Take Me Out To The Ball Game Lyrics: An Unofficial Anthem of Baseball
by Aishwarya R
Updated Aug 27, 2023
Take Me Out To The Ball Game Song
"Take Me Out to the Ball Game" is a classic American song that has become synonymous with the sport of baseball in North America. This iconic tune was penned in 1908 by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer, two prolific songwriters of the Tin Pan Alley era. What makes this song particularly fascinating is that neither of its authors had ever attended a baseball game before they wrote it. Despite this, the song has stood the test of time and has become an integral part of the baseball experience.
The song's enduring popularity can be attributed to its catchy melody and lyrics that capture the essence of the baseball spectator's experience. The chorus, in particular, is widely recognized and cherished by baseball fans. It is customary for this chorus to be sung during the seventh-inning stretch at baseball games across the United States and Canada.
The communal singing ritual brings fans together, fostering a sense of unity and shared enthusiasm for the sport. It's a cherished tradition that not only celebrates baseball but also encapsulates the spirit of togetherness that makes attending a baseball game a special experience.
Interestingly, some ballparks have added a personal touch to the song by substituting the generic phrase "home team" with the actual name of the team playing. This small but meaningful alteration further strengthens the bond between fans and their beloved teams, making the song feel like a personalized anthem for each game.
"Take Me Out to the Ball Game" has transcended its origins as a Tin Pan Alley creation to become an enduring symbol of baseball culture. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most iconic and cherished traditions can arise from unexpected sources, and it continues to evoke the joy and excitement of America's favorite pastime every time it resonates through the ballpark's speakers
Take Me Out To The Ball Game Lyrics
Katie Casey was baseball mad,
Had the fever and had it bad.
Just to root for the home town crew,
Ev'ry sou1
Katie blew.
On a Saturday her young beau
Called to see if she'd like to go
To see a show, but Miss Kate said "No,
I'll tell you what you can do:"
Chorus
Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd;
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,
I don't care if I never get back.
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win, it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game.
Katie Casey saw all the games,
Knew the players by their first names.
Told the umpire he was wrong,
All along,
Good and strong.
When the score was just two to two,
Katie Casey knew what to do,
Just to cheer up the boys she knew,
She made the gang sing this song
Meaning of Take Me Out To The Ball Game
The lyrics of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" tell the story of a young woman named Katie Casey who is an avid baseball fan. The song describes her deep passion for the sport and how she prioritizes attending baseball games over other social activities.
In the first stanza, it's evident that Katie Casey is "baseball mad" and has an intense love for her home team. She's so devoted to the team that she spends all her money ("ev'ry sou") to support them. Even when her boyfriend invites her to a show on a Saturday, she declines the offer, emphasizing her commitment to the game.
The chorus of the song is the most famous part and is sung during the seventh-inning stretch at baseball games. It's a joyful and spirited expression of the thrill of being at the ballpark, complete with the tradition of enjoying peanuts and Cracker Jacks, popular ballpark snacks. The chorus embodies the sentiment that attending a baseball game is such a joyful and immersive experience that one doesn't mind if they never return (home) because they are having so much fun rooting for the home team.
The second stanza of the song highlights Katie Casey's extensive knowledge of the game. She not only knows the players by their first names but also has the confidence to tell the umpire when he's wrong, indicating her deep involvement in and understanding of the sport. Even when the score is tied ("two to two"), she knows how to lift the spirits of the players by leading the gang in singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."
Overall, the lyrics of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" celebrate the passion, loyalty, and camaraderie that are an integral part of the baseball experience. It's a song that captures the essence of being a fan, the joy of supporting your home team, and the sense of unity that comes from singing together with fellow spectators at the ballpark. It has become a cherished anthem of baseball, symbolizing the excitement and community spirit that make the sport so beloved.
History Behind Take Me Out To The Ball Game
The history and background of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" are fascinating. This iconic song, which has become synonymous with baseball in North America, had some interesting origins and historical tidbits:
Inspiration on a Subway
The song's lyricist, Jack Norworth, was inspired to write the song while riding a subway train. He saw a sign that read "Baseball Today – Polo Grounds," which sparked the idea for the lyrics. It's noteworthy that neither Norworth nor the composer, Albert Von Tilzer, had attended a baseball game at the time they wrote the song.
Katie's Date and Love for Baseball
The song's lyrics depict Katie Casey's love for baseball. When her beau invites her to see a show, she agrees, but with the condition that he takes her to a baseball game. This showcases her passion for the sport.
Debut and Popularization
The song was first sung by Jack Norworth's then-wife, Nora Bayes, but it was popularized by various vaudeville acts. Despite the song's enduring popularity, Norworth and Von Tilzer didn't attend their first Major League Baseball games until many years later.
Alternative Version
Jack Norworth wrote an alternative version of the song in 1927. He and Nora Bayes were known for their hit songs, including "Shine On, Harvest Moon."
Recording History
"Take Me Out to the Ball Game" was recorded and performed by various artists and groups. The Haydn Quartet, led by tenor Harry MacDonough, recorded a successful version, as did Edward Meeker. Interestingly, the most famous recording is often credited to "Billy Murray and the Haydn Quartet," even though Billy Murray didn't sing on it.
Historical Significance
The song's widespread popularity is evident through record sales, sheet music, and piano rolls. It was one of the most popular hits of 1908. It's also worth noting that Edward Meeker's recording of the song was added to the National Recording Registry in 2010 by the Library of Congress, recognizing its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.
Song of the Century
"Take Me Out to the Ball Game" received recognition as one of the top "Songs of the Century" by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Recording Industry Association of America. This distinction, however, created some confusion as the song was attributed to Billy Murray, even though he didn't sing on the most famous recording.
"Take Me Out to the Ball Game" has a rich history, with its origins in a subway sign and its enduring popularity as a baseball anthem. It's a song that has become deeply intertwined with the culture of the sport, celebrated at ballparks across the United States and Canada during the seventh-inning stretch, and cherished by fans as a symbol of their love for baseball.
Details of Take Me Out To The Ball Game Song
Song Title
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Artist
Edward Meeker
Language
English
Genre
Tin Pan Alley
Length
1 minute and 14 seconds
Composer(s)
Albert Von Tilzer
Lyricist(s)
Jack Norworth
Released Year
1908
Specifications
Details
Take Me Out To The Ball Game Lyrics - FAQs
"Take Me Out to the Ball Game" was written by Jack Norworth (lyrics) and Albert Von Tilzer (music) in 1908.
The song is associated with baseball due to its lyrics, which express the joy and excitement of attending a baseball game. It has become a beloved tradition, often sung during the seventh-inning stretch at baseball games.
The most famous recording of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" is often credited to "Billy Murray and the Haydn Quartet," even though Billy Murray didn't sing on it. It was recorded by various artists and groups.
Yes, there have been alternative versions and adaptations of the song over the years. Jack Norworth, the lyricist, wrote an alternative version in 1927.
"Take Me Out to the Ball Game" is considered culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant. It has been recognized by institutions like the Library of Congress and is celebrated as a quintessential American baseball anthem.