Berlin, who was Jewish, was one of the few Tin Pan Alley/Broadway songwriters who wrote both lyrics and music for his songs. Although he never learned to read music beyond a rudimentary level, he composed over 3,000 songs. Many of his songs, including "God Bless America", "White Christmas", "Alexander's Ragtime Band", and "There's No Business Like Show Business," left an indelible mark on American music and culture. He produced 17 film scores and 21 Broadway scores, in addition to his individual songs.
Abraham
Irving Berlin Lyrics
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A tiny baby boy was born
Abraham, Abraham
When he grew up this tiny babe
Folks all called him Honest Abe
Abraham, Abraham
The sixteenth president
And now he's in the hall of fame
A most respected gent
That's why we celebrate
This blessed February date
Abraham, Abraham
When black folks lived in slavery
Who was it set the darkie free?
Abraham, Abraham
When trouble came down from the shelf
Who's heart was bigger than himself?
Abraham, Abraham
The country's going to the dogs
They shouted loud and long
Then from a cabin made out of logs
The right man come along
And that is why we celebrate
This blessed February date
Abraham, Abraham
The U.S.A.'s united thanks
To one whose name was Nancy Hanks
Abraham, Abraham
She gave this land the finest son
Who ever went to Washington
Abraham, Abraham
Someone told him General Grant
Was drinking every night
He answered, 'Go see if you can't
Get all my generals tight'
That's why we celebrate
This blessed February date
Abraham, Abraham
Thank the Lord for
Abraham
Abraham
The lyrics of Irving Berlin's song "Abraham" celebrate the life and accomplishments of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. The song begins by acknowledging Lincoln's humble beginnings, being born on a February morning as a tiny baby boy. As he grew up, he earned the nickname "Honest Abe" due to his reputation for honesty and integrity.
The song then moves on to highlight Lincoln's presidency and his role in abolishing slavery. It recognizes him as the one who set the "darkie" (an outdated term for African Americans) free, referring to the Emancipation Proclamation that Lincoln issued during his presidency. The lyrics also emphasize Lincoln's ability to rise above personal troubles and maintain a larger perspective. When trouble came his way, Lincoln's heart was bigger than himself, indicating his deep sense of compassion and leadership.
Despite the challenges faced by the country, Lincoln's leadership is praised. The lyrics mention the criticism that the country was going to the dogs, but assert that the right man came along to guide the nation. Lincoln's role in bringing the country together and leading it through the American Civil War is considered instrumental.
The song also pays tribute to Nancy Hanks, Lincoln's mother, giving her credit for raising such an exceptional son who eventually went on to become a revered figure in Washington. Additionally, there is a playful reference made to Lincoln's trust in his generals, specifically General Ulysses S. Grant, who was rumored to have a drinking problem. Lincoln's response to this rumor was to quip that if Grant was drinking, the other generals should join him, highlighting his ability to handle difficult situations with humor and pragmatism.
Overall, the lyrics of "Abraham" celebrate Abraham Lincoln's rise from a humble beginning to becoming one of the most respected figures in American history. The song recognizes his contributions to ending slavery, his leadership during troubled times, and his enduring legacy as one of the greatest presidents of the United States.
Line by Line Meaning
Upon a February morn
On a February morning
A tiny baby boy was born
A small baby boy came into the world
Abraham, Abraham
This child was named Abraham
When he grew up this tiny babe
As this small baby boy grew older
Folks all called him Honest Abe
People affectionately referred to him as Honest Abe
In eighteen sixty, he became
In 1860, he became
The sixteenth president
The 16th president of the United States
And now he's in the hall of fame
And now he is remembered as a significant figure
A most respected gent
He was a highly respected gentleman
That's why we celebrate
This is why we commemorate
This blessed February date
This special day in February
When black folks lived in slavery
During a time when African Americans were enslaved
Who was it set the darkie free?
Who was the person who liberated the African Americans?
When trouble came down from the shelf
When difficulties arose
Who's heart was bigger than himself?
Whose heart was more compassionate than his own?
The country's going to the dogs
The nation is deteriorating
They shouted loud and long
They protested loudly and extensively
Then from a cabin made out of logs
Then from a small log cabin
The right man come along
The suitable man came forward
And that is why we celebrate
And that is why we observe
This blessed February date
This significant day in February
The U.S.A.'s united thanks
The United States of America expresses its gratitude
To one whose name was Nancy Hanks
To a person named Nancy Hanks
Abraham, Abraham
His name was Abraham
She gave this land the finest son
She bore the greatest son to this nation
Who ever went to Washington
Whoever went to serve as president
Someone told him General Grant
Someone informed him about General Grant
Was drinking every night
Was consuming alcohol every night
He answered, 'Go see if you can't
He replied, 'Please investigate whether you can
Get all my generals tight'
Sober up all my generals'
Thank the Lord for
Express gratitude to the Lord for
Abraham
Abraham
Abraham
Abraham
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IRVING BERLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind