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.
I Can't Get Started
Ethel Merman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've settled revolutions in Spain
And the North Pole I have charted
Still I can't get started with you
On the golf course, I'm under par
Metro Goldwyn have asked me to star
I've got a house, a showplace
'Cause you're so supreme
Lyrics I write of you, I dream
Dream day and night of you
And I scheme just for the sight of you
Baby, what good does it do?
I've been consulted by Franklin D
Greta Garbo has had me to tea
Still I'm broken-hearted
'Cause I can't get started with you
Ethel Merman's song "I Can't Get Started" is about a person who has accomplished great things in their life but still cannot seem to win over the love of the person they desire, no matter how many accomplishments they have. The song begins by highlighting this person's extensive travels, noting that they have flown around the world in a plane and even settled revolutions in Spain. The person has also charted the North Pole, indicating that they have accomplished extraordinary feats. Despite these achievements, the person cannot seem to win over the love of the person they desire.
The next verse highlights the person's success on the golf course, noting that they are under par. In addition to their success in sports, the person has been asked to star in a Metro Goldwyn production, and they have a beautiful showplace home. Despite all of this, the person still cannot gain the love of the person they desire. The chorus then emphasizes this point, noting that the person they desire is "so supreme," and they dream about them day and night.
The final verse highlights the fact that the person has been consulted by Franklin D. Roosevelt and has even had tea with Greta Garbo, indicating that they have accomplished great things in their life. However, the song ends on a sad note, highlighting that the person is still broken-hearted because they cannot win over the love of the person they desire.
Line by Line Meaning
I've flown around the world in a plane
I have travelled to different countries on a plane in my adventurous life.
I've settled revolutions in Spain
I have played a vital role in ending political uprisings in Spain through negotiations and other means.
And the North Pole I have charted
I have navigated and mapped the North Pole in my explorations.
Still I can't get started with you
Despite my many achievements and accomplishments, I am unable to capture your interest and affection.
On the golf course, I'm under par
I am an excellent golf player who scores less than the standard number of strokes on the course.
Metro Goldwyn have asked me to star
I have received invitations to act in movies made by the prestigious company Metro Goldwyn Mayer.
I've got a house, a showplace
I have an opulent and magnificent house that is a sight to behold.
Still I can't get no place with you
Despite all my material wealth and status, I am unable to win your love and devotion.
'Cause you're so supreme
You are of such extraordinary quality or value that I can't help but admire you more than anything else in the world.
Lyrics I write of you, I dream
You are my biggest inspiration, and I write songs about you and dream of our life together.
Dream day and night of you
I fantasize and think constantly about being with you.
And I scheme just for the sight of you
I make elaborate plans and strategies to have a glimpse of you, as it is so important to me.
Baby, what good does it do?
Despite all my dreaming and scheming, it seems pointless as I am no closer to being with you.
I've been consulted by Franklin D
Even the President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt, has sought my advice on important matters.
Greta Garbo has had me to tea
I have had the pleasure of being invited to tea by the famous actress Greta Garbo.
Still I'm broken-hearted
Despite all my achievements and encounters with famous people, I am heartbroken because I cannot win your heart.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IRA GERSHWIN, VERNON DUKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Star Sky
I have been waiting since 1966 to once again SEE Ethel Merman perform YOU CAN'T GET A MAN WITH A GUN. What a magnificent and definitive performance she gives of this great song. Her delivery is a text book on honesty, simplicity, directness, clarity, and trusting the material. Thank you for this great gift!
Russell Wright
I agree
Hello, Everybody: Kate Smith!
THANK YOU for posting this rare gem! Made my day!
John Kenrick - Musicals101.com
Nothing beats the Merm!
Paul Canaday-Elliott
Came here after watching Reba’s amazing rendition of this song for the umpteenth time. I love how much fun that Merman clearly has with this song. What’s frustrating is that the orchestra has absolutely no idea how to follow her lead. It’s like they can’t do anything other than play the sheet music when what she does best is color outside the lines. They play over her or rush through when the song clearly calls for (and makes room for) on-the-spot variation and fun. Kind of squashes her performance. So you don’t get to experience the full pleasure of how she performs the song, which I now really wish I could see.
LazlosPlane
And this is Merman 30 years past her prime.
leeinvegas
She didn’t need a microphone for sure in her day.
Tony Gilder
Outstanding all around
RMPsumma
I thank God daily that He allowed me to live in the time of the true greats, of which Ethel Merman was surely one.
Paul Engel
At 8:40 Douglas makes a mistake. He comes in too early with his reprise ('I hear singing but there's no one there...'). It's supposed to be: he sings solo, she sings solo, THEN they sing together in counterpoint. He realizes his mistake almost immediately and stops singing and looks around as if to see if anyone noticed, but Merman, the veteran no doubt of plenty of live stage goofs, subtly motions for him to keep going and they continue on as if that's the way it's supposed to be. It was very gracious on her part to cover his error. And I love her self-deprecating comment referring to her four failed marriages.