Play A Simple Melody
Bing Crosby & Gary Crosby Lyrics


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Won't you play some simple melody
Like my mother sang to me?
One with a good old fashioned harmony
Play some simple melody

Musical demon, set your honey a dreamin'
Won't you play me some rag?
Just change that classical nag to some sweet beautiful drag

If you will play from a copy of a tune that is choppy
You'll get all my applause
And that is simply because I wanna listen to rag

Musical demon, set your honey a dreamin'
Won't you play me some rag?
Just change that classical nag to some sweet beautiful drag

If you will play from a copy of a tune that is choppy
You'll get all my applause
And that is simply because I wanna listen to rag

Musical demon, set your honey a dreamin'
Won't you play me some rag?
Just change that classical nag to some sweet beautiful drag

If you will play from a copy of a tune that is choppy
You'll get all my applause
And that is simply because I wanna listen to rag

Play from a copy of a tune that is choppy




You'll get all of my applause because
I wanna rag it, ragtime melody

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bing Crosby and Gary Crosby's song "Play a Simple Melody" were written by Irving Berlin, one of the most renowned composers in the history of American music. The song is an upbeat and playful tune that encourages the listener to indulge in some light-hearted entertainment. The song's opening lines, "Won't you play some simple melody, like my mother sang to me?" suggest a nostalgic longing for a simpler time, likely during the singer's childhood. The reference to a "good old fashioned harmony" reinforces this idea, as if the singer is recalling songs that were popular when he was young.


The rest of the song injects a bit of humor and mischief into the mix. The "musical demon" is implored to "set your honey a dreamin'" by playing some ragtime music instead of the "classical nag" that has become tiresome. This playful invitation to embrace a more lighthearted and energetic form of music is further emphasized by the repeated request to "play me some rag." The song ends with a final plea to "play from a copy of a tune that is choppy," an instruction that is likely intended to give the song a syncopated rhythm that is associated with ragtime music.


Line by Line Meaning

Won't you play some simple melody
Could you please play a melody that is easy to follow, like the one my mother used to sing to me?


Like my mother sang to me?
Just like the way my mother used to sing it.


One with a good old fashioned harmony
A melody with a simple, classic harmony.


Play some simple melody
Please, just play a simple melody for me to enjoy.


Musical demon, set your honey a dreamin'
Skilled musician, let your audience relax and daydream.


Won't you play me some rag?
Can you play some lively, upbeat music for me?


Just change that classical nag to some sweet beautiful drag
Replace the boring classical music with some fun and exciting melodies.


If you will play from a copy of a tune that is choppy
If you play a version of a song that's not perfect but still resembles the original, you will impress me.


You'll get all my applause
You will earn my appreciation and admiration.


And that is simply because I wanna listen to rag
The reason for my admiration is that I just want to hear lively music.


Play from a copy of a tune that is choppy
Again, if you can imitation a song, even if it's not perfect, I'll be pleased.


You'll get all of my applause because
I will applaud you because you've fulfilled my wish for entertaining music.


I wanna rag it, ragtime melody
I just want to enjoy and listen to lively, upbeat music - a ragtime melody.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Irving Berlin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@holyspacemonkey

One of my favorites!

@JamesS001

Hello Nicole, how are things going with you?

@JustAdumbASMRchannel

I remember Morcambe and Wise doing this song in a skit with Elton John probably in 1976, 😂

@songwriteroc

Good stuff here !!!

@Beverley617

I remember my Grandad singing this

@47rintin1

And now you're a grandma.

@Beverley617

@@47rintin1 no I'm not 😃

@47rintin1

@@Beverley617 Don't know if I need to say I'm sorry.

@Beverley617

@@47rintin1 no problem

@JamesS001

@@47rintin1 Hello Jan, how are things going with you?

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