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 Got Rhythm
Ethel Merman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't need what money can buy
Birds in the trees sing their day full of song
Why shouldn't we sing along?
I'm chipper all the day, happy with my lot
How do I get that way? Look at what I've got
I got my man
Who could ask for anything more?
I got daisys, in green pastures
I got my man
Who could ask for anything more?
Old man trouble
I don't mind him
You won't find him 'round my door
I got starlight
I got sweet dreams
I got my man
Who could ask for anything more ?
Old man trouble
I don't mind him
You won't find him, 'round my door
I got starlight
I got sweet dreams
I got my man
Who could ask for anything more ?
I got rhythm, I got music
I got daisys, in green pastures
I got starlight
I got sweet dreams
I got my man
Who could ask for anything more ?
The lyrics of Ethel Merman’s song “I Got Rhythm” are a joyful expression of contentment and gratitude. In the first few lines, the singer acknowledges that even though some days may be sunny and carefree, there can still be a sense of discontentment and longing for what money can buy. However, the singer then points out the beauty of nature, where birds sing their songs with joy, and asks why they shouldn't join in and be just as happy. The next lines reveal the secret to the singer's happiness: they are just grateful for what they already have.
The chorus declares the many things the singer has, including rhythm, music, and a man, and questions what more could they need. The singer then goes on to list a few more things that bring them joy and contentment, such as daisies in green pastures and starlight with sweet dreams. Throughout the song, the singer acknowledges that while there may be troubles in life, such as “old man trouble”, they don't let it affect their happiness and it won't be found “'round my door”. Overall, the lyrics express a sense of gratitude and appreciation for life's simple pleasures, and the importance of focusing on the positive things we have.
Line by Line Meaning
Days can be sunny, with never a sigh
There are days which are filled with sunshine and lack any negative emotions.
Don't need what money can buy
I don't need to purchase anything to be happy.
Birds in the trees sing their day full of song
The birds in the trees sing throughout the day, celebrating their joy of living.
Why shouldn't we sing along?
Why shouldn't we join in on the celebration of life and sing along with the birds?
I'm chipper all the day, happy with my lot
I'm happy and content throughout the entire day with what I have.
How do I get that way? Look at what I've got
The reason I am happy and content is because of the things I have.
I got rhythm, I got music
I have the rhythm and music which bring joy and happiness into my life.
I got my man
I have my partner to share in the happiness and joy of life with.
Who could ask for anything more?
What more could anyone ask for than the joy of life with rhythm, music, and a loving partner?
I got daisys, in green pastures
I am surrounded by beautiful nature, the symbol of purity and freshness.
Old man trouble
I don't mind him
Challenges and problems in life do not bother me.
You won't find him 'round my door
I have created a positive environment where negativity is not present.
I got starlight
I got sweet dreams
I have the beauty of the night sky and the potential of fulfilling dreams.
I got my man
Who could ask for anything more ?
With the joy of life, nature, positivity, and dreams, I still have my partner by my side.
I got rhythm, I got music
I got daisys, in green pastures
I reiterate the happiness that nature, rhythm, and music bring into my life.
I got starlight
I got sweet dreams
I got my man
Who could ask for anything more ?
The final lines summarize the song, indicating that with all the happiness, nature, and partnership in life, there could be no more to ask for.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dave Glo
This kind of style doesn't exist anymore. But man-oh-man, Merman knew how to put over a big number!
hcombs0104
Yes, she could!
oolala53
I’m not sure what you mean by “this style.” Waving your hands around willy nilly? Being unmiked? She was sumpin’, but the style belongs to a time. In more recent times, I would guess that Aretha had similar vocal power, at least among pop singers. Many opera singers are capable of that power and expression. But she was one of a kind.
H.P. Oliver
I was just a kid, but I can still remember going to see an Ethel Merman performance at the huge Golden Gate Theater in San Francisco. My dad, being a teacher back when teachers hardly made a working wage, got the best tickets for us he could afford. They were in the second balcony, where we could just barely hear the orchestra, and then Ms Merman came on stage. I would have sworn she was sitting in the seat next to mine. No microphone, just amazing power and control! What a memory!
Rita6868 Sora
Wow! What a great story! Yeah Ethel had some pipes!
Rita6868 Sora
Thanks for posting this clip! Ethel was my favorite singer until 1970 when Karen Carpenter came on the scene.Still love Ethel at #2 of my all time favorite voices.I use to have to turn down the t.v. cause we had only one t.v. and Dad would get angry when Ethel sang! Haaaa! When Dad entered the living room he would leave the room talking under his breath if Ethel came on the t.v. cause she sang to loud for him.Haa!!!! Miss you Ethel.Great memories!
Wicked Fan
Merman was the first actress who used belt, of course she's going to be the best in showstoppers!
Robey Williams
She’s extremely talented
Star Sky
I agree that this is a WONDERFUL version of RHYTHM. Thank you!
timwil09
Thanks for posting this clip. It's a nice piece of theatrical history. Merman was famous for not changing the staging of her numbers after she learned them. I would guess that her gestures in this performance are very much the same as they were on opening night of Girl Crazy in 1930.