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.
Act I: There's No Business Like Show Business
Irving Berlin Lyrics
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Everything about it is appealing, everything that traffic will allow
Nowhere could you get that happy feeling when you are stealing that extra bow
There's no people like show people, they smile when they are low
Even with a turkey that you know will fold, you may be stranded out in the cold
Still you wouldn't change it for a sack of gold, let's go on with the show
Are secretly unhappy men because
The butcher, the baker, the grocer, the clerk
Get paid for what they do but no applause.
They'd gladly bid their dreary jobs goodbye for anything theatrical and why?
There's no business like show business and I tell you it's so
Traveling through the country is so thrilling, standing out in front on opening nights
Smiling as you watch the theater filling, and there's your billing out there in lights
There's no people like show people, they smile when they are low
Angels come from everywhere with lots of jack, and when you lose it, there's no attack
Where could you get money that you don't give back? let's go on with the show
(There's no business like show business like no business I know)
You get word before the show has started that your favorite uncle died at dawn
Top of that, your pa and ma have parted, you're broken-hearted, but you go on
(There's no people like show people, they smile when they are low)
Yesterday they told you you would not go far, that night you open and there you are
Next day on your dressing room they've hung a star, let's go on with the show!!
"There's No Business Like Show Business" is a classic ode to the entertainment industry and the people who make it happen. In the first verse, the singer describes how everything about show business is appealing, and how it gives performers a sense of satisfaction that can't be found anywhere else. The second verse focuses on the performers themselves, describing how they are unique in their ability to keep smiling even when times are tough. The third verse contrasts these happy-go-lucky performers with the "secretly unhappy" butchers, bakers, grocers, and clerks who earn their livings in more mundane ways. The final verse drives the message home that, despite the challenges and tragedies that may arise, those who make their living in show business wouldn't change it for the world.
Line by Line Meaning
There's no business like show business like no business I know
There is no other profession as exhilarating as show business that I have knowledge of.
Everything about it is appealing, everything that traffic will allow
The entertainment industry has numerous attractive and alluring qualities that caters to a wide range of audience preferences.
Nowhere could you get that happy feeling when you are stealing that extra bow
There is no other sensation like the joy you feel when you capture the spotlight, and take a little extra credit for the success of a show.
There's no people like show people, they smile when they are low
The people associated with show business have an exceptional talent for masking their inner feelings and exhibiting a happy demeanour, even while going through personal troubles.
Even with a turkey that you know will fold, you may be stranded out in the cold
Even when the performance is subpar and lacks enthusiasm, and you end up disheartened and lonely due to poor response from the audience.
Still you wouldn't change it for a sack of gold, let's go on with the show
Despite the challenges and difficulties associated, show business is so gratifying and satisfying that no amount of wealth could sway you from pursuing it further.
The butcher, the baker, the grocer, the clerk
A reference to the mundane and commonplace jobs that people generally do.
Are secretly unhappy men because
These individuals might not be satisfied with their present line of work, but cannot figure out a viable way to switch professions.
Get paid for what they do but no applause.
Though they do receive salary for their respective occupation, they do not receive any recognition or appreciative cheers.
They'd gladly bid their dreary jobs goodbye for anything theatrical and why?
Any of these people would grab the opportunity to transition to show business, regardless of the struggles associated, and chase their aspirations.
Traveling through the country is so thrilling, standing out in front on opening nights
Journeying through different places, and performing in varied settings, especially during opening night of a show, is an exhilarating experience.
Smiling as you watch the theater filling, and there's your billing out there in lights
During the show, as the auditorium fills up with the audience, and when the bill with your name appears on stage in bright lights, it gives an unbeatable feeling of ecstasy.
Angels come from everywhere with lots of jack, and when you lose it, there's no attack
Lots of wealthy people invest in show business, knowing its potential, and when they face a setback, they do not launch any vicious attack due to the volatile nature of the industry.
Where could you get money that you don't give back? let's go on with the show
Show business is a place where one can earn profits, even without any obligation of returning the amount, making it an attractive career option.
You get word before the show has started that your favorite uncle died at dawn
Just before the show commences, you hear the heart-wrenching news about the demise of your beloved family member.
Top of that, your pa and ma have parted, you're broken-hearted, but you go on
On top of that, your parents have separated, leaving you crestfallen, but you still gather the courage to put up a good show.
Yesterday they told you you would not go far, that night you open and there you are
On the previous day, someone told you that you wouldn't achieve anything significant today, and on the very night, you perform so well that your talent shines through.
Next day on your dressing room they've hung a star, let's go on with the show!!
The next day following your remarkable performance, your room is decorated with a star, and you realize that show business was meant to be your destiny, and hence you continue with it joyfully.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IRVING BERLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind