to express heartfelt emotion in his songs.
Lyrics
Thee I love, more than the meadow so green and stillMore than the mulberries on the hillMore than the buds of a May apple tree, I love theeArms have I, strong as the oak, for this occasionLips have I, to kiss thee, too, in friendly persuasionThee is mine, though I don’t know many words of praiseThee pleasures me in a hundred waysPut on your bonnet, your cape, and your gloveAnd come with me, for thee I loveFriendly persuasionThee is mine, though I don’t know many words of praiseThee pleasures me in a hundred waysPut on your bonnet, your cape, and your gloveAnd come with me, for thee I love
