Warning: contains spoilers Captain America #14!!
Captain America is famous for being a man out of time after being frozen in ice for decades – but despite efforts to update him on decades of pop culture, including one of Steve Rogers’ most iconic scenes in the MCU, he even cites a George Gershwin classic, “Rhapsody in Blue,” as his favorite song.
Captain America #14 – written by J. Michael Straczynski, with art by Charlemagne – presents a rare opportunity for Steve to pause, at least for a few precious seconds. As Captain America moves on After his battle with Death himself, he tries to get his life back together with the comfort of coffee, a good book, and familiar music.
Although their truce doesn’t last long, he reveals what Rogers believes to be the “most perfect piece of music.“None of their MCU slate were selected, 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 of Charlemagne; Available now from Marvel Comics
In the years since he unfroze and joined the Avengers, Steve has done his best to fit into a world where he doesn’t really belong. This struggle is at the core of his character, whether in the comics or in the movies. MCU manages to capture this dilemma with the notebook Cap carries around to write down suggestions for things to check out, including shows like I love Lucythe band Nirvana and the entire genre of disco music. Rogers has probably found a lot of pop culture material he likes in modern times, but none of it surpasses the music of his era.
“Rhapsody in Blue” celebrates the best qualities of American music, just as Steve Rogers embodies what he believes are the country’s best qualities.
Captain America citing “Rhapsody in Blue” as his perfect piece of music goes deeper than pleasant sounds. The song debuted in early 1924, meaning Steve experienced the height of his 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 music as a man who crosses eras; “Rhapsody in Blue” celebrates the best qualities of American music, as well as Steve Rogers embodies what he believes be the best qualities in the country. Your favorite song is truly a poetic choice.
Why “Rhapsody In Blue” Suits Steve Rogers
Steve’s favorite song offers more than a glimpse into 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 feels completely a part of it. Lyra, the avatar of Life who chose Captain America as her champion, also brought this up by pointing out that Steve spent his life searching for something that made him feel at home. He is the product of two times, two worlds, but he does not fully belong to either of them. His internal struggle does not slow him down, but remains present.
Captain America’s love for “Rhapsody in Blue” isn’t just a preference — it’s proof that he’ll never feel completely comfortable these days.
The feeling of being out of time and place was strong enough that Steve almost disappeared with Lyra through the Front Door forever, along with his fellow Agents of Change. He missed the chance, at least for now, but the fact that it was taken into consideration proves how right she was. Some part of Steve Rogers longs for the familiareven though neither side of his life really “fits together” the way he wants. Captain America his love for “Rhapsody in Blue” isn’t just a preference — it’s proof that he’ll never feel completely comfortable these days.
Captain America #14 is now available from Marvel Comics.