“April Showers” by Al Jolson (1921)

MUSIC VIDEO

LYRICS

Life is not a highway strewn with flowers

Still it holds a goodly share of bliss
When the sun gives way to April showers
Here is the point you should never miss

Though April showers may come your way
They bring the flowers that bloom in May
So if it's raining, have no regrets
Because it isn't raining rain, you know, (It's raining violets,)
And where you see clouds upon the hills
You soon will see crowds of daffodils
So keep on looking for a blue bird, And list'ning for his song
Whenever April showers come along

And where you see clouds upon the hills
You soon will see crowds of daffodils
So keep on looking for a blue bird, And list'ning for his song
Whenever April showers come along

ANALYSIS
            Al Jolson first rose to fame as a singer of coon songs in blackface; his most notable role was as the star of “The Jazz Singer” in 1927. He and the music style he belonged to (Tin Pan Alley) did little to help if not hurt African Americans or to address other current social issues of the time. Rather, Tin Pan Alley songs like Jolson’s “April Showers,” were escapist, romantic, and aimed at white America. The lyrics create a sentimental ballad complete with references to a “blue bird”--a common Tin Pan Alley symbol of happiness/cheer. The song is optimistic and sappy, preaching hope “whenever April showers come along” (“Al Jolson...” 2001). These more flowery sentiments are matched by an elaborate and ornate orchestral accompaniment.

WORKS CITED

“Al Jolson – April Showers.” Genius, 1 Feb. 2001, genius.com/Al-jolson-april-showers-

            lyrics#note-15548766.