He wrote most of his vocal and theatrical works, including more than a dozen Broadway shows, in collaboration with his elder brother, lyricist Ira Gershwin.
George Gershwin composed music for both Broadway and the classical concert hall, as well as popular songs that brought his work to an even wider public. His compositions have been used in numerous films and on television, and many became jazz standards recorded in numerous variations. Countless singers and musicians have recorded Gershwin songs.
Ira Gershwin (December 6, 1896 – August 17, 1983) was an American lyricist who collaborated with his younger brother, composer George Gershwin, to create some of the most memorable songs of the 20th century.[1]
The success the brothers had with their collaborative works has often overshadowed the creative role that Ira played. However, his mastery of songwriting continued after the early death of George. He wrote additional hit songs with composers Jerome Kern ("Long Ago (and Far Away)"), Kurt Weill and Harold Arlen.
Gone Gone Gone
George and Ira Gershwin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She'd be gone before I could count ten
Well I guess that I didn't believe her
'Cause look at the trouble I'm in
She's gone gone gone gone gone gone
Crying won't bring her back
The more that I cry
The faster the train flies
I lost every right to be happy
When I lost the heaven I'd found
She warned me she'd leave
And she left me before
My first tear hit the ground
She's gone gone gone gone gone gone
Crying won't bring her back
The more that I cry
The faster the train flies
Further on down the track
And if I only knew where to find her
I'd crawl back on my hands and knees
Each tick of the clock's a reminder
She's one second further from me
She's gone gone gone gone gone gone
Crying won't bring her back
The more that I cry
The faster the train flies
Further on down the track
The lyrics of "Gone Gone Gone" by George and Ira Gershwin tell a story of a man who didn't believe his lover's warning that she would leave if he deceived her. And now she's gone, leaving him heartbroken and hopeless. The man laments his loss and cries about how he lost the happiness he had found in her. He longs to find her and make amends, but he's lost all hope of ever finding her again. He compares his sorrow to a train that keeps moving further and further away from him, no matter how much he cries or how hard he tries to catch up.
The song tells a universal story of heartbreak and regret that can be easily relatable to anyone who has lost a love. The remorseful tone of the lyrics is emphasized by the melancholic melody and the mournful harmonies of the music. The song explores the themes of love, loss, and regret in a way that is simple yet powerful.
Line by Line Meaning
She said if I ever deceived her
She warned me that if I ever fooled her
She'd be gone before I could count ten
She would leave me instantly
Well I guess that I didn't believe her
I thought she was joking
'Cause look at the trouble I'm in
But now I realize the seriousness of her words
She's gone gone gone gone gone gone
She has left me completely and inexplicably
Crying won't bring her back
No matter how much I weep, she won't come back
The more that I cry
The greater the sorrow I feel
The faster the train flies
And time passes by more quickly
Further on down the track
As my pain lingers on and worsens
I lost every right to be happy
I deprived myself of the happiness I had
When I lost the heaven I'd found
When I lost her and the paradise we shared
And she left me before
She disappeared before
My first tear hit the ground
I couldn't even cry before she departed
And if I only knew where to find her
If only I knew where she was hiding
I'd crawl back on my hands and knees
I would do anything to regain her favor
Each tick of the clock's a reminder
Every second that passes is a reminder
She's one second further from me
That she has drifted farther away from me
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Harlan Howard
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
radiokid2
Both this and the Miles Davis version are stunning. Even stronger I think is is this same lady doing "My Man's Gone." Very powerful stuff.
John Butcher
I think Gershwin shows much love for these people of colour! His opera is a much underrated masterpiece!
Eagle-Canzone
where is brother robins? Porgy und Bess