There's No Business Like Show Business
Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters Lyrics

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When the midnight choo choo leaves for Alabam'
I'll be right there, I've got my fair
When I see that rusty haired conductor man
I'll grab him by the collar and I'll holler "Alabam'! Alabam'!"

That's where you stop your train, that brings me back again
Down home where I'll remain, where my honey lamb am
I will be right there with bells, when that old conductor yells

"All aboard! All aboard! All aboard for Alabam!"

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters's song There's No Business Like Show Business talk about a grand romantic gesture where the singer is preparing to catch a train to Alabama to be with their honey lamb. The song is layered with the excitement of the journey, the desire to be with the one you love, and the joy of going back home. It gives a sense of urgency and energy often associated with the period's musical and theatrical performances, making the song's sense of adventure and romance more satisfying.

The song employs a lot of musical tricks, such as the repetition and rhyme of "Alabam'" and "collar" and the clever wordplay of "bells" and "yells," creating a rhythmic and straightforward melody. The lyrics are playful and humorous, with conversational tone and vivid descriptions of the conductor's hair, outfit, and the sound of his voice as he announces "All aboard" for Alabama. Furthermore, the song expresses a nostalgia for home and highlights the importance of family, friends, and love in people's lives.

Line by Line Meaning

When the midnight choo choo leaves for Alabam'
As soon as the train heading to Alabama departs at midnight

I'll be right there, I've got my fair
I already have my ticket and will be boarding the train immediately

When I see that rusty haired conductor man
As soon as I spot the conductor with red hair

I'll grab him by the collar and I'll holler "Alabam'! Alabam'!"
I will reach out and shout at him to stop the train for me to board

That's where you stop your train, that brings me back again
Stop the train so I can go back to my hometown of Alabama

Down home where I'll remain, where my honey lamb am
I'll stay in my hometown with my sweetheart

I will be right there with bells, when that old conductor yells
I'll rush to board the train when the conductor announces its departure

"All aboard! All aboard! All aboard for Alabam!"
The conductor's announcement indicating that the train is departing for Alabama and it's time to board

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Irving Berlin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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