Fascinating Rhythm
George Gershwin, Cliff "Ukelele Ike" Edwards
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Listen to my tale of woe, It's terribly sad but true, All dressed up, no place to go Each evening I'm awfully blue. I must win some handsome guy Can't go on like this, I could blossom out I know, With somebody just like you. So Oh, sweet and lovely lady, be good Oh, lady, be good to me I am so awfully misunderstood So lady, be good to me Oh, please have some pity I'm all-alone in this big city I tell you I'm just a lonesome babe in the wood, So lady be good to me. Oh, please have some pity I'm all alone in this big city I tell you I'm just a lonesome babe in the wood, So lady be good to me. Oh lady be good to me.
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Written by: Ira Gershwin, George Gershwin
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
8 facts about this song
Authors and Performers"Fascinating Rhythm" is a classic tune written by the iconic Gershwin brothers, George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin.
- The song was famously performed by American dancer, singer, and actor Fred Astaire.
|
Original CompositionGeorge composed the music of "Fascinating Rhythm," while Ira penned down the lyrics.
- The song was written in 1924 for the Broadway show "Lady Be Good!."
|
Early PerformancesFred Astaire, along with his sister Adele Astaire, first performed "Fascinating Rhythm" on the stage drama "Lady Be Good!".
- Fred Astaire's version of the song became incredibly popular due to his expressive dance interpretation.
|
Musical Structure"Fascinating Rhythm" is known for its syncopated, jazzy rhythm, making it a favorite amongst musicians and jazz lovers.
- The song's irregular rhythmic patterns were groundbreaking for the 1920s, contributing to the evolution of Broadway music and American popular song.
|
Later InterpretationsSince its inception, "Fascinating Rhythm" has been covered by several famous artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, and Susannah McCorkle.
- In 1959, it was rearranged by Nelson Riddle for Ella Fitzgerald's 'Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook' - a significant jazz interpretation of the piece.
|
Cultural ImpactThe song continues to be used in contemporary media and popular entertainment, maintaining its status as a timeless classic.
- It has been featured in multiple film and television soundtracks over the years, including Woody Allen’s 1999 film "Sweet and Lowdown" and the 2018 movie "The Great Buster: A Celebration".
|
Recognition"Fascinating Rhythm" is part of The Library of Congress's National Recording Registry for its "cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance".
|
based on a PaintingIt's interesting to note that George Gershwin was inspired to write the song after seeing a painting by artist Paul Klee titled "With the Black Arch".
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Fascinating Rhythm Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 6 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/13641182/George+Gershwin/Fascinating+Rhythm>.
Discuss the Fascinating Rhythm Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In