Oct 18, 2026 · 5 min · 5 segments
Often accused of singing only old songs, Al Jolson introduced a new song on the 23 Oct 47 Kraft Music Hall, "If I Only Had A Match." He liked it so much that he sang it twice. Jolson later recorded…
I think I may write one about a cigarette lighter.
Look, I said, don't bother.
There's already a song about a match.
In fact, it's brand new, never been sung before.
But tonight, for the first time in the club hall, I'll sing if I only had a match.
©
BF-WATCH TV 2021 And if I had a cigarette I could watch the smokeling curl But I'd really be all set If I only had a gun If I had someone like you © BF-WATCH TV 2021 We could raise a family And a little garden class And the thing is I could be If I only had a man
Folks, folks, I want to ask you something.
For the first time, a song sung like that on the hall, did you really like it? Tell me the truth.
Did you really like it? Well, I don't know if we have time or not, but this has never been done in radio, and I'm going to try it tonight, even if I get fired.
Lou, play it again.
I like it.
If I only had a
man...
Then my cares I'd soon forget All I knew would be a mess If I had a cigarette And if I
had a cigarette I could watch the smoke rinse
through But I'd really be all mad.
If I only had a girl If I had someone like you To hold you in my arms In a cozy bungalow With no such needy lines © BF-WATCH TV 2021 © BF-WATCH TV 2021
I think I may write one about a cigarette lighter.
Look, I said, don't bother.
There's already a song about a match.
In fact, it's brand new, never been sung before.
But tonight, for the first time in the club hall, I'll sing if I only had a match.
©
BF-WATCH TV 2021 And if I had a cigarette I could watch the smokeling curl But I'd really be all set If I only had a gun If I had someone like you © BF-WATCH TV 2021 We could raise a family And a little garden class And the thing is I could be If I only had a man
Folks, folks, I want to ask you something.
For the first time, a song sung like that on the hall, did you really like it? Tell me the truth.
Did you really like it? Well, I don't know if we have time or not, but this has never been done in radio, and I'm going to try it tonight, even if I get fired.
Lou, play it again.
I like it.
If I only had a
man...
Then my cares I'd soon forget All I knew would be a mess If I had a cigarette And if I
had a cigarette I could watch the smoke rinse
through But I'd really be all mad.
If I only had a girl If I had someone like you To hold you in my arms In a cozy bungalow With no such needy lines © BF-WATCH TV 2021 © BF-WATCH TV 2021
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