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...


'Neath the stars, at bazaars
Often I've had to caress men
Five or ten dollars then, I'd collect from all those yes-men
Don't be sad, I must add, that they meant no more than chess-men

Darling, can't you see
'Twas for charity?
Though these lips have made slips, it was never really serious
Who'd have thought, I'd be brought to a state that's so delirious?

I could cry salty tears
Where have I been all these years?
Little wow, tell me now
How long has this been goin' on?

There were chills up my spine
And some thrills I can't define
Listen sweet, I repeat
How long has this been goin' on?

Oh, I feel that I could melt
Into heaven I'm hurled
I know how Columbus felt
Finding another world

Kiss me once, then once more
What a dunce I was before
What a break, for heaven's sake
How long has this been goin' on?

(spoken)
Kiss me twice, once more, thrice, make it four

What a break, for heaven's sake
How long has this been goin' on?




(more Ira Gerhwin songs here)