George Gershwin Quotes

Powerful George Gershwin for Daily Growth

About George Gershwin

George Gershwin (1898-1937), a towering figure in American music, was born Jacob Gershvin on September 26, 1898, in Brooklyn, New York. Raised in a Jewish family of Russian immigrants, George showed an early aptitude for music, particularly the piano. His parents, Morris and Rosa, encouraged this talent, even though they aspired for him to become a lawyer or a doctor. At 15, George dropped out of school to pursue music full-time. He began writing songs with his brother Ira, crafting lighthearted, hummable tunes that would quickly gain popularity. Their first hit was "Swanee" in 1919, which made George a star. In the 1920s, Gershwin moved to Paris where he immersed himself in the European classical music scene. This period of his life significantly influenced his compositional style, blending elements of jazz, blues, and classical music into a unique sound that came to be known as 'American' music. Returning to the United States, Gershwin composed some of his most iconic works: "Rhapsody in Blue" (1924), "Fascinating Rhythm" (1924), and "An American in Paris" (1928). These pieces showcased his ability to seamlessly blend popular music with classical structures, creating a bridge between the two worlds. Despite his success, Gershwin's life was cut short by a brain tumor at the age of 38. His legacy, however, lives on through his timeless compositions that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. His quote, "I've tried to make my music sound like America," encapsulates not just his own musical journey, but also his significant role in defining the sound of an era.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I love playing the piano. Music is my mistress and she plays me false."

This quote by George Gershwin suggests that his passion for music is so strong it acts like a lover or muse, captivating him completely. However, he also implies that this passion can sometimes be deceptive or unreliable in providing him with the happiness or inspiration he desires, much like a romantic relationship can be unpredictable. In other words, although music brings immense joy to Gershwin, it can also cause disappointment and frustration due to its elusive nature.

"The function, the purpose of music, is to evoke."

George Gershwin's quote emphasizes that the primary role of music is not just to be heard, but to stir emotions and create an impact on its listeners. In other words, music serves as a powerful means to provoke feelings, memories, thoughts, or responses within people, making it a unique and essential aspect of human experience.

"Life is a little sad, but it's beautiful and I know that it's going to be great at the end, you know? And all you have to do is keep on going and just work hard."

This quote by George Gershwin expresses an optimistic view of life, acknowledging its inherent melancholy yet finding beauty in it. He suggests that despite the challenges, one should persevere with resilience, remain hopeful for a brighter future, and continuously strive through hard work to achieve greatness.

"I've a song in my heart and I think that I shall write it down some day."

George Gershwin's quote suggests a deep-seated creative impulse within him, where a melody he hears in his mind (the "song in [his] heart") is yet to be expressed through the act of writing music ("I shall write it down some day"). This reflects an artist's continuous pursuit of translating their inspiration into tangible art forms. The quote also conveys hope, optimism, and faith that the creative vision will come to fruition in the future.

"I've spent all my life getting as near to the universal language as I can, which is music."

This quote by George Gershwin suggests that he believes music transcends cultural, linguistic, and national boundaries. He spent his life striving to approach this "universal language," implying that music has the power to unite and communicate on a global scale, beyond the need for words or specific languages. Music, in essence, becomes a universal medium of expression, emotion, and understanding.

All these tales of people sitting down and composing symphonies just as though they were writing a letter are very much exaggerated; at least, it isn't that way in my work.

- George Gershwin

Very, Symphonies, Though, Exaggerated

I want to say at once that I frankly believe that Irving Berlin is the greatest songwriter that has ever lived.... His songs are exquisite cameos of perfection, and each one of them is as beautiful as its neighbor. Irving Berlin remains, I think, America's Schubert.

- George Gershwin

I Think, Each One, Remains, Perfection

I frequently hear music in the very heart of noise.

- George Gershwin

Music, Very, Frequently, Hear Music

It took me three weeks to write the 'Rhapsody in Blue.' I had always wanted to write something blue and Paul Whiteman inspired.

- George Gershwin

Always, Took, Weeks, Paul

The extraordinary thing about my mother, she's so modest about me.

- George Gershwin

Mother, She, Extraordinary, Modest

True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time.

- George Gershwin

Music, Thought, Inspirations, Repeat

I didn't even start playing the piano until I was about 13 or 14. I guess I must have had a little talent or whatever-you-call-it, but I practised regularly, and that's what counts.

- George Gershwin

Start, About, Counts, Piano

Life is a lot like jazz... it's best when you improvise.

- George Gershwin

Life, Life Is A, Lot, Improvise

When I'm in my normal mood, music drips from my fingers.

- George Gershwin

Music, Mood, Normal, Fingers

Upper berth, lower berth, that's the difference between talent and genius.

- George Gershwin

Genius, Upper, Lower, Difference

All great composers of the past spent most of their time studying. Feeling alone won't do the job. A man also needs technique.

- George Gershwin

Studying, Needs, Composers, Job

Writing music is not so much inspiration as hard work.

- George Gershwin

Work, Music, Writing, Inspiration

It is always possible to create something original.

- George Gershwin

Possible, Original, Always, Create

Why should I limit myself to only one woman when I can have as many women as I want?

- George Gershwin

Myself, Woman, Want, Limit

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