Saturday, April 20, 2013

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.

2 comments:

  1. Beautiful memories! I do remember this one, but would have sworn it was done by Nat King Cole. Shows how much I know!
    I like how you do your homework so to speak and educate us on the music writers. People I least expect to be writing music pop up on here. Thank you!

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  2. Actually, Nat King Cole covered the song as well. As for me, I've loved music all my life. I guess it started with Elvis back in the 1950s.

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