Warning: Contains spoilers forCaptain America #14!!
Captain Americais famously a man out of time after being frozen in ice for decades – but despite efforts to get him up to speed on decades of pop culture, including one of Steve Rogers' most iconic MCU scenes,he still cites a George Gershwin classic, “Rhapsody in Blue,” as his favorite song.
Captain America#14 – written by J. Michael Straczynski, with art by Carlos Magno – presents a rare opportunity for Steve to take a break, at least for a few precious seconds. AsCaptain America is moving onfrom his battle against Death itself, he tries to settle back into his life with the comfort of coffee, a good book, and familiar music.
Though his respite doesn’t last long, he reveals whatRogers believes to be the “most perfect piece of music.“None of his MCU list makes the cut, and the honor, instead, goes to Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”
Marvel Officially Names Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” Captain America’s Favorite Song
Captain America#14 – Written By J. Michael Straczynski; Art By Carlos Magno; Available Now From Marvel Comics
In the years since thawing out andjoining the Avengers, Steve has done his best to fit into a world he doesn’t really belong to. That struggle is at the heart of his character, whether in comics or film. MCU manages to capture that quandary with the notebook that Cap carries around to write suggestions of things to check out, including shows likeI Love Lucy, the band Nirvana, and the entire genre of disco music. Rogers likely found plenty of pop culture material he enjoys in modern times, but none of them surpass the music of his time.
“Rhapsody in Blue” celebrates the very best qualities of American music, just as Steve Rogers embodies what he believes to be the country’s best qualities.
Captain America citing “Rhapsody in Blue” as his perfect piece of music runs deeper than pleasant sounds. The song debuted early in 1924, meaning Steve experienced the height of its popularity. Gershwin wrote “Rhapsody” to fuse classical music with jazz, making it a bridge between genres and, in a way, between worlds.Captain America is similar to the song as a man who crosses between eras;“Rhapsody in Blue” celebrates the very best qualities of American music, just as Steve Rogers embodies what he believes to be the country’s best qualities. His favorite song is a poetic choice indeed.
Captain America Always Has One Foot Stuck Firmly In The Past
Why “Rhapsody In Blue” Fits Steve Rogers
Steve’s favorite song offers more than a glimpse at his musical tastes. It’s a reminder that, no matter how many times he saves the world or how hard he works to protect it, he never completely feels like part of it. Lyra, the avatar of Life whochose Captain Americaas her Champion, also brought that to light by pointing out that Steve has spent his life searching for something that feels like home. He’s a product of two times, two worlds, and yet doesn’t fully belong to either. His internal struggle doesn’t slow him down, but it remains present.
Captain America’s love for “Rhapsody in Blue” isn’t merely a preference – it’s proof that he’ll never be entirely comfortable in the present day.
The sense of being out of time and out of place was strong enough that Steve nearly disappeared with Lyra through the Front Door forever, along with his fellow Change Agents. He missed his chance, at least for now, but that it was a consideration at all proves how right she was.Some part of Steve Rogers craves what is familiar to him, even though neither side of his life really “fits” the way that he wants.Captain America’slove for “Rhapsody in Blue” isn’t merely a preference – it’s proof that he’ll never be entirely comfortable in the present day.
Captain America#14is available now from Marvel Comics.
Captain America
Initially debuting in 1940, Captain America is the patriotically themed superhero who has shared the title with only a few individuals. Beginning with Steve Rogers, Captain America’s birth resulted from a frail man taking part in an experimental U.S. Army super-soldier trial, which imbued him with super-human abilities. The character is often depicted wielding a nigh unbreakable and aerodynamic shield made of vibranium that they use to defend and attack their foes.
