Of Thee I Sing
Ella Fitzgerald/Nelson Riddle's Orchestra Lyrics
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From north to south, from east to west
You are the love, I love the best
You're the dreamboat in the sweetest story ever told
A dream I sought, both night and day
For years through all, the U.S.A.
The star I hitched my wagon to
Of thee I sing, baby
Summer, autumn, winter, spring, baby.
You're my silver lining,
You're my sky of blue
There's a lovelight shining
Just because of you.
Of thee I sing, baby,
You have got that certain thing, baby
Shining star and inspiration
Worthy of a mighty nation,
Of thee I sing.
Of thee I sing, baby,
You have got that certain thing, baby
Shining star and inspiration
Worthy of a mighty nation,
Of thee I sing.
In "Of Thee I Sing," Ella Fitzgerald sings a love song to America, using poetic language to express her admiration for the country. In the first verse, she describes the vastness of America, going from "the island of Manhattan to the coast of gold." She then declares her love for the country, saying that it is "the love, I love the best." She compares America to a "dreamboat" in the "sweetest story ever told," indicating that it is an idealized version of itself that she is singing about.
The second verse speaks to the idea of the American Dream, with Fitzgerald singing about seeking a dream "both night and day for years through all, the U.S.A." She then proclaims that America is the star she has "hitched my wagon to." The chorus brings it all together, with Fitzgerald singing that America is her "silver lining" and "sky of blue," with a "lovelight shining just because of you." The repetition of "Of thee I sing, baby" emphasizes the love and admiration Fitzgerald has for America.
Line by Line Meaning
From the island of Manhattan to the coast of gold
From the iconic Manhattan cityscape to the idyllic west coast, the breadth of America cannot compete with your beauty and allure.
From north to south, from east to west
Whether I travel the length or the width of the country, my heart always beats for you.
You are the love, I love the best
Out of all the options in this big and varied world, I have chosen you as my one true love.
You're the dreamboat in the sweetest story ever told
Like a beautiful ship that sails smoothly over calm waters, you are the embodiment of a love story that is beautiful and perfect in every way.
A dream I sought, both night and day
Day and night, my heart yearns for you and the beautiful love that we share.
For years through all, the U.S.A.
For as long as I've travelled this country and beyond, my love and devotion to you has never wavered.
The star I hitched my wagon to
Like ancient travelers who follow the stars for guidance, I have chosen you as the light that guides me on my life's journey.
Is very obviously you
It is so clear that you are the one that completes me, the one for whom my heart beats.
Of thee I sing, baby
I sing for you and you alone, my love.
Summer, autumn, winter, spring, baby.
Through every season of the year, through the highs and lows of life, I will always love you.
You're my silver lining,
Even when dark clouds loom overhead, you are my shining ray of hope and light.
You're my sky of blue
Just like a clear blue sky, you are a beacon of beauty, purity, and endless possibilities.
There's a lovelight shining
My love for you is like a bright and everlasting flame that beams brightly in my heart.
Just because of you.
And it is only because of you that this love light shines so bright.
You have got that certain thing, baby
There's just something about you that excites me, something that makes me feel whole and complete.
Shining star and inspiration
You are the star that shines bright, the beacon that inspires me to be my best self.
Worthy of a mighty nation,
You are not just a mere mortal, but a goddess worthy of praise and admiration from every corner of the mighty land.
Of thee I sing.
My heart sings for you and you alone, my love.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind