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.
There's No Business Like Show Business
Ethel Merman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll be right there, I've got my fair
When I see that rusty haired conductor man
I'll grab him by the collar and I'll holler "Alabam'! Alabam'!"
That's where you stop your train, that brings me back again
Down home where I'll remain, where my honey lamb am
I will be right there with bells, when that old conductor yells
The lyrics to Ethel Merman's song "There's No Business Like Show Business" speak to the allure and excitement of the entertainment industry, specifically focusing on the thrill of travel and the promise of returning home. The opening lines describe the excitement of catching a train bound for Alabama, with the singer declaring confidently that they have their fair and are ready to go. The mention of the "rusty haired conductor man" adds a touch of romance and adventure to the scene, and the repeated shout of "Alabam'! Alabam'!" further emphasizes the sense of anticipation and excitement.
As the song continues, the focus shifts to the destination itself. The singer declares their intent to stay in Alabama, where they will be reunited with their "honey lamb" and can settle down comfortably. The repeated refrain of "All aboard! All aboard! All aboard for Alabam!" serves as a sort of rallying cry, inviting the listener along on this journey and encouraging them to embrace the thrill of travel and the joy of coming home again.
Overall, "There's No Business Like Show Business" is a celebration of the entertainment industry and the ways in which it can capture our imaginations and inspire our passions. By emphasizing the thrill of travel and the promise of returning home, the song taps into a sense of wanderlust and nostalgia, inviting us to join in the excitement and revel in the joy of the journey.
Line by Line Meaning
When the midnight choo choo leaves for Alabam'
When the train departs for Alabam' at midnight
I'll be right there, I've got my fair
I'll be there with my ticket
When I see that rusty haired conductor man
When I spot the conductor with red hair
I'll grab him by the collar and I'll holler "Alabam'! Alabam'!"
I'll call out for Alabama and grab his collar
That's where you stop your train, that brings me back again
That's where the train stops, heading back to my home
Down home where I'll remain, where my honey lamb am
I'll stay in my hometown where my sweetheart is
I will be right there with bells, when that old conductor yells
I'll be present and ready when the conductor calls out
"All aboard! All aboard! All aboard for Alabam!"
Ready to board the train to Alabama
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Irving Berlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@emmaerickson8945
There's no business like show business
Like no business I know
Everything about it is appealing
Everything the traffic will allow
Nowhere could you get that happy feeling
When you are stealing
That extra bow
There's no people like show people
They smile when they are low
Yesterday they told you you would not go far
That night you open and there you are
Next day on your dressing room they've hung a star
Let's go on with the show
The costumes, the scenery, the make-up, the props
The audience that lifts you when you're down
The headaches, the heartaches, the backaches, the flops
The sheriff who escorts you out of town
The op'ning when your heart beats like a drum
The closing when the customers won't come
There's no business like show business
Like no business I know
You get word before the show has started
That your favorite uncle died at dawn
Top of that, your ma and pa have parted
You're broken-hearted
But you go on
There's no people like show people
They smile when they are low
Even with a turkey that you know will fold
You may be stranded out in the cold
Still you wouldn't 'change for a sack of gold
Let's go on with the show
Let's go on with the show
@NotAnAngryLesbian
"I like the show. Not so much the biz." -Gene Wilder
@adrianmonk4440
GREAT LINE !!!
@DafyddBrooks
awwww yeah thats true and for him too. I wish he could have made more movies and TV shows through out the 2000's but I could understand due to the stress of the business and his own health concerns. He was able to peacefully walk away from it all though :)
@LilySaintSin
So true
@MyJustin316
Changing Things may he RIP like the movie he did The Producers a broadway movie
@darcimonet
This movie was CONSTANTLY on the Disney Channel when I was growing up. One of my favorites to this day. ♥
@Cowboy1959
This is an epic performance that rightly cemented Ethel Merman's place in showbiz history. Out of context it's a great clip, but when you see it as part of the entire film it's a goose-pimpling, tear-inducing climax to the story. Mitzi Gaynor's performance in the final 15 seconds in the clip is outstanding. She's not the main focus at that point, but she's acting her heart out. I always appreciate performers who are staying in the moment even when they know the audience is most likely not watching them.
@MissMiffed
Indeed. Also Ethel’s full body reaction at 2:21 showing her torn between wanting to finish the song or hug her son who’s been missing, damn near presumed dead, is worthy of an Oscar alone. Two incredibly talented actresses.
@perrystalsisworldofbiology767
Yeah...Mitzi Gaynor is somefin else. She's so beautiful I can't look at her for very long.
@bmbutler2
@@MissMiffed I completely agree