The ''IT's'' Where It's At
Gerald Wilson And His Orchestra Lyrics
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Lives a life that isn't necessarily sunny
Likewise the man who works for fame
There's no guarantee that time won't erase his name
The fact is, the only work that really brings enjoyment
Is the kind that is for girl and boy meant
Fall in love and you won't regret it
Holding hands at midnight
'Neath a starry sky
Nice work if you can get it
And you can get it if you try
Strolling with the one girl
Sighing sigh after sigh
Nice work if you can get it
And you can get it if you try
Just imagine someone
Waiting at the cottage door
Where two hearts become one
Who could ask for anything more?
Loving one who loves you
And then taking that vow
It's nice work if you can get it
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?"
Just imagine someone
Waiting at the cottage door
Where two hearts become one
Who could ask for anything more?
Loving one who loves you
And then taking that vow
Nice work if you can get it
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?"
The song presents a commentary on the concept of work and what it means to different people. The first stanza establishes two men, one who is solely focused on making money and the other who works for fame. The lyrics suggest that neither of these pursuits guarantees happiness or fulfillment. The second stanza introduces the idea that the only work that truly brings enjoyment is the kind that is meant for both sexes, which is falling in love. This is exemplified by the image of two individuals holding hands at midnight under a starry sky, which is considered the best work of all.
The following stanzas describe the possibilities that this type of work can bring. The image of someone waiting at the cottage door suggests a sense of home and a feeling of security that comes from marrying someone you love. In the end, the song is conveying that loving someone and being loved in return is the best kind of work there is.
Overall, "The 'IT's' Where It's At" is a commentary on the importance of love and relationships in contrast to money and fame. It presents a positive outlook on finding joy in the simple things in life, and how love can be fulfilling in a way that other forms of work cannot.
Line by Line Meaning
The man who only lives for making money
A person who solely focuses on accumulating wealth
Lives a life that isn't necessarily sunny
Doesn't necessarily have a happy life
Likewise the man who works for fame
Similarly, the person who strives for recognition
There's no guarantee that time won't erase his name
The possibility exists that with time, the person's fame will fade away
The fact is, the only work that really brings enjoyment
The reality is, the only work that's truly fulfilling
Is the kind that is for girl and boy meant
Is the kind that's meant for love and relationships
Fall in love and you won't regret it
If you fall in love, you won't have any remorse
That's the best work of all, if you can get it
Being in love is the most gratifying work, if only it's possible
Holding hands at midnight
Walking hand-in-hand at night
'Neath a starry sky
Underneath the blanket of stars
Nice work if you can get it
It's a great thing to experience if it's available to you
And you can get it if you try
It's within your reach if you make an effort
Strolling with the one girl
Walking leisurely with your loved one
Sighing sigh after sigh
Feeling relieved and contented
Just imagine someone
Picture in your mind someone
Waiting at the cottage door
Waiting patiently for you to arrive
Where two hearts become one
Where two people fall in love
Who could ask for anything more?
What more could anyone desire?
Loving one who loves you
Being cared for by someone you adore
And then taking that vow
And then making a commitment to each other
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?
If you find love, please share your secret with me.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Richard Marston
From the 1967 album "Live And Swinging"