Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Happy (belated) Birthday!


Yesterday was George Gershwin's birthday.  It's tough to think of someone - with the possible exception of Irving Berlin - who has had such a lasting impact on American music.  Thank you, George & Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Billie Holliday, and others who give me pause in the middle of busy times to just enjoy.

Here are the lyrics to one of my Gershwin faves.  John Pizzarelli has a nice, smooth rendition of this one.  If you get a chance to listen to it, do so.

But Not For Me


They're writing songs of love, but not for me.
A lucky star's above, but not for me.
With love to lead the way
I've found more clouds of grey
than any Russain play could guarantee.
I was a fool to fall and get that way;
Heigh-ho! Alas! And also, lack-a-day!
Although I can't dismiss the mem'ry of his kiss,
I guess he's not for me.

He's knocking on a door, but not for me.
He'll plan a two by four, but not for me.
I know that love's a game;
I'm puzzled, just the same,
was I the moth or flame?
I'm all at sea.


It all began so well, but what an end!
This is the time a feller needs a friend,
when ev'ry happy plot ends with the marriage knot,
and there's no knot for me.


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