The Real American Folk Song (Is a Rag) by George Gershwin
The Real American Folk Song (Is a Rag) by George Gershwin

The Real American Folk Song (Is a Rag)

George Gershwin

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The Real American Folk Song (Is a Rag) by George Gershwin

Release Date
Thu Oct 24 1918
Performed by
George Gershwin
About

This song holds the distinction of being the first song written by the Gershwin brothers to be performed in a public forum. It was introduced by Nora Bayes in a show called Ladies First in October 1918.

The Real American Folk Song (Is a Rag) Lyrics

(Verse 1)
Near Barcelona the peasant croons
The old traditional Spanish tunes
The Neapolitan street song sighs
You think of Italian skies
Each nation has a creative vein
Originating a native strain
With folk songs plaintive and others gay
In their own peculiar way
American folk songs, I feel
Have a much stronger appeal

(Chorus)
The real American folk song is a rag
A mental jag
A rhythmic tonic
For the chronic
Blues
The critics called it a joke song, but now
They've changed their tune
And they like it somehow
For it's inoculated
With a syncopated
Sort of meter
Sweeter
Than a classic strain
Boys, you can't remain
Still and quiet
For it's a riot
The real American folk song
Is like a fountain of youth
You taste and it elates you
And then invigorates you
The real American folk song
A masterstroke song
Is a rag!

(Verse 2)
You may dislike or you may adore
The native songs from a foreign shore
They may be songs you can't forget
They may be distinctive, yet
They lack a something, a certain snap
The tempo ticklish that makes you tap
The invitation to agitate
And leave the rest to fate
A raggy refrain anytime
Sends a message sublime

(Chorus)
The real American folk song is a rag
A mental jag
A rhythmic tonic
For the chronic
Blues
The critics called it a joke song, but now
They've changed their tune
And they like it somehow
For it's inoculated
With a syncopated
Sort of meter
Sweeter
Than a classic strain
Boys, you can't remain
Still and quiet
For it's a riot
The real American folk song
Is like a fountain of youth
You taste and it elates you
And then invigorates you
The real American folk song
A masterstroke song
Is a rag!

The Real American Folk Song (Is a Rag) Q&A

Who wrote The Real American Folk Song (Is a Rag)'s ?

The Real American Folk Song (Is a Rag) was written by George Gershwin & Ira Gershwin.

When did George Gershwin release The Real American Folk Song (Is a Rag)?

George Gershwin released The Real American Folk Song (Is a Rag) on Thu Oct 24 1918.

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