The Two Timeless Classics: 7 Shocking Facts About 'Have I Told You Lately' And Its Original 1945 Version

Few songs in music history can claim to be a timeless romantic classic, yet fewer still have two entirely different versions that dominate the airwaves. As of late December 2025, the phrase "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" continues to be one of the most searched song lyrics, a testament to its enduring power as a wedding anthem and declaration of love. However, the song you think you know—the soulful, rock-tinged ballad made famous by Rod Stewart—is actually a completely separate work from the country standard that Elvis Presley sang decades earlier.

This article dives deep into the fascinating, two-part history of this iconic phrase, revealing the distinct origins, the legendary songwriters, and the chart-topping artists behind both the 1945 classic and the 1989 masterpiece. Understanding the two versions is key to appreciating why this simple question remains one of music's most powerful expressions of devotion.

The Dual Legacy: Two Songs, Two Eras, One Timeless Phrase

The confusion surrounding "Have I Told You Lately" stems from the fact that two extremely popular, yet lyrically and melodically distinct, songs share a nearly identical title and theme. To achieve true topical authority on this subject, it is essential to explore both the 1940s country classic and the 1980s rock ballad.

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1. The Original: "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?" (The Scotty Wiseman Classic)

The very first song to popularize this phrase as a romantic standard was titled "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?".

• Songwriter: Scotty Wiseman
• Original Release Year: 1945 (first performed in the 1944 film Sing, Neighbor, Sing)
• Musical Style: Country Music / Pop Standard
• Key Early Artists: The song was the greatest hit for Scotty Wiseman and his wife, Lulu Belle. However, the definitive early recordings were made by Gene Autry (1946) and later, Bing Crosby (1950).
• The King's Version: The song was immortalized in the rock and roll era by Elvis Presley, who recorded his rendition in 1957 for his album *Loving You*. This version cemented its status as a foundational piece of American romantic music.
• Other Notable Covers: The standard has also been covered by country legends like Eddy Arnold and Ray Price.
• Lyrical Focus: This version is a simple, straightforward country love song, asking the direct question to ensure the loved one knows their feelings.

2. The Modern Ballad: "Have I Told You Lately" (The Van Morrison Masterpiece)

The version most frequently heard at modern weddings and on romantic playlists is the one penned by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison.

• Songwriter: Van Morrison
• Original Release Year: 1989
• Album: *Avalon Sunset* (Morrison's nineteenth studio album)
• Musical Style: Rock, Pop Rock, Soul, and Ballad
• Chart Success: While a moderate hit for Morrison, it became a massive worldwide success for Rod Stewart four years later.
• Lyrical Focus: Morrison’s lyrics are more spiritual and poetic, describing the beloved as a "treasure" and comparing the feeling to a "sunshine day." The song is a prayer of thanks for the love received.

Why Rod Stewart's Cover Became the Definitive Wedding Song

While Van Morrison's original recording on *Avalon Sunset* is critically acclaimed for its soulful depth and Celtic influence, it was Rod Stewart's 1993 rendition that catapulted the song into the global spotlight and solidified its place as the go-to wedding song.

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Stewart's version was released on his album *Unplugged...and Seated*. His signature raspy vocals and the acoustic arrangement gave the song a more accessible, mainstream appeal, perfectly capturing the sentiment of a grand, heartfelt romantic gesture. This cover achieved significant commercial success, a key factor in its enduring popularity.

The song’s chart performance was a clear indicator of its widespread appeal:

• It peaked at number five on the prestigious US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
• It also reached number five on the UK Singles Chart.
• Crucially, it spent five weeks at number one on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, confirming its dominance in the romantic ballad genre.

The commercial success, coupled with its passionate delivery, made it the preferred choice for couples looking for a modern, yet timeless, expression of love on their special day.

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The Enduring Topical Authority of the Phrase

The continuous search volume and the stream of new covers prove that the core message—a simple, direct question about expressing love—will never fade. The phrase itself embodies the fundamental need for affirmation in a relationship, making it a powerful LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) entity in the category of romantic devotion.

The Recent Resurgence and Modern Covers

In the last few years, the song has seen a new wave of popularity, largely due to acoustic and digital covers, proving its adaptability across generations. This is a clear sign that the song’s topical authority remains high in the digital age.

• Boyce Avenue: The popular acoustic cover band Boyce Avenue released a widely viewed acoustic rendition, often credited to both Van Morrison and Rod Stewart, introducing the song to a new, younger audience on streaming platforms.
• Music Travel Love: This duo's cover, often filmed in picturesque locations like Tanah Lot, Bali, has garnered millions of views, positioning the song as a global travel and romance anthem.
• B.O.U.: The release of new singles and lyric videos by artists like B.O.U. continues to keep the song in the modern music conversation.
• Joey DeFrancesco Collaboration: Van Morrison himself re-recorded a version with jazz organist Joey DeFrancesco, showcasing the song's versatility beyond pop rock.

The Difference in Lyrics and Intent

While both songs share the same theme of expressing love, their lyrical differences are profound:

The Scotty Wiseman version is a direct, almost conversational plea for reassurance: "Have I told you lately that I love you? / Could I tell you once again somehow?"

The Van Morrison version is a deeper, more spiritual affirmation, using powerful imagery: "Have I told you lately that I love you? / Have I told you there's no one above you? / Fill my heart with gladness, take away my sadness, ease my troubles, that's what you do."

This spiritual depth is what makes the Van Morrison/Rod Stewart version the preferred modern wedding song. The lyrics are often interpreted as a hymn of gratitude, elevating the love to a sacred level.

Key Takeaways for Music Lovers

In conclusion, the simple question "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" unlocks a rich musical history, bridging the gap between 1940s country and 1990s rock. The next time you hear this beloved ballad, remember the two distinct works of art it represents:

If you hear a straightforward, classic country sound, you are likely listening to the Scotty Wiseman version, a hit for Gene Autry and Elvis Presley. If you hear a soulful, acoustic rock ballad with a distinct, gravelly voice, you are enjoying the Van Morrison original or the iconic Rod Stewart cover. Both songs, however, serve the same beautiful purpose: reminding us that the most important words are the ones we say every day.