LOVE IS SWEEPING THE COUNTRY

fr "Of Thee I Sing" 1931 musical New York
George Gershwin (m) Ira Gershwin (l)  1931

as rec by Ella Fitzgerald w Nelson Riddle & his Orch  
July 18th 1959 Hollywood


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 th 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 boy 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 girl and boy alike,
Sharing joy alike,
Feels that passion'll
Soon be national!
Love is sweeping the country,
There never was so much love!




(Transcribed by Peter Akers - February 2012)