Composer

:

Lewis F. Muir

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1912

Average_duration

:

2:23

"Waiting for the Robert E. Lee" is a popular American song composed by Lewis F. Muir in 1912. The song was first premiered in the Broadway musical "The Time, the Place and the Girl" on December 23, 1909. The song became an instant hit and was later recorded by various artists, including Al Jolson, Bing Crosby, and Judy Garland. The song is composed in a 2/4 time signature and has a lively and upbeat tempo. It is characterized by its catchy melody and simple lyrics that tell the story of a man waiting for the Robert E. Lee steamboat to arrive. The song's chorus is particularly memorable, with its repeated refrain of "Waiting for the Robert E. Lee, the cotton and the corn and the beans." The song is divided into three distinct movements, each with its own unique melody and lyrics. The first movement sets the scene, with the narrator describing his anticipation for the arrival of the Robert E. Lee. The second movement is more upbeat and features a call-and-response section between the narrator and a group of people waiting with him. The final movement is a reprise of the chorus, with the narrator expressing his excitement as the steamboat finally arrives. Overall, "Waiting for the Robert E. Lee" is a classic example of early 20th-century American popular music. Its catchy melody and simple lyrics have made it a beloved song for generations, and it continues to be performed and recorded to this day.

More....