The song "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?" is such a beautiful tune. It's been recorded by so many iconic vocalists including Buddy Clark, Dick Haymes, Martha Tilton and covered by so many more. The song evokes a sense of nostalgia and a longing for home. Glocca Morra sounds like such a wonderful little village with it's weeping willow trees and leaping little brook that run through it. But, how are things in Glocca Moora? What's really going on there?
Well, sadly, Glocca Morra, Ireland, is a fictional place. It's a shame, because it sounds like it would be a charming place to visit. The song was published in 1946. The music was composed by a gentleman named Burton Lane and the lyrics were written by E.Y. Harburg. The original working lyrics were "There's a glen in Glocca Morra" but later changed to "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?" to evoke that nostalgia I mentioned before.
The song was featured in the musical "Finian's Rainbow" and versions recorded by Buddy Clark and Dick Haymes found their way into the Top 10 on the Billboard Charts. I've included Clark's recording below for your listening pleasure. A funny side note: In an episode of the television show "All In The Family", Archie Bunker refers to New York City as a "regular Sodom and Glocca Morra." Such great writers.
Listen to: "How Are Things In Glocca Morra" by Buddy Clark
You can hear many different versions of "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?" right here on Swing City Radio.
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