“We’ll turn Manhattan into an isle of joy.”

The late, great Ella Fitzgerald sings the Rodgers and Hart song “Manhattan”.

Ella Fitzgerald was one of my favorite Americans.  What a voice.  I loved collecting all her old “Songbooks” records — Rodgers & Hart, Cole Porter, The Gershwins, etc.  She was a great interpreter of  the American “Tin Pan Alley” songs.

This Rodgers & Hart song “Manhattan” is a lot of fun, and there are several great New York City references.  The original song also included more lyrics describing other NY places, e.g. Greenwhich Village, etc.  Ella sings the “short version” here.  I love Ms. Fitzgerald’s interpretation.  She transports me to New York City … that is … MY vision of New York City.  The song makes me daydream of the romantic place I think that New York SHOULD be … not the way it actually is.

I raise my glass, and remember you dear lady.

“Manhattan”

Summer journeys to Niag’ra /And to other places aggra-

vate all our (my) cares. / We’ll save our fares;

 

I’ve a cozy little flat in / What is known as old Manhattan,

We’ll settle down / Right here in town.

 

We’ll have Manhattan, / The Bronx and Staten

Island too. / It’s lovely going through the Zoo.

 

It’s very fancy / On old Delancey

Street you know. / The subway charms us so,

When balmy breezes blow / To and fro.

 

And tell me what street / Compares with Mott Street

In July? / Sweet pushcarts gently gliding by.

 

The great big city’s a wondrous toy / Just made for a girl and boy —

We’ll turn Manhattan / Into an isle of joy.

 

We’ll go to Yonkers, / Where true love conquers

In the wilds / And starve together, dear, in Childs'(oh yea).

 

We’ll go to Coney / And eat bologny

On a roll, / In Central Park we’ll stroll

Where our first kiss we stole, / Soul to soul.

 

And “My Fair Lady” / Is a terrific

Show (film) they say, / We both may see it close some day.

 

The city’s clamor(glamour)can never spoil / The dreams of a boy and “goil” —

 We’ll turn Manhattan / Into an isle of joy!

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Also see my Ella board on Pinterest!

 

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