Happy Birthday, Ira

Today Israel Gershwin was born on New York City's East Side in 1896. We know him as Ira, and we all know his words...


Old Man Sunshine - Listen, you!
Never tell me Dreams Come True!
Just try it -
And I'll start a riot.
Beatrice Fairfax - don't you dare
Ever tell me he will care;
I'm certain
It's the Final Curtain.
I never want to hear
From any cheer-
Ful Polyannas,
Who tell you Fate
Supplies a Mate -
It's all bananas!

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 Gray
Than any Russian play
could guarantee.

I was a fool to fall
And Get That Way;
Hiegh ho! Alas! And al-
So Lackaday!

Love ain't done right by Nell;
However - what the hell!
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've heard that Love's a Game;
I'm puzzled, just the same -
Was I the Moth or Flame...?
I'm all at sea.

It started off so swell,
This "Let's Pretend";
It all began so well;
But what an end!

The climax of a plot
Should be the marriage knot,
But there's no knot for me.



(more Ira Gerhwin songs here)