“If I Should Lose You” is composed by Ralph Rainger with lyrics by Leo Robin. This tune was first presented in the 1935 film “Rose Of The Rancho”. Norman Granz recorded Charlie Parker playing a rendition on his 1949 “Bird With Strings” record, leading this tune to become more popular as improvisational vehicle amongst jazz musicians. The melody is passionate and beautiful, and the lyrics compliment perfectly.
This tune was originally written in A minor, however jazz musicians have played and recorded it in many different keys. The common jam session key tends to be G minor.