Liza
George Gershwin / Peter Donohoe Lyrics
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But if you smile on me, all the clouds will roll away.
Liza, Liza, don't delay
Come keep me company, and the clouds will roll away
See the honey moon a-shinnig down
We could make a date with Parson Brown.
So, Liza, Liza name the day
The lyrics to George Gershwin / Peter Donohoe's song "Liza" are a plea to a woman named Liza to come and keep the singer company. Despite the gray skies and the clouds that threaten to obscure the sun, the singer is certain that Liza's presence would make everything clear and bright. The use of the phrase "all the clouds will roll away" is a metaphor for the dark clouds of sadness and doubt that can sometimes overwhelm us, and the power of love and companionship to dispel them.
The song goes on to suggest that the future could be very bright for Liza and the singer, if they make the most of their time together. There is a suggestion that they might go on a date with Parson Brown, a popular figure in wedding ceremonies, indicating that the singer is thinking of making Liza his partner for life. The final line, "when you'll belong to me, and the clouds will roll away", reinforces the idea that by being together, they will be able to overcome any obstacles that stand in their way.
Line by Line Meaning
Liza, Liza, skies are gray
Addressing Liza, saying that the skies are grey.
But if you smile on me, all the clouds will roll away.
Suggesting that Liza has the power to change his mood, and if she were to smile at him, it would make all of his worries go away.
Liza, Liza, don't delay
Urging Liza not to wait or hesitate.
Come keep me company, and the clouds will roll away
Asking Liza to stay by his side, and suggesting that being around her would lift his spirits.
See the honey moon a-shinnig down
Pointing out the moon shining brightly in the sky.
We could make a date with Parson Brown.
Suggesting that they should meet with Parson Brown, who may be a reference to a religious figure or a justice of the peace for marriage.
So, Liza, Liza name the day
Asking Liza to choose a date for them to officially be together.
When you'll belong to me, and the clouds will roll away
Suggesting that once they are together, all of his problems will disappear and he will be happy.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEORGE GERSHWIN, GUS KAHN, IRA GERSHWIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind