The Meaning Behind The Song: Bingo Eli Yale by Cole Porter
Cole Porter is a legendary American composer and songwriter who has created many timeless classics that can still be heard today. One of the lesser-known works is “Bingo Eli Yale,” which is a short tune that has a fascinating origin and tells a story that many people might not know about. In this article, we’ll take a look at the meaning behind this song and its history.
The Origin of the Song
“Bingo Eli Yale” was written by Cole Porter in 1909 when he was attending Yale University. The song was part of a college musical called “Horse Feathers” that he co-wrote with his fellow student, Monty Woolley. The play was a hit on campus and was later performed in New York City where it received rave reviews from critics.
The name “Bingo Eli Yale” comes from the school’s historic mascot, Handsome Dan, which is a bulldog that symbolizes the prestigious university. Bingo is a popular children’s game and is often associated with old-school American entertainment. Yale, of course, refers to the school where Porter and Woolley attended.
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The lyrics of the song tell the story of a group of students who are singing praises to Handsome Dan, the mascot of their school. The song celebrates the football team’s victories and promotes the Yale spirit. The words of the song depict the excitement and passion that these young people feel for their school and their team.
Here are the lyrics to the song, with some explanations:
Bingo, Eli Yale,
Many a heart to cheer,
Many a fellow who threw the pall,
Has nothing on Handsome Dan, the wonder dog,
The pride of old Eli, yalee, yalee,
The pride of the country.
– “Bingo, Eli Yale”: The opening line is a reference to the game of bingo and the school’s mascot.
– “Many a heart to cheer”: A line that suggests that the school and its sports teams have a dedicated fan base.
– “Many a fellow who threw the pall”: This refers to the football team and the quarterback who throws the ball.
– “Has nothing on Handsome Dan, the wonder dog”: A line that suggests the school’s mascot is the most beloved and respected.
– “The pride of old Eli, yalee, yalee”: Referring to Yale’s long history and traditions.
– “The pride of the country”: This line suggests that Yale is not only famous within its own community but also acclaimed for excellence throughout the country.
FAQs
1. What was Cole Porter’s inspiration for “Bingo Eli Yale”?
Cole Porter was inspired by his time as a student at Yale University, where he met his collaborator Monty Woolley. The two of them wrote a musical called “Horse Feathers,” and “Bingo Eli Yale” was one of the songs that they composed for the show.
2. What does the name Handsome Dan mean?
Handsome Dan is the name of Yale’s bulldog mascot and has been so since 1889. The name is believed to have come from a popular nickname at the time, “Handsome Dan,” which was given to a man named Dan who was known for his good looks.
3. What does the term “old Eli” mean?
“Old Eli” is a term that is used to refer to Yale University. It is a colloquialism that has been around for more than a century and is often used to evoke nostalgia and a sense of pride in the school’s traditions and history.
4. What is the history behind the game of bingo?
The game of bingo has its origins in Italy, where it was called “Il Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia.” The modern version of the game that we know today was developed in the United States in the early 20th century and quickly became popular as a form of entertainment.
5. What other songs has Cole Porter written?
Cole Porter is known for many famous tunes, including “Night and Day,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love),” “Just One of Those Things,” and many more. He is considered one of the most important composers and lyricists of the American musical theater.
6. What is the legacy of Cole Porter?
Cole Porter’s music has been recorded and performed by countless artists over the years and is still celebrated today. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970 and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1973, which is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a civilian in the United States.
7. Who else has written songs about mascots?
Other artists have written songs about mascots as well. For example, “Hail to the Spirit of Miami U” is a song that celebrates the Miami University RedHawks mascot, Swoop. Similarly, “Rise and Shine” is a song that honors the Arizona State University Sun Devil.
8. Are there any recordings of “Bingo Eli Yale” available?
Yes, there are several recordings of “Bingo Eli Yale” available. One of the most popular versions was recorded by Rudy Vallee in 1930, which was a big hit at the time.
9. Is “Bingo Eli Yale” still played at Yale events?
Yes, “Bingo Eli Yale” is still played at Yale events and is considered to be an important part of the school’s tradition. The song is often played at football games and other sporting events.
10. What was the reception of “Horse Feathers” on Broadway?
“Horse Feathers” was well-received by critics when it debuted on Broadway in 1933. It was noted for its witty humor and was considered to be a significant departure from the more traditional musicals of the time.
11. What makes “Bingo Eli Yale” such a timeless classic?
“Bingo Eli Yale” is such a timeless classic because it captures the spirit and traditions of Yale University in a way that is fun and upbeat. The song has a catchy melody, and the lyrics are easy to sing along with, which makes it a crowd-pleaser at events and gatherings.
12. Who else has covered “Bingo Eli Yale”?
Other artists who have covered “Bingo Eli Yale” include the Yale Whiffenpoofs and the Yale Glee Club. The song has also been recorded by Fred Waring and His Pennsylvanians, among others.
