Ruth Etting - "SHINE ON HARVEST MOON" (1931)

Shine On, Harvest Moon
(from Ziegfeld Follies of 1931)
Words and music by Nora Bayes and Jack Norworth
Ruth Etting, vocal. Recorded July 28, 1931, in New York. Originally issued on Perfect 12737.

This year the Harvest Moon falls on Monday, September 12

This song was first introduced by Nora Bayes and songwriter-husband, Jack Norworth in the Ziegfeld Follies of 1908. Ruth Etting's performance of the song in the Ziegfeld Follies of 1931 was a tribute to Nora Bayes. The 1931 production of the Follies was the last to be produced under the direction Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr.; he died shortly thereafter in 1932. It's interesting to note that Nora Bayes recorded this song for Victor in 1910 but it was never released.

"Oh, shine on, shine on,
harvest moon up in the sky,
I ain't had no lovin'
since April, January, June, or July.
Snow time ain't no time
to stay outdoors and spoon,
So shine on, shine on, harvest moon,
For me and my gal."

FULL HARVEST MOON
Traditionally, this designation goes to the full moon that occurs closest to the Autumnal (fall) Equinox. The Harvest Moon usually comes in September, and this year (2011) it will fall on Monday, 12 September. At the peak of the harvest, farmers can work into the night by the light of this moon. Usually the full Moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, but for the few nights around the Harvest Moon, the moon seems to rise at nearly the same time each night: just 25 to 30 minutes later across the U.S., and only 10 to 20 minutes later for much of Canada and Europe. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice — the chief Indian staples — are now ready for gathering.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Shine on Harvest Moon
• Ruth Etting
• September 12
• Ziegfeld
• Follies
• Nora Bayes
• Jack Norworth
• 1931
• Perfect
• 12737
• Harvest Moon

[bsgs98]

The official harvest moon this year is Monday, September 12, 2011.

[Micelli1947]

I can remember this song when I was a little boy with my younger brother. Brings back many fond memories, Thank you for the music!!

[bsgs98]

@Micelli1947 It's remarkable that a song written in 1908 is still enjoyed today. Thanks for your comment.

[ironduke27]

Okay, honest question, the verse, "Stay outdoors and spoon" Is spoon used in the context I'm thinking of? Or did it mean something totally different back then. Either way, this song just may be to hot for radio, haha jk.

[bsgs98]

@ironduke27 In the 1920s, to "spoon" was to hug and kiss. Its meaning has evolved somewhat since then.  Compared to the contemporary definition, it was somewhat innocent then.

[Corrie121]

Great song perfectly rendered by the great Ruth Etting. This is a wonderful post and I thank you for sharing.

[LyleYoung]

love this song, love her voice..

[brunopalladino]

if you're here because of Two and a Half Men, thumbs up ! (;

[gmckennon]

Utterly charming!

[jgmamba]

I Love Lucy!

[TheOhRiley]

WHAT OLD DISNEY MOVIE USED THIS SONG?!

[medmond6]

@ironduke27 To spoon means to pitch woo. doncha know nuthin?

[sekatyvr]

@Micelli1947

The English Harvest Moon is October for 2011 and the September Moon in English is called the Fruit Moon . . .

[czechconcertinakid83]

She was absolutely beautiful, and an amazing voice.

[andy957]

Love it! Thanks so much for posting this treasure.