A Couple of Swells
Fred Astaire, Judy Garland
Lyrics currently unavailable…
10 facts about this song
Song Origin"A Couple of Swells" is a song from the 1948 movie “Easter Parade.” It was composed by Irving Berlin, renowned composer and lyricist.
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PerformersThe song was performed by Hollywood legends Fred Astaire and Judy Garland, who were both known for their singing and dancing abilities. This was their only film together.
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Movie StoryThe song fits into the movie as part of a vaudeville routine performed by the characters played by Garland and Astaire.
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Signature SongDespite its comedic and slightly downtrodden tone, "A Couple of Swells" became one of Judy Garland's signature songs.
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Song LyricsThe lyrics describe two vagabonds - or “swells” as they call themselves - who dream of being dressed in style and strolling down Fifth Avenue, despite their reality of being dirty and worn out.
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ChoreographyThe choreography in the film was performed in tattered clothes, with the performers (Astaire and Garland) clad in tramp costumes. This contrasted with the style of the high-brow patrons they hoped to one day be.
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Film SuccessThe film, “Easter Parade,” was a box-office success, and has been considered one of the classic "backstage" musicals.
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Facets of PerformanceThe song showcased both Garland's strength in comedy and Astaire's often-overlooked ability to play comedy as well.
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Professional relationshipJudy Garland reportedly called the “A Couple of Swells” number her favorite out of all the ones she ever did. Her professional relationship with Fred Astaire was quite close; she even went on to say that Astaire was her favorite dance partner.
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Cultural ImpactThe song has been covered and referenced multiple times in popular culture, providing further testimony to its enduring impact.
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Citation
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"A Couple of Swells Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 10 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2073450/Fred+Astaire/A+Couple+of+Swells>.
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