As is evident in works like An American in Paris, the elements of mood or situational setting seem to be an inseparable part of Gershwin's compositional process.

Set to a promenade rhythm, a sophisticated melody begins, and a pleasant atmosphere emerges, but something distracts, causing restlessness... then suddenly, a commotion erupts. Just as quickly, the promenade resumes as if nothing had happened.

Noting the subtitle 'Walking the Dog', it becomes clear that the music progresses as if embodying the mood of a dog on a walk.

This is a piece of film music from Gershwin's later years, released in 1936, but published as a standalone piece only in 1960, several years after his death. Separated from the film, its outline as an independent work seems to have become clearer. It is occasionally performed as an encore (often towards the end of a track) in concerts and on recordings.