The Meaning Behind The Song: I Get A Kick Out Of You by Ethel Merman
“I Get A Kick Out Of You” is a popular song that was written by Cole Porter. The song has been performed by various artists over the years, but it’s Ethel Merman’s version that is most memorable. The song was originally written for the musical “Anything Goes,” which premiered in 1934. The song has since become one of the most popular and enduring classics of the American songbook.
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The song is about love and the thrill of being around someone who excites you. It’s a song that captures the feeling of falling in love and the excitement that comes with it. It’s a song that speaks to the heart and soul of anyone who has ever been in love.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “I Get A Kick Out Of You” are simple yet powerful. The opening lines of the song set the tone for what’s to come:
“My story is much too sad to be told,
But practically everything leaves me totally cold.”
The song then goes on to describe how the singer’s cold and unfeeling heart is awakened by the love of another. The chorus is the most memorable part of the song:
“I get no kick from champagne,
Mere alcohol doesn’t thrill me at all,
But I get a kick out of you.”
The lyrics of this song are meant to convey the idea that love is more exciting than any physical sensation. Love is the ultimate thrill, and it’s something that can’t be found in anything else.
The Music
The music of “I Get A Kick Out Of You” is upbeat and lively. It’s a song that’s meant to be danced to, and the music reflects that. The song is most commonly played on piano and guitar, but there have been many other arrangements over the years.
The melody of “I Get A Kick Out Of You” is both memorable and catchy. It’s a tune that’s easy to remember and even easier to hum along to. The music of this song perfectly complements the lyrics, creating a perfect blend of sound and meaning.
The Legacy
“I Get A Kick Out Of You” has remained popular for over 80 years. The song has been covered by countless artists, and it’s become a staple in the repertoire of many jazz and cabaret performers.
The song has also been used in movies, TV shows, and commercials. Its memorable lyrics and catchy tune have made it a favorite of filmmakers and advertisers alike. The song’s legacy is secure, and it’s likely to remain popular for many years to come.
FAQs:
Q: What inspired Cole Porter to write “I Get A Kick Out Of You”?
Cole Porter was inspired to write “I Get A Kick Out Of You” by his own experiences with love and romance. According to his wife, Linda Lee Thomas, Porter was madly in love with her when he wrote the song. She was his inspiration, and he wrote the song as a tribute to her.
Q: Why is Ethel Merman’s version of the song so popular?
Ethel Merman’s version of “I Get A Kick Out Of You” is so popular because of her powerful voice and dynamic performance. Merman was known for her ability to convey emotion through her singing, and she did so brilliantly in this song. Her version of the song is still considered to be one of the best ever recorded.
Q: What is the meaning behind the lyrics of “I Get A Kick Out Of You”?
The lyrics of “I Get A Kick Out Of You” are about falling in love and the excitement that comes with it. The song is meant to convey the idea that love is more exciting than any physical sensation. It’s a song that celebrates the thrill of being around someone who excites you.
Q: Has “I Get A Kick Out Of You” won any awards?
“I Get A Kick Out Of You” has not won any major awards, but it’s considered to be one of the greatest songs ever written. The song has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, which recognizes recordings that have “qualitative or historical significance.”
Q: How has “I Get A Kick Out Of You” influenced popular culture?
“I Get A Kick Out Of You” has influenced popular culture in many ways. The song has been used in movies, TV shows, and commercials, and it’s become a staple in many jazz and cabaret performances. The song has also been covered by countless artists over the years.
Q: Who has covered “I Get A Kick Out Of You”?
“I Get A Kick Out Of You” has been covered by countless artists over the years. Some of the most notable covers include those by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, and Billie Holiday. The song has also been covered by contemporary artists, such as Michael Bublé and Jamie Cullum.
Q: Is “I Get A Kick Out Of You” a difficult song to sing?
“I Get A Kick Out Of You” can be a difficult song to sing, especially for those who don’t have a strong vocal range. The song requires a lot of energy and emotion, and it can be challenging to convey those qualities through singing. However, with the right technique and training, most singers can perform the song successfully.
Q: What makes “I Get A Kick Out Of You” a timeless classic?
“I Get A Kick Out Of You” is a timeless classic because of its memorable lyrics and catchy tune. The song captures the feeling of falling in love and the excitement that comes with it. The song has touched the hearts of countless people over the years, and its appeal shows no signs of fading.
Q: Has “I Get A Kick Out Of You” been used in any movies?
“I Get A Kick Out Of You” has been used in many movies over the years. Some of the most notable include “Airplane!,” “De-Lovely,” and “At Long Last Love.” The song has also been used in TV shows, such as “The Sopranos” and “Sex and the City.”
Q: What other songs did Cole Porter write for “Anything Goes”?
Cole Porter wrote several other songs for “Anything Goes,” including “You’re the Top,” “Blow, Gabriel, Blow,” and “Friendship.” All of these songs have become classics of the American songbook.
Q: What is the tempo of “I Get A Kick Out Of You”?
The tempo of “I Get A Kick Out Of You” is generally fast and upbeat. The song is meant to be danced to, and the tempo reflects that. However, there have been many slower and more subdued versions of the song recorded over the years.
Q: What is the significance of “I Get A Kick Out Of You”?
“I Get A Kick Out Of You” is significant because it’s one of the greatest songs ever written. The song captures the feeling of falling in love and the excitement that comes with it. It’s a song that has touched the hearts of countless people over the years, and it’s likely to remain popular for many years to come.
Q: How has “I Get A Kick Out Of You” been received by critics?
“I Get A Kick Out Of You” has been universally praised by critics. The song is considered to be one of the greatest examples of American popular music, and it’s often cited as an example of Cole Porter’s genius as a songwriter. The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, and it’s likely to remain popular for many years to come.
