Harrigan

George M. Cohan

About Harrigan

"Harrigan" is a song written by George M. Cohan for the short-lived 1908 Broadway musical Fifty Miles from Boston when it was introduced by James C. Marlowe. It celebrates, and to some extent mocks, his own Irish heritage. It is also an affectionate homage to Edward Harrigan, a previous great Irish American contributor to American musical theater. The song was performed by James Cagney and Joan Leslie in the 1942 film Yankee Doodle Dandy, a biopic of Cohan's life. In that film it was portrayed as an early work of Cohan's that he was shopping around. In real life, by 1907 he had already scored some major Broadway hits and had little need to try to sell individual songs to producers. Contemporary Irish-American singer Billy Murray made a very popular recording of the song for Victor Records (catalog No. 5197) in 1907. In his version, the answer "Harrigan!" to each question is shouted by a background group. Edward Meeker was another who enjoyed success with his recording of the song in 1907. 


Year:
1991
2:36
3,895 
#8

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Who is the man who will spend or will even lend?
Harrigan, That's Me!
Who is your friend when you find that you need a friend?
Harrigan, That's Me!

For I'm just as proud of my name you see,
As an Emperor, Czar or a King, could be.
Who is the man helps a man every time he can?
Harrigan, That's Me! 

H - A - double are - I - G - A - N spells Harrigan
Proud of all the Irish blood that's in me; Divil a man can say a word agin me.
H - A - double are - I - G - A - N, you see,
Is a name that a shame never has been connected with, Harrigan, That's me! 

Who is the man never stood for a gad about?
Harrigan, That's Me!
Who is the man that the town's simply mad about?
Harrigan, That's Me!

The ladies and babies are fond of me,
I'm fond of them, too, in return, you see.
Who is the gent that's deserving a monument?
Harrigan, That's Me! 

H - A - double are - I - G - A - N spells Harrigan
Proud of all the Irish blood that's in me; Divil a man can say a word agin me.
H - A - double are - I - G - A - N, you see,
Is a name that a shame never has been connected with, Harrigan, That's me!

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George M. Cohan

George Michael Cohan (pronounced Ko-han; July 3, 1878 – November 5, 1942), known professionally as George M. Cohan, was a major American entertainer, playwright, composer, lyricist, actor, singer, dancer and producer. more »

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Written by: GEORGE M COHAN

Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Historical Significance
"Harrigan" is a popular song from the early 20th century, written by George M. Cohan, a well-established figure in the American entertainment industry.
Composition Details
The song was composed in 1907, demonstrating Cohan's distinct patriotic, energetic style that mixed elements of vaudeville and Broadway.
Context of Creation
The song was created as part of the musical "Fifty Miles from Boston." This connection emphasizes Cohan's influence in multiple aspects of theater, including acting, playwriting, and songwriting.
Song's Inspiration
The song "Harrigan" is a tribute to Ned Harrigan of the Harrigan and Hart team, one of the most successful teams in the history of American musical theater during the late 19th century.
Lyricism
The lyrics of "Harrigan" reflect a sense of proud Irish-American identity, common in many songs by Cohan, whose family was Irish-American.
Lasting Impact
The song remains one of Cohan's enduring hit which is still performed, especially around St. Patrick's Day due to its proud display of Irish heritage.
Unique Delivery
George M. Cohan had a distinct singing style, rarely sustaining a note and instead using a rhythmic, percussive delivery, which is evident in "Harrigan".
Cohan's Legacy
"Harrigan" is one of many songs that helped to establish George M. Cohan's reputation as the "man who owned Broadway."
Historical Recordings
A famous recording of "Harrigan" was made by Billy Murray in 1907, the same year in which the song was written.
Portrayal in Media
The song "Harrigan" was featured in the 1942 biographical film "Yankee Doodle Dandy," which depicted the life of George M. Cohan, character played by James Cagney.
Cultural Influence
Over the years, "Harrigan" has been covered by a number of artists and is often played at Irish festivals and events, speaking to its enduring cultural relevance.
Recognition
In recognition of his contribution to American music, George M. Cohan was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1940, and "Harrigan" was one of the key songs he was celebrated for.

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