About the song

“Funny Face” is a charming and heartfelt song by American country music artist Donna Fargo, released in August 1972. As the second single from her album *The Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A.*, the song quickly became a major success, reaching the number one spot on the country charts and earning a Gold Record. Its popularity was such that it remained at the top of the country chart for three weeks and spent a total of fourteen weeks on the chart, solidifying Fargo’s place in country music history.

What makes “Funny Face” particularly special is its personal connection to Donna Fargo’s own life. In an interview with Tom Roland for *The Billboard Book of Number One Country Hits*, Fargo revealed that the song was inspired by a playful nickname she shared with her husband. He would affectionately call her “funny face,” while she referred to him as “fuzzy face” because of his beard. This personal touch gives the song an authentic and relatable charm that resonates with listeners, as it captures the simple, tender moments that often define a loving relationship.

Interestingly, Fargo initially offered the song to comedian George Lindsey, thinking it might suit his style. However, Lindsey turned it down, and Fargo decided to record it herself. This decision proved to be fortuitous, as “Funny Face” not only became a defining hit in her career but also crossed over to the pop charts, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement marked her only top 10 hit on the pop chart, showcasing her versatility as an artist who could appeal to both country and mainstream audiences.

The song’s success is also a testament to Fargo’s songwriting prowess. Originally, she wrote 16 verses for “Funny Face,” but wisely chose to include only the first two in the final recording. This editing decision ensured that the song remained concise and impactful, allowing its sweet and playful message to shine through without overwhelming the listener.

“Funny Face” remains one of Donna Fargo’s most beloved songs, a delightful blend of personal storytelling and catchy melody that continues to endear her to fans of classic country music. Its success on both the country and pop charts reflects the universal appeal of its simple yet profound message of love and affection.

Video

Lyrics

Funny face, I love you
Funny face, I need you
My whole worlds wrapped up in you
When the road I walk seems all up hill
And the colors in my rainbow turn blue
You kiss the tears away
You smile at me and say
Funny face, (funny face) I love you
Funny face, I love you
Funny face, I need you
These are the sweetest words I’ve ever heard
Funny face, don’t leave me
Funny face, believe me
My whole world’s wrapped up in you.
And when I hurt your feelings as I sometimes do
And I say those mean things that we know are not true
You forgive my childish ways
You hold me close and say
Funny face, funny face I love you
Funny face, I love you
Funny face, I need you
These are the sweetest words I’ve ever heard
Funny face, don’t leave me
Funny face, believe me
My whole worlds wrapped up in you
Funny face, I love you
Funny face, I need you
These are the sweetest words I’ve ever heard
Funny face, don’t leave me
Funny face, believe me
My whole world’s wrapped up in you

By Tam Le