Composer

:

Jerome Kern

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

First Performance

:

1929

Average_duration

:

3:02

"Why Was I Born?" is a popular song composed by Jerome Kern, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. The song was written for the 1929 musical "Sweet Adeline" and was first performed on Broadway on September 3, 1929. The musical was a success, running for 234 performances. The song is a ballad that is typically performed in a slow tempo. It is written in the key of F major and has a 32-bar form. The melody is characterized by its sweeping, romantic lines and its use of chromaticism. The lyrics are introspective and melancholic, exploring the theme of unrequited love and the pain of longing for someone who does not reciprocate one's feelings. "Why Was I Born?" has been recorded by many artists over the years, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Barbra Streisand. It has also been featured in several films, including the 1936 musical "Show Boat" and the 1953 drama "The Actress." The song is often considered one of Kern's finest compositions, and it is notable for its emotional depth and its ability to evoke a sense of longing and heartache. Its popularity has endured over the years, and it remains a beloved standard in the American songbook.

More....