THEY CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“they can’t take that away” (commonly known as They Can’t Take That Away from Me) was composed by George Gershwin with lyrics by Ira Gershwin in 1937. It was introduced by Fred Astaire in the film Shall We Dance and first recorded on March 14, 1937 in Los Angeles with Johnny Green and His Orchestra. Over time, it has become a staple of the Great American Songbook.

Notable recordings include Billie Holiday (April 1, 1937), Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong (1956), and Brian Wilson. The lyrics express bittersweet reminiscence of small, intimate gestures from a past romance, highlighting the lasting power of memory. Musically, it follows a 34-bar AABA form with a flowing melody that suits both vocal and instrumental interpretations.