The song 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' carries a feminist message and empowers women to be equal participants and leaders in rooting for their home team.
'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' became an American classic due to its message of unity and inclusivity, bringing people together and creating a sense of community.
Deep dives
The Origins and Popularity of 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game'
The podcast episode explores the origins and enduring popularity of the iconic song 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game'. The song was written in 1908 by Jack Norworth, a composer and songwriter, and originally intended for vaudeville shows. It quickly gained popularity and became a hit, spreading throughout the country through sheet music sales in music stores. Although the song is well-known for its chorus, the full lyrics tell the story of an independent woman named Katie Casey who wanted to attend a baseball game. Despite initial objections to women being at the ballpark, the song carried a feminist message and empowered women to be equal participants and leaders in rooting for their home team.
Transforming a Hit Song into a Ballpark Tradition
Over the years, 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' made its way into baseball stadiums during the seventh inning stretch. It's unclear when exactly the song first made its debut in a ballpark, but it slowly gained popularity in the 1930s and became a staple by the 1940s. The rise of organ music in ballparks contributed to its widespread presence, and it became an opportunity for fans to sing along and create a sense of camaraderie. The tradition solidified when legendary baseball commentator Harry Carey started singing the song during games, with the crowd eventually joining in. Pop culture appearances in film and TV, including Frank Sinatra's movie 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game', further cemented its status as an American classic.
The Lasting Impact and Message of the Song
Despite the song's popularity being centered around baseball, its enduring legacy can be attributed to its message of unity and inclusivity. 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' gave voice to everyday people, allowing them to be part of the game and creating a sense of community. The song's ability to transcend differences and bring people together, whether they were fans or not, made it a powerful cultural phenomenon. Through its journey from vaudeville to ballparks, the song became an institution, connecting generations and serving as a reminder of the joy and shared experiences that baseball brings.
Baseball fan or not, there’s one song that virtually every American knows… or at least, we think we do. “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” is one of the top three most recognizable songs in the country, next to “The Star Spangled Banner'' and “Happy Birthday.” But if you dig into the lyrics, you’ll find a forgotten message buried among the peanuts and Cracker Jack. This story comes from the Smithsonian’s Sidedoor podcast.