February 15 - Harold Arlen (The Musical Birthday Series, 2nd Annual Cycle)

Harold Arlen (15 February 1905 – 23 April 1986) was an American composer of popular songs and Broadway shows.

[For last year's  limerick on John Adams click here.] 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Brace of Limericks on Harold Arlen

“In an appraisal of Harold Arlen’s work I must guard against over-enthusiasm.” --Alec Wilder, American Popular Song, p. 253

 

(1) 

Zeitgeist; or, In the Depression, Was I Depressed?

The secret to Arlen’s success is

Each song that he wrote more-or-less is

A snapshot in time,

Through his music and rhyme, 

Where the Geist of his day coalesces.

(2)

Pro forma

Mr. Arlen wrote dozens of hits,

With lyrics by all the best wits.

He sought to bring more

To the emotional core

Which the thirty-two bar form permits.

 

 

 

 If you enjoy these posts, please help me, and consider sharing.  [Also, please visit my other blog: Alternate Takes: Great Art Repurposed.]