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.
Together Wherever We Go
Ethel Merman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're gonna go through it together.
We may not go far, but sure as a star,
Wherever we are, it's together.
Wherever I go I know he goes.
Wherever I go I know she goes.
No fits, no fights, no feuds
Through thick and through thin,
All out or all in.
And whether it's win, place or show.
With you for me and me for you,
We'll muddle through whatever we do.
Together, wherever we go.
Wherever we go, whatever we do,
We're gonna go through it together.
Wherever we sleep, if prices are steep,
We'll always sleep cheaper together.
Whatever the boat I row, you row.
A duo
Whatever the row I hoe, you hoe.
A trio.
And any I. O. U., I owe you-oh's?
Who, me-oh? No, you-oh.
No, we-oh.
Together!
We all take the bow
Including the cow,
Though business is lousy and slow.
With Herbie's vim, Louise's verve,
Now all we need is someone with nerve.
Together
Together
Wherever
Wherever
Together, wherever,
Together, wherever we go.
We go in a group,
We tour in a troupe.
We land in the soup, but we know
The things we do, we do by threes.
A perfect team.
No, this way, Louise!
Together
Together
Wherever
Wherever
Together, wherever we go!
The song "Together Wherever We Go" by Ethel Merman is an uplifting and optimistic number that celebrates the power of togetherness. It speaks of a bond between two people who are determined to stick together no matter what adversities they may face. The first two lines of the song set the tone by stating that, "Wherever we go, whatever we do, we're gonna go through it together." The lyrics suggest that the world can be a challenging place, but that the difficulties can be more easily overcome when people stand by each other's side.
The song alternates between solo and group vocals, with each verse adding more voices to the mix. The second verse emphasizes the unity between the two main performers, stating, "Wherever I go I know he goes. Wherever I go I know she goes." They promise to work together as a team to avoid arguments ("no fits, no fights, no feuds") and boost each other's morale ("amigos, together!"). The third verse underscores the idea that there is strength in numbers, as the pair is joined by another voice. They pledge to support each other through good times and bad ("through thick and through thin, all out or all in"), and to persevere through life's challenges by relying on their mutual support.
Overall, "Together Wherever We Go" is a heartwarming and inspiring song about the importance of human connection. Its message of solidarity resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds, making it a timeless classic that continues to be beloved by audiences around the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Wherever we go, whatever we do,
We're gonna go through it together.
No matter where we go or what we do, we will face it together.
We may not go far, but sure as a star,
Wherever we are, it's together.
We may not travel a great distance, but we will always be together.
Wherever I go I know he goes.
Wherever I go I know she goes.
Wherever I go, I know my friends will be with me.
No fits, no fights, no feuds
And no egos, Amigos, together!
There will be no arguments or conflicts, just friends being together.
Through thick and through thin,
All out or all in.
And whether it's win, place or show.
With you for me and me for you,
We'll muddle through whatever we do.
Together, wherever we go.
We will stick together through the good and the bad, and we'll get through anything as long as we have each other.
Wherever we sleep, if prices are steep,
We'll always sleep cheaper together.
We will share expenses to save money and be together through thick and thin.
Whatever the boat I row, you row.
A duo
Whatever the row I hoe, you hoe.
A trio.
And any I. O. U., I owe you-oh's?
Who, me-oh? No, you-oh.
No, we-oh.
Together!
We will always work together, whether it's rowing a boat or hoeing a row, and we will share any debt.
We all take the bow
Including the cow,
Though business is lousy and slow.
With Herbie's vim, Louise's verve,
Now all we need is someone with nerve.
Together
Despite business being slow, we will all take the credit as a team, using Herbie's energy and Louise's enthusiasm, and we only need someone brave to complete us.
Together, wherever,
Together, wherever we go.
We will always be together, no matter where we go.
We go in a group,
We tour in a troupe.
We land in the soup, but we know
The things we do, we do by threes.
A perfect team.
No, this way, Louise!
Together
Together
Wherever
Wherever
Together, wherever we go!
We travel as a group, perform as a troupe, and even when we get into trouble, we handle it together. We always work in threes, and Louise always knows the way.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JULE STYNE, STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MB-eu4ty
I am a single mom. My ex is a deadbeat. This song makes me think of my two sons and me. I love the way Ethel sings this. I find myself listening to this song all the time. It touches my heart.
@brockwhite730
She was a one-of-a-kind star! I love her moxie and voice!
@WorldwideNicole
Must have this on vinyl somewhere 😆👀🙃🧐
So happy to hear it here just when ai needed to hear it 🎉
THANK YOU 🙏🏼
@johnflynn9619
Merman will always be The Greatest Broadway Actress.
Beautiful Voice & Talent.
@Owlzindabarn
Still the best recording of this score, ever.
@vegetablehead
Agreed. My oldest child’s first dance recital when she was 4 contained this version. Special memories always kindle upon hearing these voices.
@BTURNER1961
Its not JUST Merman. There are three characters, three parts and three voices here Even if you can barely hear them, Jack Klugman and Sandra Church? constitute the supporters. Give em credit.
@persebra
I had fallen asleep in my car, and for some strange reason, I was performing this song in my dream and woke up to it. LOL. Ithe song has nothing to do with what is going on in my life now, at least I dont think, and i hadnt heard it in years. Nevertheless I had to heard it again! so I came to youtube and came here...nice performance. strange how the mind works.
@alistairmcelwee7467
After hearing Ethel Merman in this role, other voices seem so light and , while good, not quite as good as Merman was in this role.
@user-dg8ho3bm3d
I'm singing this at the YMCA in march for a chorus consert