On the printed label of the disc, “I Want To” was categorized as “popular song,” but the piano accompaniment is bluesy. The piano was played by Fletcher Henderson, Black Swan’s recording manager, who went on to become one of the most prominent bandleaders of the 1920s, second only to Duke Ellington. Better known as an actress, Isabelle Washington worked for a time in the office staff of Black Swan. She later married activist (and future congressman) Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
Willy M. Grant, “I Want To,” performed by Isabelle Washington, I Want To (phonograph record; Black Swan 14141; 1923).
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Lyrics: “I Want To”
I’ve waited long, so very long
Waited for love to come my way
Now I’ve found you and life is so nice
That’s why you hear me say
I want to
I tried to
Find a loving man like you
I want to
I tried to
[Know that] you can love me too
When lonely I cannot [bear make it]
Oh what we’ve got is no mistak[ing] it
I want to
I tried to
Have a loving man like you
I want to
I tried to
Have a loving man like you
I want to
I tried to
[Know that] you can love me too
When lonely hearts have no [?]
For love’s sweet touch there’s no mistaking
I want to
I tried to
Have a loving man like you
