In part because of his expressive phrasing and graceful interpretation, Astaire was chosen to introduce many now-classic songs, including standards by Cole Porter (example, "Night and Day"), his friend Irving Berlin ("Let's Face the Music and Dance"), Jerome Kern ("The Way You Look Tonight"), Johnny Mercer ("One for My Baby") and George and Ira Gershwin ("They Can't Take That Away from Me").
Fred Astaire is interred at Oakwood Memorial Park, Chatsworth, California, USA, the same cemetery where Ginger Rogers, is located. (http://encyclopaediaoftrivia.blogspot.com/2011/09/fred-astaire.html)
puttin' on the ritz
Fred Astaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Upon Lenox Avenue
On that famous thoroughfare
With their noses in the air
High hats and colored collars
White spats and fifteen dollars
Spending every dime
If you're blue
And you don't know where to go to
Why don't you go where Harlem flits
Puttin' on the Ritz
Spangled gowns upon the bevy
Of high browns from down the levy
All misfits
Puttin' on the Ritz
That's where each and every lulu-belle goes
Every Thursday evening with her swell beaus
Rubbin' elbows
Come with me and we'll attend their jubilee
And see them spend
Their last two bits
Puttin' on the Ritz
(Boys, look at that man puttin' on that Ritz)
(You look at him, I can't)
If you're blue
And you don't know where to go to
Why don't you go where Harlem flits
Puttin' on the Ritz
Spangled Gowns upon the bevy of
High browns from down the levy
All misfits
Puttin' on that certain Ritz
That's where each and every lulu-belle goes
Every Thursday evening with her swell beaus
Rubbin' elbows
Come with me and we'll attend their jubilee
And see them spend
Their last two bits
Puttin' on the Ritz
Come with me and we'll attend their jubilee
And see them spend
Their last two bits
Puttin' on the Ritz
"Puttin' On The Ritz" by Fred Astaire showcases the opulent lifestyle of the affluent people of Lenox Avenue, New York City, who flaunt their wealth and elegance with high hats, colored collars, white spats and spangled gowns. These people can be seen enjoying the nightlife and spending their money without a care in the world.
The song also implies that the "misfits" from Harlem, who are not usually part of this elite group, also come to experience the glamour and luxury of this lifestyle by attending their parties, which they call a "jubilee". The phrase "Puttin' On The Ritz" itself means striving to attain status, class, and elegance that is associated with wealth and upper-class lifestyle.
However, the lyrics suggest that these people are not always happy and content with their luxurious lifestyle as the song encourages those who are feeling blue and lost to come and join the party to experience their wonderful and carefree lifestyle.
Line by Line Meaning
Have you seen the well to do
Have you ever seen the wealthy people?
Upon Lenox Avenue
In the area of Lenox Avenue.
On that famous thoroughfare
On that well-known street or road.
With their noses in the air
Acting arrogant or snobbish towards others.
High hats and colored collars
Reference to formal, fashionable clothing and accessories.
White spats and fifteen dollars
Mentioning specific items of clothing and a certain amount of money.
Spending every dime
Using all of their money.
For a wonderful time
To have a good experience or excitement.
If you're blue
If you're feeling down or sad.
And you don't know where to go to
If you don't know where to go for entertainment or happiness.
Why don't you go where Harlem flits
Suggesting to go where people from Harlem socialize and enjoy themselves.
Puttin' on the Ritz
Having a high-class or extravagant time, often involving expensive or formal activity.
Spangled gowns upon the bevy
Referencing sparkly dresses on a large group of women.
Of high browns from down the levy
A group of high-class or wealthy people from a specific location.
All misfits
Despite being wealthy or high-class, these people may not fit in with society or conform to norms.
That's where each and every lulu-belle goes
Indicating that this is a popular place for women to attend.
Every Thursday evening with her swell beaus
Suggesting a weekly event attended by women and their attractive male companions.
Rubbin' elbows
Socializing with one another, often involving close physical proximity.
Come with me and we'll attend their jubilee
Inviting someone to join in on the festivities with this group of people.
And see them spend
Observing how much money these wealthy people will use or waste.
Their last two bits
Their last remaining money or small amount of wealth.
Puttin' on the Ritz
The activity which these people engage in involves showing off their wealth or elite status.
(Boys, look at that man puttin' on that Ritz)
Someone else is observing and commenting on the actions of the wealthy individuals.
(You look at him, I can't)
A response indicating that the artist is unable or unwilling to look at the man mentioned in the previous line.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: IRVING BERLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Charles W
One Of The Greatest Version Of This Song.❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🤍♥️💖💗💞💕💓
Brian Watlick
Smashing.😘😘
camillo tony
Show!!!!
Jet City Sinatra
I think they are using Fred Astaire's voice and the drums as well. I could be wrong about the drums but I Think that is him playing.
Korina Hinojosa
❤
Alien in disguise
I am thoroughly convinced that he is an Android with the mind of a man from the '20s because if you notice his singing his voice has split-second glitches where you hear his voice turn electric
Jane Adelaide Lennox
The birth of new money smh
David Edwards
Finally - not been on youtube for years
Rachel Bennett
Great remix of Puttin on the Ritz.
Baron Sledjoys
Fred Astaire voice JAZZ!