What song does the Tin Man sing to wish for a heart?

The Tin Man sings “If I Only Had a Heart” to wish for a heart. In the 1939 film, Jack Haley’s Tin Man performs this variation after explaining that he is hollow and wants the emotions he believes a heart would provide.

The song shares its melody with the Scarecrow’s “If I Only Had a Brain” and the Cowardly Lion’s “If I Only Had the Nerve.” Harold Arlen composed the music and Yip Harburg wrote the lyrics. The three versions turn one musical theme into a portrait of each companion’s deepest wish.

The Tin Man’s screen performance has an unusual production history. Buddy Ebsen originally recorded the part, but he had to leave the production after becoming seriously ill from the aluminum-based makeup intended for the character. Jack Haley replaced him, and Haley’s vocals became the version used in the finished film. Ebsen’s earlier recording survived and was later issued in soundtrack and home-video collections.

Another memorable detail is the off-screen female voice answering the Tin Man’s romantic lyric. It belonged to Adriana Caselotti, famous as the voice of Snow White.