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.
Any Bonds Today?
Irving Berlin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And the whiskers on his chin
Will soon be knocking at your door
And you ought to be in
The tall man with the high hat
Will be coming down your way
Get your savings out when you hear
Him shout "Any bonds today?"
Any bonds today? Bonds of freedom
That's what I'm selling any bonds today?
Scrape up the most you can
Here comes the freedom man
Asking you to buy a share of freedom today
Any stamps today? We'll be blest
If we all invest in the USA
Here comes the freedom man
Can't make tomorrow's plan
Not unless you buy a share of freedom today
First came the Czechs and then came the Poles
And then the Norwegians with
Three million souls
Then came the Dutch, the Belgians and France
Then all of the Balkans with hardly a chance
It's all in the Book if only you look
It's there if you read the text
They fell ev'ry one at the point of a gun
America mustn't be next
Any bonds today? All you give
Will be spent to live in the Yankee way
Scrape up the most you can
Here comes the freedom man
Asking you to buy a share of freedom today
The lyrics to Irving Berlin's song "Any Bonds Today?" serve as a patriotic call to action, encouraging listeners to support the war effort by purchasing bonds for freedom. The song vividly describes a tall man with a high hat and whiskers on his chin who represents the government's appeal to the public to invest in bonds. The lyrics suggest that when this man comes knocking at your door, you should be ready to contribute and show your support.
The song emphasizes the importance of investing in bonds for the sake of freedom. The chorus repeats the question, "Any bonds today?" and highlights that these bonds represent not just a financial investment but also a share in the concept of freedom. By purchasing bonds, individuals are contributing to the war effort and investing in the values and way of life associated with the United States.
In addition to the call to action, the lyrics provide historical context by mentioning various nations that have fallen under the threat of war. The verses mention the Czechs, Poles, Norwegians, Dutch, Belgians, and Balkan countries, illustrating the growing conflict and the urgency for the United States not to become the next victim. The song asserts that America must stand strong and support the war effort financially to ensure its own safety and protect the values of freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
The tall man with the high hat
The authoritative figure, symbolizing the government or military leadership
And the whiskers on his chin
Representing a wise and experienced person
Will soon be knocking at your door
Imminent need for your support and participation
And you ought to be in
You should be involved and engaged
The tall man with the high hat
The representative of authority
Will be coming down your way
Approaching and presenting the opportunity
Get your savings out when you hear
Prepare financially for the cause
Him shout 'Any bonds today?'
Asking for contributions to support the nation
Any bonds today? Bonds of freedom
Referring to investments in the nation's security and liberty
That's what I'm selling any bonds today?
Highlighting the importance and value of investing
Scrape up the most you can
Gather as much as possible
Here comes the freedom man
The representative promoting freedom and security
Asking you to buy a share of freedom today
Encouraging individuals to contribute to the nation's defense
Any stamps today? We'll be blest
Referring to additional forms of support, possibly war stamps
If we all invest in the USA
If everyone contributes to the nation
Here comes the freedom man
The advocate for freedom and security
Can't make tomorrow's plan
Without contributions, the future is uncertain
Not unless you buy a share of freedom today
Emphasizing the necessity of investing in the nation now
First came the Czechs and then came the Poles
Referencing countries occupied by external forces
And then the Norwegians with three million souls
Mentioning the large number of people affected by occupation
Then came the Dutch, the Belgians and France
Listing countries facing invasion and occupation
Then all of the Balkans with hardly a chance
Referring to the vulnerable Balkan countries
It's all in the Book if only you look
Facts and history can provide insights
It's there if you read the text
Information is available to understand the situation
They fell ev'ry one at the point of a gun
Countries suffered defeat by forceful aggression
America mustn't be next
Highlighting the importance of defending the nation
Any bonds today? All you give
Asking for contributions
Will be spent to live in the Yankee way
Utilized to maintain the American lifestyle and values
Scrape up the most you can
Gather as much financial support as possible
Here comes the freedom man
The advocate for freedom and security
Asking you to buy a share of freedom today
Encouraging individuals to invest in the nation's defense
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
pinesiskin59
A high school classmate sang this song in a talent show. I was glad to find this and be able to hear it again. I had never heard of Barry Wood- great singer!
Adrian Fernandez
Que alegria he sentido al escuchar este disco del año 1941 ¡¡ yo naci en ese año ahora tengo ¡¡81 años !! Gracias desde Mexico
Cats01
According to information elsewhere, Barry Wood was the first to sing this song. He introduced it at an event in DC. He was the lead male singer on the Hit Parade. He was replaced by Frank Sinatra in 1943.
Barry I. Grauman
Recorded on June 9, 1941.
The best known version of this song- written by Berlin for the U.S. Treasury Department "Defense Bonds" campaign- was performed by Bugs Bunny in a special "Bonds" campaign trailer, produced by Leon Schlesinger and Warner Bros. for the Treasury Department in December 1941.
snickle1980
Just saw that.
george Cripe
Nice recording, but I preferred the Andrews Sisters version. Jimmy Dorsey had a great version too.
Lindani Bhengu
Bugs bunny got me here😊
chaseo 101
Bugs bunny real