Cohan began his career as a child, performing with his parents and sister in a vaudeville act known as "The Four Cohans." Beginning with Little Johnny Jones in 1904, he wrote, composed, produced, and appeared in more than three dozen Broadway musicals. Cohan published more than 300 songs during his lifetime, including the standards "Over There", "Give My Regards to Broadway", "The Yankee Doodle Boy" and "You're a Grand Old Flag". As a composer, he was one of the early members of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). He displayed remarkable theatrical longevity, appearing in films until the 1930s, and continuing to perform as a headline artist until 1940.
Known in the decade before World War I as "the man who owned Broadway", he is considered the father of American musical comedy. His life and music were depicted in the Academy Award-winning film Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) and the 1968 musical George M!. A statue of Cohan in Times Square in New York City commemorates his contributions to American musical theatre.
Little Johnny James: Give My Regards to Broadway
George M. Cohan Lyrics
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Upon a foreign shore
When the good ship's just about to start
For old New York once more?
With tear-dimmed eye they say goodbye
They're friends without a doubt
When the man on the pier
Shouts, "Let them clear"
Give my regards to Broadway
Remember me to Herald Square
Tell all the gang at Forty-Second Street
That I will soon be there
Whisper of how I'm yearning
To mingle with the old time throng
Give my regards to old Broadway
And say that I'll be there e'er long
Say hello to dear old Coney Isle
If there you chance to be
When you're at the Waldorf have a smile
And charge it up to me
Mention my name ev'ry place you go
As 'round the town you roam
Wish you'd call on my gal
Now remember, old pal
When you get back home
Give my regards to Broadway
Remember me to Herald Square
Tell all the gang at Forty-Second Street
That I will soon be there
Whisper of how I'm yearning
To mingle with the old time throng
Give my regards to old Broadway
And say that I'll be there e'er long
The song Little Johnny James: Give My Regards to Broadway, written by George M. Cohan in 1904, encapsulates the sentiments of nostalgic Yankees who are about to depart from a foreign land and return to New York. The lyrics tell the story of two friends bidding farewell and parting ways on a ship that is about to set sail for New York. As the ship moves away, the singer implores his friend to give his regards to Broadway and other iconic destinations in New York, reminding him to mention his name and greet his loved ones, especially his girlfriend.
The song captures the essence of homesickness, the longing for a familiar place that one calls home. It paints a vivid picture of New York landmarks and its streets, which are steeped in history and nostalgia. The song's chorus echoes the singer's sentiments and captures the audience's imagination with its catchy tune and memorable lyrics. The lyrics remind us of the emotional attachment to one's home that is universal and timeless.
In conclusion, the song Little Johnny James: Give My Regards to Broadway, is a timeless classic that evokes feelings of homesickness, nostalgia, and longing. Its lyrics paint a vivid picture of New York landmarks and its streets, which remain etched in our memories. The song serves as a reminder that no matter how far we travel, our roots remain deeply embedded in our hearts.
Line by Line Meaning
Did you ever see two Yankees part Upon a foreign shore When the good ship's just about to start For old New York once more?
Have you ever witnessed two Americans parting ways on foreign land, as their ship is soon to leave for New York?
With tear-dimmed eye they say goodbye They're friends without a doubt When the man on the pier Shouts, Let them clear As the ship strikes out
As they bid farewell, their eyes welling up with tears, they're certain of their deep friendship. Then, as the ship departs and the man on the pier signals to clear the way, they start to leave.
Give my regards to Broadway Remember me to Herald Square Tell all the gang at Forty-Second Street That I will soon be there
Please extend my warmest greetings to Broadway, remember me fondly to Herald Square and tell all my friends on Forty-Second Street that I'll join them soon.
Whisper of how I'm yearning To mingle with the old time throng Give my regards to old Broadway And say that I'll be there e'er long
In confidence, please inform them that I'm dying to join the nostalgic crowd of yore. Tell them to give my greetings to old Broadway and reassure them that I'll be there shortly.
Say hello to dear old Coney Isle If there you chance to be When you're at the Waldorf have a smile And charge it up to me
If you happen to find yourself in beloved Coney Island, please give a friendly greeting for me. And, if you find yourself at the Waldorf, please smile on my behalf and charge the bill to me.
Mention my name ev'ry place you go As 'round the town you roam Wish you'd call on my gal Now remember, old pal When you get back home
As you go about your business around town, please mention me wherever you go. I hope you'll visit my girl, and don't forget to remember me when you make it back home.
Give my regards to Broadway Remember me to Herald Square Tell all the gang at Forty-Second Street That I will soon be there Whisper of how I'm yearning To mingle with the old time throng Give my regards to old Broadway And say that I'll be there e'er long
Once again, please offer my warmest greetings to Broadway and Herald Square, and inform all my buddies on Forty-Second Street that I'll join them soon. Tell them how much I'm yearning to experience the nostalgia of old times and extend my regards to old Broadway, assuring them of my imminent arrival.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BARRY MANILOW, BRUCE H. SUSSMAN, GEORGE M. COHAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind