Back Bay Polka (But Not in Boston)

George Gershwin

2 fans

George Gershwin

George Gershwin (September 26, 1898 – July 11, 1937) was an American composer and pianist. Gershwin's compositions spanned both popular and classical genres, and his most popular melodies are widely known. Among his best known works are the orchestral compositions Rhapsody in Blue and An American in Paris, as well as the opera Porgy and Bess. more »


2:19
128 
#1

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Give up the fond embrace,
Pass up that pretty face
You're of the human race --
But not in Boston.

Think as the neighbors think,
Make lemonade your drink
You'll be the Missing Link --
If you don't wear spats in Boston.

Painters who paint the nude
We keep repressing
We take the attitude
Even a salad must have dressing.

New York or Philadelph'
Won't put you on the shelf
If you would be yourself --
But you can't be yourself in Boston.

You can't be yourself
You can't be yourself
You can't be yourself
In Boston!

Don't speak the naked truth --
What's naked is uncouth
It may go in Duluth --
But not in Boston.

Keep up the cultured pose
Keep looking down your nose
Keep up the status quos --
Or you'll get nowhere in Boston.

Books that are out of key
We quickly bury
You will find liberty
In Mr. Webster's dictionary.

On Boston beans you dine
Then go to bed at nine
You mustn't undermine
The town of Boston

No song except a hymn
And keep your language prim
You call a leg a limb
Or they'll boot you out of Boston.

You're of the bourgeoisie,
And no one bothers --
Not if your fam'ly tree
Doesn't date from the Pilgrim Fathers.

Therefore, when all is said,
Life is so limit-ed,
You find, unless you're dead,
You never get ahead in Boston.
You never get ahead,
You never get ahead,
You never get ahead in Boston.

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Written by: GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

Discuss the Back Bay Polka (But Not in Boston) Lyrics with the community:

1 Comment
  • josephe.38661
    Evidently there are local theater variants of the lyrics. I have a Bobby Short album that includes a stanza about
    One day it's way too hot
    Then cold as you-know-what
    And then something about "weather anywhere like Boston."
    I'd quote it directly but the album isn't anywhere easily accessible! :) 
    LikeReply2 years ago

Citation

Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

Style:MLAChicagoAPA

"Back Bay Polka (But Not in Boston) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 12 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/29879681/George+Gershwin/Back+Bay+Polka+%28But+Not+in+Boston%29>.

Missing lyrics by George Gershwin?

Know any other songs by George Gershwin? Don't keep it to yourself!

Watch the song video

Back Bay Polka (But Not in Boston)

497
4     0

Browse Lyrics.com

Quiz

Are you a music master?

»
Finish The Weeknd's lyric: “Ooh, I’m _______ by the lights No I can’t sleep until I feel your _____”.
A Blinded, touch
B Dragged, love
C Shaken, kiss
D Trusted, skin

Free, no signup required:

Add to Chrome

Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

Free, no signup required:

Add to Firefox

Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

George Gershwin tracks

On Radio Right Now

Loading...

Powered by OnRad.io


Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!