Our Love Is Here to Stay: The Timeless Gershwin Charm and Resilience
Our Love Is Here to Stay is a stunningly beautiful and optimistic standard composed by George Gershwin, with lyrics by Ira Gershwin. It was the last song George wrote before his untimely death in 1937, featured in the film 'The Goldwyn Follies.' Its clear, major-key harmonic structure and incredibly catchy melody have made it an enduring classic of the Great American Songbook and a favorite for jazz musicians to perform with both swing and romanticism.
Introduction: A Tonal Landmark
Analyze the harmonic innovation and cultural impact of Our Love Is Here to Stay. This composition serves as a foundational study in Standard major-key ABAC form and Gershwin-style diatonic grace..
Historical Context
The song became a massive hit after being performed in the 1951 film 'An American in Paris' by Gene Kelly. Historically, it holds a poignant place in jazz history as George Gershwin's final musical gift. It was famously recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and later by modern artists like Diana Krall, showcasing its versatility and timeless appeal.
Interactive Soloing Laboratory
Use the buttons below to visualize key harmonic moments on the fretboard and circle of fifths.
Harmonic Deep-Dive
The harmonic structure is a classic 32-bar ABAC form in the key of F major. It is characterized by its use of standard diatonic progressions (I-VI-ii-V) and elegant secondary dominants that add color without losing the song's joyful character. The 'B' section features a subtle modulatory section that builds tension before returning to the home key with a graceful resolution.
Fmaj7 (I)
Intervals: root, 3, 5, 7
Gm7 - C7 (ii-V)
Intervals: root, b3, 5, b7
Am7 - D7 (iii-VI)
Intervals: root, b3, 5, b7
Recommended Resources for Our Love Is Here to Stay
Sheet: F Ionian (Major)
$5
Sheet: F Dorian (Major)
$5
Sheet: F Phrygian (Major)
$5
Sheet: F Lydian (Major)
$5
Sheet: F Aeolian (Major)
$5
Sheet: F Locrian (Major)
$5
Sheet: F Blues major
$5
Bundle: All F Chords
$25
Bundle: All F Arpeggios
$25
Bundle: All F Scales
$25
Melodic Analysis
The melody is famously lyrical and singable, built on a series of rising fourths and fifths and gentle scale runs that outline the underlying chords with perfect clarity. It has a 'vocal' quality that makes it easy to remember and sing. The phrasing is traditionally relaxed and optimistic, mirroring the song's resilient sentiment.
Rhythmic Foundation
Typically played at a medium to medium-fast swing tempo, Our Love Is Here to Stay requires a consistent and 'bouncing' pocket. The rhythm section should focus on providing a driving pulse that matches the melody's energy. A clear walking bass line and a steady, 'shimmering' ride cymbal are the keys to capturing its character.
Improvisation Strategies
Soloing on this tune requires a 'joyful' and 'melodic' mindset. Use the F major scale as your home base, but lean into the song's elegant resolutions using simple guide-tone lines. Focus on 'thematic development'—building on the song's lyrical motifs while maintaining a strong rhythmic drive. Space and tone quality are essential.
Key Takeaways
The primary takeaway is the mastery of 'Gershwin-style' major-key melodic phrasing and the importance of 'rhythmic bounce' and optimism. It teaches you how to maintain melodic focus within a standard but sophisticated harmonic framework. Additionally, it highlights the enduring genius of George Gershwin.
© 2026 Sheets Media Academy. All Rights Reserved.