Songs from the heart
Was on display in the Talbot Family Treasures Wall, Level 4, State Library of Queensland from 14 April 2011 - 11 September 2011. This virtual exhibition is an excerpt from the physical exhibition.
Have you ever danced on a rooftop or embraced in the moonlight? What music was playing on the night of your first kiss? Was it a rock and roll number, or a dance tune, or a sentimental ballad?
Songs from the heart is a display of sheet music from State Library’s collection, dating from the early 20th century until the late 1950s. Countless songs have been written about love and romance, but these were chosen for their beautiful covers, each a fine example of an era in music publishing and design.
Honey Bunch
words & music: Cliff B Friend
Sydney, J Albert & Son, c1926
SLQ Record no. 1214267
The Edwardian covers show colourful scenes of old-world courtship. A young lover gazes and dreams of the man she loves, enamoured couples chastely hold hands and share an intimate moment surrounded by nature and the comforting sight of home.
By the 1920s, not only is there hand-holding but also embracing. The restrictions of the previous era have given way and greater social freedom for women sees them out and about in the world.
Kissing is certainly an acceptable image for 1930s popular songs. The Mood that I’m in and Kiss me “goodnight” boldly depict loving couples in intimate embrace. You might recall romantic evenings at Cloudland or the Tivoli, or remember the simple pleasure of walking hand-in-hand by the sea at Redcliffe.
World War II consumed the lives of men and women everywhere, and the covers and words of sheet music are full of escapism; international stars such as Bing Crosby and local favourites like Gladys Moncrieff serenaded eager audiences through the difficult war years and into peacetime.
The sheet music of the 1950s has been described as a ‘10-year-long shopping spree’, as post-war consumerism pushed technological innovation and stark modern design. Doris Day, who features on the cover of Hold me in your arms, was one of the most popular movie star and magazine idols of the day, known for her wholesome ‘50s persona.
Exhibition images and extracts
- View images from the exhibition
- Edwardian
- 1920s
- 1930s
- 1940s - Download the room brochure [new window
248kb]
More information
- Phone: +61 7 3840 7768
- Email: LearningParticipation@slq.qld.gov.au
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Last updated: 4th October 2011
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