I'M FOREVER BLOWING BUBBLES - VERSE - Free Jazz Leadsheet
Composed by Jaan Kenbrovin (music) and John William Kellette (lyrics) in 1918, the verse of "i'm forever blowing bubbles" introduces the song that would become a long-standing cultural favorite. The verse sets the stage with a gentle, narrative style before leading into the more famous chorus.
The initial recording occurred in 1919 by Ben Selvin and his Orchestra in New York City, highlighting the song's light, singable melody. Subsequent recordings by artists like Rudy Vallee and Guy Lombardo helped cement its popularity in the 1920s and beyond, particularly in both American and British popular music.
The lyrics convey wistful longing and ephemeral hope, mirrored by a simple verse structure and lilting melodic lines that resolve into the iconic chorus. Its phrasing and harmonic patterns invite subtle embellishments, making it adaptable for jazz and pop interpretations.