Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Inauguration Theme Song

I've been watching a lot of old movies lately, as I've found escapism great for the soul. Therefore a phrase in Barack Obama's inaugural speech sounded especially familiar: "pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again." Perhaps not coincidentally, it echoes a song that was popular during the Depression, sung by Ginger Rogers & Fred Astaire in the 1936 movie "Swing Time." Nearly three-quarters of a century later, the lyrics are still fresh and timely.

From "Pick Yourself Up," words by Dorothy Field, music by Jerome Kern:
Nothing's impossible I have found,
For when my chin is on the ground,
I pick myself up,
Dust myself off,
Start all over again.

Don't lose your confidence if you slip,
Be grateful for a pleasant trip,
And pick yourself up,
Dust yourself off,
Start all over again.

Work like a soul inspired,
Till the battle of the day is won.
You may be sick and tired,
But you'll be a man, my son!

Will you remember the famous men,
Who had to fall to rise again?
So take a deep breath,
Pick yourself up,
Dust yourself off,
Start all over again.

3 comments:

Kim Rossi Stagliano said...

I love that song. A fitting choice. It was a glorious day.

Bella Stander said...

Still is a glorious day here in Denver! The sun hasn't gone down yet. And it's 68F. WOOHOO!!!

Kim Rossi Stagliano said...

Show off! Frigid in Connecticut. A foot of snow! School delays that won't quit. It makes me
gampadi! (My word ver. It sounds like a proper Italian swear!)