I Got Rhythm
Max von Essen Brandon Uranowitz & Robert Fairchild Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Days can be sunny with never a sigh
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 way
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?

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

Overall Meaning

The song "I Got Rhythm" by George Gershwin is a celebration of life and the joys of simple pleasures that make life worth living. The lyrics express contentment and happiness with one's life, highlighting the fact that one doesn't need material possessions or wealth to be happy. The opening lines, "Days can be sunny with never a sigh, Don't need what money can buy," set the tone for the rest of the song. The singers marvel at the beauty of nature, with birds singing in the trees, and invite the listener to join along in song. The lyrics suggest that happiness is a choice, and it is all about adopting a positive outlook on life.


The chorus of the song declares that the singer has everything they need in life, including rhythm, music, and a loving companion. The reference to "rhythm" reinforces the idea that life is about finding joy in the simple things, such as dancing and singing. The line "I've got my man" suggests that the singer is in a committed relationship, which brings further joy and contentment to their life. The song ends with a repeated declaration of "I've got rhythm," which is a testament to the singer's unwavering positivity and joy.


Overall, "I Got Rhythm" is a feel-good song that celebrates the beauty of life and encourages the listener to find happiness in the simple things. It is an ode to the joys of dancing, singing, and companionship, and a reminder that we all have the power to choose happiness.


Line by Line Meaning

Days can be sunny with never a sigh
Even without any problems or worries, days can be joyful and bright.


Don't need what money can buy
Material possessions are not necessary for happiness.


Birds in the trees sing their dayful of songs
Nature is always singing and we should join in.


Why shouldn't we sing along?
There's no reason not to join in the happiness and joy around us.


I'm chipper all the way
I'm always positive and upbeat.


Happy with my life
I'm content with the way my life is.


How do I get that way?
Others might wonder how I can be so happy all the time.


Look at what I've got:
The reason I'm so happy is because of these wonderful things in my life.


I got rhythm, I got music, I got my man
I have a sense of rhythm and love for music, and most importantly, I have my partner in life.


Who could ask for anything more?
I have everything I need in life and couldn't ask for anything more.


I've got daisies in green pastures
I have beautiful flowers and scenery around me.


Old man trouble, I don't mind him
I don't let problems or difficulties bother me.


You won't find him 'round my door
I don't let troublesome situations come close to me.


I've got starlight
I have the beauty of the night sky and stars above me.


I've got sweet dreams
I have peaceful and pleasant dreams.


Oh, I've got rhythm
I have a natural sense of rhythm and musicality.


I've got music
I have a love and appreciation for music.


I've got daisies in green pastures
I have beautiful flowers and scenery around me.


I've got starlight
I have the beauty of the night sky and stars above me.


I've got sweet dreams
I have peaceful and pleasant dreams.


I've got my man
Most importantly, I have my partner in life.


Who could ask for anything more?
I have everything I need in life and couldn't ask for anything more.


I've got rhythm
I have a natural sense of rhythm and musicality.




Contributed by Ruby S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

Rachel F

I saw this show back in April at Gammage. It was absolutely exquisite! Staging, dancing, lighting... everything was beyond spectacular. This number worked great as an opening number, though I did miss the dancing with the kids that was in the movie.
Also, the recorded music can't even compare to the live music! I was in heaven, as a pianist, hearing all that Gershwin played live :)

Manuel Orozco

To be honest, I have no preference in terms of what happens in the sequence. And I saw the show April last year in Costa Mesa. I agree with everything else you said.

Manuel Orozco

I loved Gene Kelly's version in the movie but the song used as a production number sounds extra spectacular!

Jackson Larson

You know Manuel, I'm starting to get the feeling you like musicals.

71crm

One of my favorite Gerswhin songs!

Manuel Orozco

It's one of my favorite songs in the original movie version of An American in Paris

Eric Shepperd

Such a great show live

Manuel Orozco

I saw the show last Sunday. I wouldn't call it great but semi great. It was so beautifully staged with the sets, costumes, dancing and music.

jamminggoodwithweirdandgilly

can someone please tell me what are the instruments that do this kind of sound that goes from 3:42 to 3:50 cause i love it :,) thanks !

jamminggoodwithweirdandgilly

(not the little percussions lol the other sound more at the background)

More Comments

More Versions