Otto Harbach Otto Harbach was an American lyricist and librettist of about 50 musical comedies. He is most remembered for being Oscar Hammerstein II's mentor and was one of the first librettists to believe that songs should be woven into a show, not just placed there. Songs of note with lyrics written by Harbach include: "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes", "Indian Love Call" and "Cuddle up a Little Closer, Lovey Mine". Harbach was a charter member of ASCAP in 1914, serving as its director (1920 -1963), vice president (1936 - 1940), and finally president (1950 - 1953). He was also an inductee of the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.