Eddie Lang (October 25, 1902 – March 26, 1933) was an American jazz guitarist, regarded by some as the Father of Jazz Guitar.
Giuseppe "Joe" Venuti, considered the father of jazz violin, pioneered the use of string instruments in jazz along with the guitarist Eddie Lang, a childhood friend of his. Through the 1920s and early 1930s, Venuti and Lang made many recordings, as leader and as featured soloists. He and Lang became so well known for their 'hot' violin and guitar solos that on many commercial dance recordings they were hired to do 12- or 24-bar duos towards the end of otherwise stock dance arrangements. In 1926, Venuti and Lang started recording for the OKeh label as a duet (after a solitary duet issued on Columbia), followed by "Blue Four" combinations, which are considered milestone jazz recordings. Venuti also recorded a number of larger, more commercial dance records for OKeh under the name "New Yorkers".
Eddie Lang was born Salvatore Massaro, the son of an Italian-American instrument maker in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At first, he took violin lessons for 11 years. In school he became friends with Joe Venuti, with whom he would work for much of his career. He was playing professionally by about 1918, playing violin, banjo, and guitar. He worked with various bands in the USA's north-east, worked in London (late 1924 to early 1925), then settled in New York City.
He played a Gibson L-4 and L-5 guitar, providing great influence for many guitarists, including Django Reinhardt.
I Got Rhythm
Joe Venuti & Eddie Lang Lyrics
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Don't need what money can buy
Birds in the trees sing their dayful of songs
Why shouldn't we sing along?
I'm chipper all the day
Happy with my life
How do I get that way?
Look at what I've got:
I got rhythm, I got music, I got my man
Who could ask for anything more?
I've got daisies in green pastures
I've got my man
Who could ask for anything more?
Old man trouble I don't mind him
You won't find him 'round my door
I've got starlight
I've got sweet dreams
I've got my man
Who could ask for anything more?
Old man trouble, I don't mind him
You won't find him 'round my door
I've got starlight
I've got sweet dreams
I've got my man
Who could ask for anything more?
Oh, I've got rhythm
I've got music
I've got daisies in green pastures
I've got starlight
I've got sweet dreams
I've got my man
Who could ask for anything more?
I've got rhythm, I've got rhythm
In the opening lines of "I Got Rhythm," the singer describes the beauty and contentment found in simple pleasures, emphasizing the idea that happiness does not always require material wealth. The imagery of sunny days and birds singing in the trees sets a carefree and joyful tone, suggesting that one can find joy in nature and everyday experiences. The invitation to "sing along" with the birds in their dayful of songs encourages a sense of participation in the happiness that surrounds them.
As the lyrics transition to the chorus, the singer expresses gratitude for the abundance of positivity in their life. The repetition of the phrase "I've got" reinforces a sense of abundance and satisfaction, highlighting the presence of music, a loving partner, and the beauty of nature. The mention of daisies in green pastures evokes a picturesque scene of tranquility and abundance, symbolizing a peaceful and idyllic existence that brings joy and fulfillment.
The refrain of "Old man trouble, I don't mind him / You won't find him 'round my door" conveys a sense of resilience and optimism in the face of challenges. The persona refuses to let negativity or hardship disrupt their inner peace, instead focusing on the positive aspects of their life. The references to starlight and sweet dreams evoke a sense of magic and wonder, suggesting a life filled with beauty and enchantment.
In the final lines of the song, the repetition of the phrase "I've got" culminates in a powerful declaration of the singer's abundant blessings. The mention of rhythm and music reinforces the idea that joy can be found in the simple pleasures of life, while the presence of a loving partner is celebrated as a source of comfort and happiness. The overall message of the song is one of gratitude and contentment, emphasizing the importance of finding happiness in the present moment and cherishing the blessings that surround us.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind