Elmer's Tune
Glenn Miller Lyrics


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Why are the stars always winkin' and blinkin' above?
What makes a fellow start thinkin' of fallin' in love?
It's not the season, the reason is plain as the moon
It's just Elmer's tune
What makes a lady of eighty go out on the loose?
Why does a gander meander in search of a goose?
What puts the kick in a chicken, the magic in June?
It's just Elmer's tune
Listen, listen, there's a lot you're li'ble to be missin'
Sing it, swing it, any old way and any old time
The hurdy gurdies, the birdies, the cop on the beat
The candy maker, the baker, the man on the street
The city charmer, the farmer, the man in the moon
All sing Elmer's tune

Why are the stars always winkin' and blinkin' above?
What makes a fellow start thinkin' of fallin' in love?
It's not the season, the reason is plain as the moon
It's just Elmer's tune
What makes a lady of eighty go out on the loose?
Why does a gander meander in search of a goose?
What puts the kick in a chicken, the magic in June?
It's just Elmer's tune
Listen, listen, there's a lot you're li'ble to be missin'
Sing it, swing it, any old way and any old time
The hurdy gurdies, the birdies, the cop on the beat
The candy maker, the baker, the man on the street




The city charmer, the farmer, the man in the moon
All sing Elmer's tune

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Glenn Miller's song "Elmer's Tune" celebrate the inexplicable, almost magical power of music to create joy, connection, and desire. The opening lines ask why we look to the stars and fall in love, even when it's not the season. The answer, the song suggests, is not rational or explainable - it's just the power of music, embodied in Elmer's tune. The chorus repeats this theme, asking what puts the kick in a chicken or the magic in June – it's just Elmer's tune. The song suggests that this power is universal, connecting people from all walks of life, from the city charmer to the man in the moon. Ultimately, the song calls on listeners to join in and sing along, embracing the joy and unity that comes from music.


The song was first released by the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1941, with lyrics by Dick Jurgens, Sammy Gallop, and Elmer Albrecht. It was an immediate hit, spending eleven weeks at the top of the Billboard charts. The song's popularity was in part due to Miller's expert arrangement, which combined his signature smooth brass sound with a more dynamic swing rhythm. The song's lyrics also resonated with audiences during a time of war and hardship, providing a cheerful escape from the world.


Line by Line Meaning

Why are the stars always winkin' and blinkin' above?
What causes the twinkling of stars in the night sky?


What makes a fellow start thinkin' of fallin' in love?
What inspires a man to begin to feel romantic emotions?


It's not the season, the reason is plain as the moon
It's not due to the time of year; the reason is clear.


It's just Elmer's tune
It's because of Elmer's music.


What makes a lady of eighty go out on the loose?
What motivates an elderly woman to go out and enjoy life?


Why does a gander meander in search of a goose?
What drives a male goose to search for a female mate?


What puts the kick in a chicken, the magic in June?
What causes excitement in a chicken, or the feeling of enchantment in the month of June?


It's just Elmer's tune
It's due to Elmer's music.


Listen, listen, there's a lot you're li'ble to be missin'
Pay attention, as there is a lot you might miss.


Sing it, swing it, any old way and any old time
Sing and play the tune in your own style, whenever you feel like it.


The hurdy gurdies, the birdies, the cop on the beat
Musicians, birds, and policemen, among others


The candy maker, the baker, the man on the street
People who make candy, bake, and walk the streets


The city charmer, the farmer, the man in the moon
Those who charm people in the city, farmers, and even the fictional 'man in the moon'


All sing Elmer's tune
Everyone is singing Elmer's melody.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ELMER ALBRECHT, SAMMY GALLOP, DAN JURGENS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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