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.
You Can't Get a Man with a Gun
Ethel Merman Lyrics
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That's why I'm such a wonderful shot.
I'd be out in the cactus and I'd practice all day,
And now tell me what have I got?
I'm quick on the trigger with targets not much bigger than a pinpoint
I'm number one, but my score with a feller
Is lower than a cellar, oh you can't get a man with a gun.
Yes, I shine like the morning sun,
But I lose all my luster, when with a bronco buster,
Oh you can't get a man with a gun.
With a gu-un, with a gu-un, oh you can't get a man with a gun
If I went to battle with someone's herd of cattle
You'd have steak when the job was done.
But, if I shot the herder, they'd holler bloody murder
And you can't shoot a male in the tail like a quail,
Oh you can't get a man with a gun.
I'm cool, brave, and daring to see a lion glaring
When I'm out with my Remington.
But a look from a mister will raise a fever blister
Oh you can't get a man with a gun
The gals with umbrellas are always out with fellers
In the rain or the blazin sun
But a man never trifles with gals who carry rifles
Oh you can't get a man with a gun.
With a gu-un, with a gu-un, oh you can't get a man with a gun.
A man's love is mighty, he'll even buy a nightie
For a gal who he thinks is fun.
But they don't buy pajamas for pistol packin mamas
And you can't get a hug from a mug, with a slug
Oh you can't get a man with a gun.
The lyrics of "You Can't Get a Man with a Gun" embody the paradoxical nature of gender roles and expectations in the Wild West. The song is about a woman who is a skilled shooter, thanks to her upbringing and constant practice. She excels in the traditionally masculine activity of shooting and hunting, but is unable to attract a man despite her impressive abilities. The lyrics juxtapose her prowess with a gun with her inability to find a partner, highlighting the idea that traditional notions of femininity and masculinity clash in this particular setting.
The song also touches on the idea that while a woman may be admired and respected for her skills with a gun, she is ultimately limited by her gender when it comes to matters of the heart. The lyrics suggest that men are intimidated by strong women and would rather be with someone who is more conventionally feminine. This idea is reinforced through comparisons between the woman's marksmanship and her romantic prospects, with the former being excellent and the latter being poor.
Overall, the song speaks to the complex social dynamics of the Wild West and underscores the challenges women faced in a largely male-dominated society.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, my mother was frightened by a shotgun, they say
It is said that my skill with a gun comes from the fact that my mother was scared by one.
That's why I'm such a wonderful shot.
Thus the reason for my amazing accuracy.
I'd be out in the cactus and I'd practice all day,
I used to train all day long in the desert.
And now tell me what have I got?
I am wondering what good all of my training has done for me.
I'm quick on the trigger with targets not much bigger than a pinpoint
I can easily shoot small targets with speed and precision.
I'm number one, but my score with a feller
However, my accuracy with men is much worse,
Is lower than a cellar, oh you can't get a man with a gun.
and you really can't attract a man with a firearm.
When I'm with a pistol, I sparkle like a crystal
When I have a firearm in my possession, I am radiant.
Yes, I shine like the morning sun,
I can truly light up a room with my weapon.
But I lose all my luster, when with a bronco buster,
Unfortunately, my firearm doesn't have the same effect on cowboys.
Oh you can't get a man with a gun.
As previously stated, guns don't work well for attracting men.
If I went to battle with someone's herd of cattle
If I were to take on a group of cows,
You'd have steak when the job was done.
I would ensure that there was plenty of beef available for consumption.
But, if I shot the herder, they'd holler bloody murder
However, if I were to hurt the person in charge of the cows, it would cause trouble.
And you can't shoot a male in the tail like a quail,
It's not acceptable to treat men the way you would treat prey birds.
Oh you can't get a man with a gun.
Simply put, guns don't work well for romance.
I'm cool, brave, and daring to see a lion glaring
I am calm, fearless, and courageous when faced with a lion's stare.
When I'm out with my Remington.
As long as I have my rifle with me.
But a look from a mister will raise a fever blister
However, a simple look from a man could give me a fever blister.
Oh you can't get a man with a gun
Therefore, using a gun to attract a man will not work.
The gals with umbrellas are always out with fellers
Women with umbrellas always seem to be accompanied by men.
In the rain or the blazin sun
Regardless of the weather.
But a man never trifles with gals who carry rifles
However, men are less likely to mess with women carrying guns.
Oh you can't get a man with a gun.
Yet again, guns are not useful for romantic pursuits.
A man's love is mighty, he'll even buy a nightie
A man's affection is powerful, and he is willing to purchase lingerie for a woman he likes.
For a gal who he thinks is fun.
As long as he finds her interesting.
But they don't buy pajamas for pistol packin mamas
However, men are less likely to purchase sleepwear for women who carry guns.
And you can't get a hug from a mug, with a slug
Also, you can't expect to get a warm embrace carrying a weapon.
Oh you can't get a man with a gun.
To conclude, using firearms to attract men is an ineffective strategy.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: IRVING BERLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@showtunestarpower
I never ever get tired of listening to Ethel sing this song. Oh, how I wish we had a film record of her doing this song. For anyone interested in how to sing a musical theatre song, this recording is absolutely essential. Listen to the fun she has with vowels and consonants. Every sound she makes is a delight. And underneath it all is a gal who is lonely - but a gal who definitely has some shooting talent!
@strafrag1
She was a lovely lady. I had the pleasure of meeting her around 1980ish.
@changedforever2010
I never get tired of Ethel Merman singing. Period!
@carrotjuse
She had a voice like a trumpet!
@tommyvermiglio1649
Ethel Merman is Awesome
@XX-gy7ue
BRILLIANT
@queenelsa1628
I love this song so much!
@ganderse4253
The Merm was great! I miss her.
@tommyvermiglio1649
Ethel Merman Sings One Of My Songs
@tomservo56954
The 1966 revival, where Berlin added the song "An Old-Fashioned Wedding"