by Rodney Punt
Today the Supreme Court struck down the so-called Defence of Marriage Act. They also upheld a lower court's striking down California's Proposition 8 that prevented same-sex marriage. Let's celebrate this validation of the civil rights of the GLBT community with a song written over 80 years ago but still relevant today.
Love is Sweeping the Country was composed by George Gershwin with lyrics by his brother Ira. It was introduced in the 1931 political satire musical Of Thee I Sing, which won Ira Gershwin a Pulitzer Prize.
The YouTube videos below feature two of America's greatest singers: first, a romantic take from Ella Fitzgerald to remind us how serious the underlying theme of today's Supreme Court decision really is; second, a raucously joyful take from Judy Garland to celebrate today in style.
I made two slight changes in the printed lyrics (in red) to celebrate today.
Why are people gay?
All the night and day
Feeling as they never felt before
What is the thing that makes them sing?
Rich man, poor man, thief,
Doctor, lawyer, chief,
Feel a feeling that they can't ignore
It plays a part in every heart
And every heart is shouting, "Encore"
Love is sweeping the country
Waves are hugging the shore
All the sexes from Maine to Texas
Have never known such love before
See them billing and cooing like the birdies above
Each girl and girl alike sharing joy alike
Feels that passion'll, soon be national
Love is sweeping the country
There never was so much love
See them billing and cooing like the birdies above
Each boy and boy alike sharing joy alike
Feels that passion'll, soon be national
Love is sweeping the country
There never was so much love
Above photo from Wiki of James Cagney.
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Rodney Punt can be contacted at [email protected]
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