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.
The Most Beautiful Girl In the World
Ethel Merman Lyrics
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Picks my ties out, eats my candy,
Drinks my brandy,
The most beautiful girl in the world!
The most beautiful girl in the world
Isn't Garbo, isn't Dietrich,
But the sweet trick
Social? Not a bit!
natural kind of wit,
She'd shine anywhere,
And she hasn't got platinum hair!
The most beautiful house in the world
Has a mortgage, what do I care?
It's goodbye care
When my slippers are next to the ones that belong
To the one and only beautiful girl in the world!
The most beautiful house in the world
Has a mortgage, what do I care?
It's goodbye care
When my slippers are next to the ones that belong
To the one and only,
The one and only,
The one and only beautiful girl in the world!
In Ethel Merman's song "The Most Beautiful Girl In the World," the lyrics depict the singer's admiration and love for a particular woman who may not fit society's traditional standards of beauty but holds a special place in their heart. The song opens with the singer proclaiming that the most beautiful girl in the world not only selects their clothes and indulges in their luxuries but also brings joy into their life. This woman, though she may not be as famous or glamorous as Greta Garbo or Marlene Dietrich, possesses a charm and wit that makes the singer believe in the beauty of the world.
The lyrics further emphasize that this woman possesses a natural kind of wit and doesn't need to conform to societal expectations. She shines in any setting, regardless of her appearance, and defies the norm by not having platinum hair. The song continues by stating that even though the singer may have financial responsibilities, such as a mortgage on their house, the presence of this beautiful girl makes all their cares fade away. The singer treasures the moments when their slippers rest beside those of the woman they adore, illustrating the intimacy and contentment they find in her presence.
Overall, "The Most Beautiful Girl In the World" celebrates love and beauty that transcends physical attributes. It highlights the power of a genuine connection and the ability of someone special to bring happiness and alleviate life's burdens.
Line by Line Meaning
The most beautiful girl in the world
The girl of my dreams, the epitome of beauty and perfection
Picks my ties out, eats my candy
She takes care of even the smallest details and indulges in sweet pleasures
Drinks my brandy
She enjoys the finer things in life, like sipping on expensive drinks
The most beautiful girl in the world!
I am enamored and overwhelmed by her beauty
Isn't Garbo, isn't Dietrich
She may not be glamorous Hollywood stars like Greta Garbo or Marlene Dietrich
But the sweet trick
Yet she possesses a charming quality or talent
Who can make me believe it's a beautiful world!
Her presence makes me see the world in a more positive and beautiful light
Social? Not a bit!
She is not concerned with social status or conventions
natural kind of wit
She possesses a genuine and effortless sense of humor
She'd shine anywhere
She radiates brightness and stands out in any situation
And she hasn't got platinum hair!
Her beauty is not defined by superficial features like blonde hair
The most beautiful house in the world
A metaphorical reference to a perfect home and life
Has a mortgage, what do I care?
Even if there are financial obligations, they do not diminish my happiness
It's goodbye care
All worries and troubles disappear
When my slippers are next to the ones that belong
When my comfortable footwear is placed beside hers
To the one and only beautiful girl in the world!
To the unique and incomparable woman who captures my heart and soul
The one and only
There is no one else like her
The one and only
She is truly one of a kind
The one and only beautiful girl in the world!
She holds the title of being the most beautiful girl in the world, in my eyes
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LORENZ HART, RICHARD RODGERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind