My Favorite Harold Arlen Tunes

Harold Arlen wrote the music to some of the best songs of the twentieth century. Not only Over the Rainbow. Just saying.

Read all about Harold Arlen (Hyman Arluk, 1905-1986) right here. A cantor’s son who ran away from Buffalo. And when you’re finished, hear some of his great tunes.

I’ve got the world on a string (lyrics Ted Koehler)

Video From Analyze This.

Chords

It’s only a paper moon (lyrics Yip Harburg and Billy Rose)

Stormy Weather (lyrics Ted Koehler)

chords

And two songs from the Wizard of Oz (lyrics Yip Harburg)

Lyrics to If I only had a brain.

and chart

(lyrics Yip Harburg)

I could while away the hours
Conferrin’ with the flowers,
Consulting with the rain;
And my head I’d be a scratchin’
While my thoughts are busy hatchin’
If I only had a brain.

I’d unravel ev’ry riddle for my
Individdle
In trouble or in pain
With the thoughts that you’ll be thinkin’
You could be another Lincoln
If you only had a brain.

Oh, I, could tell you why
The oceans near the shore
I could think of things I’d never
Thunk before,
And then I’d sit down and think some more.

I would not be just a muffin’,
My head all full of stuffin’,
My heart all full of pain;
And perhaps I’d deserve you and be
Even worthy even you
If I only had a brain.

and If I Only Had a Brain