Story Songs: It's All in the Game

One of my favorite love songs is the timeless "It's All in the Game," a No. 1 tune  for Tommy Edwards in 1958. 

The song has an interesting history. The music was composed by Charles Dawes, in 1911 as "Melody in A Major." He later became vice president under Calvin Coolidge. The lyrics were by Carl Sigman, penned 40 years later. 

It's a simple love song about a couple falling in love, then having a minor spate, and making up. As the lyrics say, it's part of the game of courtship that I'm sure most of us have played at least once if not several times.

It opens with:

"Many a tear has to fall

But it's all in the game

All in the wonderful game

That we know as love

You have words with him

And your future's looking dim"

And in the second verse:

"Once in a while he won't call

But it's all in the game"

Then comes the kisses and flowers as the couple gets back together:

"Soon he'll be there at your side

With a sweet bouquet

Then he'll kiss your lips

And caress your waiting fingertips

And your hearts will fly away"

Ah, sweet love!

Edwards first recorded the song in 1951, and it reached No. 18 on the pop charts. Seven years later, with more of a rock 'n' roll tempo, it topped the chart.

Edwards had several minor hits after "It's All in the Game." Sadly, he passed away in 1969 at the age of 47 from a  brain aneurysm. 

The classic song has been covered by numerous artists, such as Cass Elliott, Merle Haggard, Barry Manilow,  Bobby Bare, and George Benson and Neil Sedaka. It ranks No. 18 on Billboard's All-Time Top 100.

"It's All in the Game" lyrics