Ethel Agnes Zimmerman was born in the third floor bedroom of her grandmother's house at 359 4th Avenue in Astoria, Queens. Growing up near Famous Players-Lasky's Astoria Studios, young Ethel often watched the silent movie stars drive by in their massive cars, and she dreamed of joining their ranks one day. Her powerful voice won attention when her family worshipped at Holy Redeemer Episcopal Church, and she began making local concert appearances. She also frequently attended vaudeville performances at The Palace Theater in Manhattan, watching great stars like Fanny Brice and Sophie Tucker.
Ethel's parents Edward (an accountant) and Agnes (a school teacher) understood Ethel's love of singing, but they did not see show business as a reliable career choice for a woman. They insisted that she get a solid education with thorough training in secretarial skills, so she would have something to fall back on if her dreams of stardom didn't pan out. After Ethel graduating William Cullen Bryant High School, she earned a respectable $28 a week as a stenographer for the owner of a local factory. She picked up extra money by singing at private parties and in night clubs. Ethel was so efficient that her indulgent boss (who only came in two days a week) overlooked her taking nap breaks at the office after late night performances. When Ethel's gigs multiplied, her parents accepted the inevitable and allowed her to give up the day job and sing full-time.
Blow Gabriel Blow
Ethel Merman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Go on and blow, Gabriel, blow
I've been a sinner, I've been a scamp
But now I'm willin' to trim my lamp1
So blow, Gabriel, blow
I was low, Gabriel, low
Mighty low, Gabriel, low
I'm good by day and I'm good by night
So blow, Gabriel, blow
Once I was cited for hell
Once I was headed foe hell
But when I got to Satan's door
I heard you blowin' on your horn once more
so I said, "Satan, farewell!"
And now I'm all ready to fly
Yes, to fly higher and higher and higher
'Cause I've gone through that brimstone and fire
And I've purged my soul and my heart too
So climb up to the mountain top
So start to blow, Gabriel, blow
Go on and blow, Gabriel, blow
I want to join your happy band
And play all day in the promised land
So blow, Gabriel, blow
And now I'm all ready to fly
Yes, to fly higher and higher and higher
'Cause I've gone through that brimstone and fire
And I've purged my soul and my heart too
So climb up to the mountain top
So start to blow, Gabriel, blow
Go on and blow, Gabriel, blow
I want to join your happy band
And play all day in the promised land
So blow, Gabriel, blow
In "Blow Gabriel Blow," Ethel Merman voices the thoughts of a reformed sinner. The song tells of a character who was once headed for Hell, but who has since seen the light and become willing to change for the better. Throughout the song, the singer begs Gabriel to blow his horn so that she might join his band in the promised land.
The lyrics of "Blow Gabriel Blow" are deeply religious and reference both God and Satan. The character in the song was once destined for Hell, but this changes when she hears Gabriel's horn. She knows that she has been saved and that she wants to join his band. Ethel Merman infuses the song with her unique style, which is characterized by her powerful, soaring voice.
The music in "Blow Gabriel Blow" reflects the song's religious themes. The song has a gospel-inspired sound, with a driving tempo and upbeat lyrics. The strong brass section, in particular, creates a sound that is both uplifting and commanding. The song builds to a crescendo, with Ethel Merman's powerful voice leading the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Blow Gabriel blow
Encouraging Gabriel to play his horn to signal the beginning of the journey towards the promised land.
Go on and blow, Gabriel, blow
Urging Gabriel to continue playing his horn enthusiastically, leading the way to the promised land.
I've been a sinner, I've been a scamp
Confessing to having a sinful and reckless past.
But now I'm willin' to trim my lamp
Being willing to repent and change one's ways for the better.
So blow, Gabriel, blow
Reiterating the need for Gabriel to play his horn and lead the way to the promised land.
Once I was cited for hell
Admitting to being on a path towards hell at one point in time.
Once I was headed foe hell
Acknowledging that one's past actions led them towards a life of sin and potential damnation.
But when I got to Satan's door
Recounting a moment of being near the brink of damnation and facing temptation.
I heard you blowin' on your horn once more
Hearing Gabriel's horn playing, signaling a way out of temptation and towards salvation.
so I said, "Satan, farewell!"
Rejecting Satan's temptation and fully committing to the path of righteousness.
And now I'm all ready to fly
Being spiritually prepared and eager to ascend to the promised land.
Yes, to fly higher and higher and higher
Looking forward to continuous spiritual growth and progress in the promised land.
'Cause I've gone through that brimstone and fire
Having endured and survived the trials and tribulations of a sinful past.
And I've purged my soul and my heart too
Cleansing one's soul and purifying the heart through repentance and reform.
So climb up to the mountain top
Urging oneself and others to strive for greater spiritual heights and progress.
I want to join your happy band
Expressing a desire to be among the righteous and joyful in the promised land.
And play all day in the promised land
Looking forward to a life of eternal joy and fulfillment in the promised land.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ErikDB6
Man, her diction was incredible. Belting like that, filling the theatre with her huge voice, while making every word totally clean and intelligible. Incredible performance.
@scottmiller6495
The greatest broadway entertainer of all time Period !!!!!
@tulinfirenze1990
ABSOLUTE legend!!!
@w.urlitzer1869
she sure knew how to blow her horn.