<P> 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 , rejecting the idea of miming to another singer 's voice . Despite the film being a box office flop , the soundtrack became a success . Orchestrated and arranged by Nelson Riddle , Marvin 's version of the song `` Wand'rin Star '' became a number - one single in Ireland and the UK , keeping The Beatles at number two in the UK with their single `` Let It Be '' . Marvin never released a follow - up single , so he is considered a one - hit wonder . </P>
<P> 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 , rejecting the idea of miming to another singer 's voice . Despite the film being a box office flop , the soundtrack became a success . Orchestrated and arranged by Nelson Riddle , Marvin 's version of the song `` Wand'rin Star '' became a number - one single in Ireland and the UK , keeping The Beatles at number two in the UK with their single `` Let It Be '' . Marvin never released a follow - up single , so he is considered a one - hit wonder . </P>
who wrote i was born under a wandering star
who wrote i was born under a wandering star
Alan J. Lerner ( lyrics ) Frederick Loewe ( music )
Alan J. Lerner ( lyrics ) Frederick Loewe ( music )