Rhapsody In Blue
Paul Whiteman And His Concert Orchestra Lyrics
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I'm somewhere in another world, alone with you
Sharing all the joys we used to know
Many moons ago
Once again your face comes back to me
Just like the theme of some forgotten melody
In the album of my memory
It seems like only yesterday
The small cafe, a crowded floor
And as we danced the night away
I hear you say forever more
And then the song became a sigh
Forever more became goodbye
Cause you remained in my heart, but
Tell me darling in there still a spark?
Or only lonely ashes of the flame we knew
Should I go on whistling in the dark,
Serenade in blue
The lyrics of Paul Whiteman’s “Rhapsodie in Blue” paint a picture of a wistful and nostalgic reminiscence of a past relationship. The opening lines of the song, “When I hear that Serenade in blue, I'm somewhere in another world, alone with you,” suggest that the song is evoking memories of a particular tune that has a profound emotional impact on the singer. The Serenade in Blue becomes a metaphor for the lost lover with whom the singer shared joys from many years ago.
The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of longing and questioning, with the singer wondering if the spark of the old love still burns, or if it has been completely extinguished. The lines “Tell me darling in there still a spark? Or only lonely ashes of the flame we knew, should I go on whistling in the dark, Serenade in blue” express the conflict and uncertainty that the singer feels about the old relationship.
The song’s haunting melody complements the sad and nostalgic lyrics. The use of the orchestral arrangement adds a dreamy, almost mystical quality to the song. The melancholic tune, combined with the lyrics, makes “Rhapsodie in Blue” a perfect example of a romantic ballad that is both reflective and evocative.
Line by Line Meaning
When I hear that Serenade in blue
Whenever I listen to the song Serenade in blue
I'm somewhere in another world, alone with you
I feel like I am transported to another world, with just you and me
Sharing all the joys we used to know
Recalling all the happy experiences we once shared
Many moons ago
A long time back in the past
Once again your face comes back to me
Your memories flash back in my mind again
Just like the theme of some forgotten melody
Similar to a tune that was lost in my memory
In the album of my memory
The memories I have preserved in my mind
Serenade in blue
The song Serenade in blue
It seems like only yesterday
It feels like it was just yesterday
The small cafe, a crowded floor
The little cafe, filled with people dancing
And as we danced the night away
As we enjoyed dancing all night together
I hear you say forever more
You promised to be with me forever
And then the song became a sigh
But later, the song became a painful remembrance
Forever more became goodbye
The promise of forever became a painful farewell
Cause you remained in my heart, but
Although you stayed in my heart, but
Tell me darling in there still a spark?
Are there any remnants of love left?
Or only lonely ashes of the flame we knew
Or just the memories of the love that we had once shared
Should I go on whistling in the dark,
Should I keep reminding myself of the past, without any hope?
Serenade in blue
The song Serenade in blue
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARRY WARREN, MACK GORDON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Vertigo Official Band
for some reason, I have always preferred the original acoustic recording. although the orchestration and quality of sound is little in terms of sophistication compared to other versions, I just find I love this one more than any others. I have a Columbia 78 of this played by someone else, and it's really not the same. I think its the real pronunciation on the clarinet glissando and Gershwin's masterful piano playing that really does it for me. also I feel that the original jazziness that was intended for it has been lost through the years.
Felix Cox
The electric recording gets all the attention, but this one is clearly superior in terms of interpretation.
Luis Mihovilcevic
@preservationhall01 Thanks for your information!!!
preservationhall01
@OldiesAl There was something very innovative going on here to produce this clarity. Instead of using one recording horn, Victor placed several throughout the orchestra all connected to the single recording diaphragm by rubber hoses. In that manner, all sections of the orchestra could be equally recorded and the volume could be softened giving this its' clear beautiful quality. Next year, 1925, the Western Electric microphone was invented and was in use. 1920sfan just uploaded Whiteman's "Where the Dreamy Wabash Flows" and we were amazed that it was not an electrical recording but could not have been as it was recorded in 1924.~ Victor Talking Machine most likely used the "multiple horn" method for that recording too.
OldiesAl
Thanks for your comment Felix, there is something magical about this recording, great clarity for an acoustic recording too
singinjohnny
What a beautiful performance and recording! Considering the available technology back then, this sounds wonderfully full of life. It's also interesting to hear the interpretation played by wonderful musicians who lived in that time. It intrigues me to think that this was made by such a highly talented and well rehearsed band in not necessarily the most desirable conditions, considering today's comfort expectations and the fact that this was made in early June prior to air conditioning.
The Brazilian Atlantis
"Don't let them kid you about Whiteman. He has been a big man in our music." -- Duke Ellington (to the New York Times, 1943).
Gerald Sloan
The music of George and Ira Gershwin is still very relevant today.
John Halbert
😊😊 😊 I'm very vpls to know I'm not the only one that loves😍 👆 the song but when last did you play it 💖
Mark Conlan
I've loved this recording since I first heard it on an RCA Victrola LP reissue in the early 1980's, backed by Nathaniel Shilkret's 1929 world premiere recording of "An American in Paris" and Gershwin's own recordings of his "Three Preludes" and eight of his songs. Amazing, and better than the Whiteman-Gershwin electrical version from 1927 and the two subsequent Whiteman recordings from the 1950's. This and Gershwin's solo piano roll from 1925 and 1927 are the definitive performances of "Rhapsody in Blue."