Composer

:

Jerome Kern

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Show Tune

First Performance

:

1927

Average_duration

:

3:56

"Ol' Man River" is a classic American song composed by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. The song was written for the musical "Show Boat," which premiered on December 27, 1927, at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City. The musical was based on the novel of the same name by Edna Ferber and was a groundbreaking work in the history of American musical theater. "Ol' Man River" is a powerful and haunting song that has become a standard in the American songbook. The song is sung by the character Joe, a black stevedore who works on the Mississippi River. The lyrics of the song reflect the struggles and hardships faced by African Americans in the early 20th century, particularly those who worked in manual labor jobs. The song is composed in the key of C minor and is in 4/4 time. It is a slow and mournful ballad that is characterized by its simple melody and powerful lyrics. The song is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own melody and lyrics. The first section of the song is sung by Joe and is a reflection on the hardships of life on the river. The lyrics describe the river as a symbol of the struggles faced by African Americans, with the line "You and me, we sweat and strain, body all achin' and racked with pain" capturing the physical toll of manual labor. The second section of the song is a chorus that is sung by the ensemble. The lyrics of the chorus reflect the idea that the river is a constant force that has been present throughout history, with the line "That same ol' river that just keeps rollin' along" capturing the idea of the river as a symbol of continuity. The final section of the song is a reprise of the first section, sung by Joe. The lyrics of this section are more introspective, with Joe reflecting on his own mortality and the idea that the river will continue to flow long after he is gone. Overall, "Ol' Man River" is a powerful and moving song that has become a classic in the American songbook. Its simple melody and powerful lyrics have made it a favorite of singers and audiences alike, and it continues to be performed and recorded to this day.

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