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| "The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze" | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Jules_L%C3%A9otard_3.jpg) The subject of the song, Jules Léotard | |
| Song | |
| Language | English |
| Published | 1867 |
| Composer(s) | Gaston Lyle, Alfred Lee |
| Lyricist(s) | George Leybourne |
"The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze", originally published under the title "The Flying Trapeze" and also known as "The Man on the Flying Trapeze", is a 19th-century popular song about a flying trapeze circus performer, Jules Léotard.[1] The refrain states:
- He'd fly through the air with the greatest of ease,
- That daring young man on the flying trapeze.
The song was first published in 1867, with words written by the British lyricist and singer George Leybourne, music by Gaston Lyle, and arrangement by Alfred Lee. The lyrics were based on the phenomenal success of trapeze artist Jules Léotard, for whom the one-piece dancer's garment was named.[1]
The following century, the song inspired the 1934 short story The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze by William Saroyan. The film Man on the Flying Trapeze came out in 1935, starring W. C. Fields and Mary Brian.
This song is sometimes associated with Emmett Kelly, who performed as a trapeze artist before becoming famous as a clown.
- ^ a b Leach, Robert (2018). An Illustrated History of British Theatre and Performance. Vol. Two, From the Industrial Revolution to the Digital Age. Taylor & Francis. p. NA. Retrieved 28 June 2022.