"If I Had Words" is a duet by Scott Fitzgerald and Yvonne Keeley, released as a single in November 1977. It was a top-ten hit in several countries and sold more than one million copies worldwide. The backing was by the St Thomas More Roman Catholic School Choir in London.[1]
The tune was taken from the main theme of the maestoso section of Saint-Saëns' Symphony No.3 in C minor (Symphony with organ) with an added reggae beat. (In the symphony, the theme used in the song is first exposed by the strings section in the second movement; it is later also played by the organ.[2]) The lyrics and arrangement were by Jonathan Hodge, a prolific writer of television jingles and film themes, who also produced the single.[citation needed]
"If I Had Words" topped the charts in the Netherlands and Belgium upon its release and peaked at number three in the UK and Australia. Its popularity in the Netherlands saw it certified platinum. It was also re-recorded by Fitzgerald and Keeley in 2010 and released as a charity single in the Netherlands in support of the Foundation KiKa.[3]
In popular culture
The song was heard in the 1995 film Babe, sung both by Farmer Hoggett (James Cromwell) and by a trio of mice for a sped-up version. It was also partially incorporated into the film's suite (instrumental). It was also featured in the film's sequel, Babe: Pig in the City.[citation needed]
The song was covered in German by Angie Gold. Her version, titled "Der schönste Tag" (English translation: "The most beautiful day"), was released as a single in Germany on Polydor in 1978.[4]
In 1999, boy band Westlife collaborated with the Vard Sisters and recorded the song.[citation needed]
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