"Wand'rin' Star" was a number one single in the UK and Ireland for Lee Marvin for three weeks in March 1970. It was originally written by Alan J. Lerner (lyrics) and Frederick Loewe (music) for the stage musical 'Paint Your Wagon' in 1951. When the film of the musical was made in 1969, Lee Marvin took the role of prospector Ben Rumson. Not a natural singer, Marvin nevertheless sang all of his songs in the film. The soundtrack became a success. Orchestrated and arranged by Nelson Riddle, Marvin's version of the song "Wand'rin Star" becoming an unlikely number-one single in Ireland and the UK for him, famously keeping The Beatles at number two in the UK with their single "Let It Be".
Wand'rin' Star Lyrics
I was born under a wandrin' star,
I was born under a wandrin' star.
Wheels are made for rollin'
Mules are made to pack.
I've never seen a sight that didn't look better looking back.
I was born under a wandrin' star.
Mud can make you prisoner, and the plains can bake you dry.
Snow can burn your eyes, but only people make you cry.
Home is made for comin' from, for dreams of goin' to,
Which with any luck will never come true.
I was born under a wandrin' star,
I was born under a wandrin' star.
Do I know where hell is? Hell is in hello.
Heaven is in goodbye for ever, it's time for me to go.
I was born under a wandrin' star, a wandrin' wandrin' star.
Mud can make you prisoner, and the plains can bake you dry.
Snow can burn your eyes, but only people make you cry.
Home is made for comin' from, for dreams of goin' to,
Which with any luck will never come true.
I was born under a wandrin' star,
I was born under a wandrin' star.
When I get to heaven tie me to a tree,
Or I'll begin to roam, and soon you know where I will be.
I was born under a wandrin' star, a wandrin' wandrin' star.
