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.
Just One of Those Things
Ethel Merman Lyrics
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Just one of those crazy flings
One of those bells that now and then rings
Just one of those things
It was just one of those nights
Just one of those fabulous flights
A trip to the moon on gossamer wings
If we'd thought a bit before the end of it
When we started painting the town
We'd have been aware that our love affair
Was too hot not to cool down
So good-bye, dear, and amen
Here's hoping we meet now and then
It was great fun
But it was just one of those things
In Ethel Merman's song "Just One of Those Things," the lyrics explore a fleeting and passionate love affair. The song captures a sense of spontaneity and whimsy that is associated with such experiences. The first verse describes this encounter as "just one of those things," implying that it was a random and unexpected event. The mention of "crazy flings" and a bell that "now and then rings" suggests a sense of exhilaration and unpredictability.
The second verse continues to express the excitement of the affair, comparing it to a fantastic journey to the moon on delicate wings. The lyrics evoke a feeling of floating and delight, mirroring the giddy emotions that accompany being caught up in a temporary romance.
However, the third verse takes a more contemplative turn. It suggests that if the lovers had given the relationship more thought, they would have realized that their passion was unsustainable. The phrase "too hot not to cool down" implies that the intensity of their love was bound to fade away. The song concludes with a bittersweet farewell, acknowledging the enjoyable nature of their time together but accepting that it was ultimately just a passing fling.
Overall, "Just One of Those Things" captures the essence of a fleeting love affair, celebrating the thrill and excitement while acknowledging its transient nature. It explores the idea that some relationships are meant to be enjoyed in the moment, without any expectation of permanence.
Line by Line Meaning
It was just one of those things
It was simply a random occurrence
Just one of those crazy flings
Just a brief and intense romantic relationship
One of those bells that now and then rings
A passing moment of excitement or joy
Just one of those things
Just an insignificant event
It was just one of those nights
It was merely one specific evening
Just one of those fabulous flights
Just a fantastic and thrilling experience
A trip to the moon on gossamer wings
An extraordinary and dreamlike adventure
Just one of those things
Just another mundane occurrence
If we'd thought a bit before the end of it
If we had considered the consequences
When we started painting the town
When we began enjoying the nightlife
We'd have been aware that our love affair
We would have realized that our romantic involvement
Was too hot not to cool down
Was too intense to sustain indefinitely
So good-bye, dear, and amen
Farewell, my love, and may it be blessed
Here's hoping we meet now and then
I hope we cross paths occasionally
It was great fun
It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience
But it was just one of those things
However, it was just an insignificant event
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind