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.
Small World
Ethel Merman Lyrics
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Come from another town
Funny, I'm a stranger myself here
Small world, isn't it?
Funny, you're a man who goes travelin'
Rather than settlin' down
Funny 'cause I'd love to go travelin'
We have so much in common
It's a phenomenon
We could pool our resources
By joining forces from now on
Lucky, you're a man who likes children
That's an important sign
Lucky, I'm a woman who with children
Small world, isn't it?
Funny, isn't it? Small and funny and fine
The song "Small World" is a duet sung by Ethel Merman and Jack Klugman. The lyrics are about two strangers who meet and realize they have a lot in common, despite being from different towns. The song describes how their lives have crossed paths and how they could join forces to make the most of what they have. The phrase "small world" is a nod to the fact that the world can seem small when you discover someone who shares your interests and has similar experiences to you.
The first verse of the song describes how the two characters are strangers in a new place. The fact that they are both strangers reinforces the idea that there is a connection between them. The second verse expresses their desire to travel and experience new things. By acknowledging that they both have this desire, they discover another commonality. The chorus emphasizes how they have so much in common and how they could work together to make a better life.
The final verse is about their shared love of children. This is an important sign for them, as it indicates that they have similar values and priorities. The song ends with the repeating phrase "small world, isn't it?" which highlights how they have discovered all these connections despite their initial status as strangers.
Line by Line Meaning
Funny, you're a stranger who's come here
It's peculiar that you, who I have never met before, are now in this place
Come from another town
You arrived here from a different location
Funny, I'm a stranger myself here
It's rather amusing that even though I live here, I don't know many people
Small world, isn't it?
It's ironic how even though we are strangers, we coincidentally crossed paths in this seemingly small world
Funny, you're a man who goes travelin'
It's curious that you prefer to travel rather than settle down in one place
Rather than settlin' down
Instead of choosing to reside permanently in one location
Funny 'cause I'd love to go travelin'
It's amusing because I also have a desire to explore new places
We have so much in common
We share many similarities
It's a phenomenon
It's an extraordinary occurrence
We could pool our resources
We can combine our assets/abilities
By joining forces from now on
We can work together starting now
Lucky, you're a man who likes children
It's fortunate that you have an affection for kids
That's an important sign
It's a significant indication
Lucky, I'm a woman who with children
It's fortunate that I am a female with kids
Funny, isn't it? Small and funny and fine
It's amusing, isn't it? How our lives intertwine in this peculiar yet wonderful way
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JULE STYNE, STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind