THE CONTINENTAL 1 - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"The Continental"—sometimes referred to as "The Continental (You Kiss While You’re Dancing)"—was written by Con Conrad with lyrics by Herb Magidson and published in 1934. The first recording was made in London in 1934 by Carroll Gibbons and the Savoy Hotel Orpheans, shortly after the tune appeared in the film "The Gay Divorcee."

The song later gained enduring recognition through recordings by Fred Astaire, who introduced it in the film, as well as orchestral and ballroom dance arrangements. Its lyrics depict a sophisticated, romantic dance, supported by a smooth, flowing melody built on an extended popular-song structure typical of 1930s film music.