Irving Berlin (11 May 1888 – 22 September 1989), born Israel Isidore Baline… Read Full Bio ↴Irving Berlin (11 May 1888 – 22 September 1989), born Israel Isidore Baline, in Tyumen, Russia (according to other sources possibly Mogilev, now Belarus), was an American composer and lyricist. He was one of the most prodigious and famous American songwriters in history.

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.

Begging For Love
Irving Berlin Lyrics

[Verse:]
Ten generations of Constantins
Lived very comf'table lives
They were contented to live in style
Supported by their wives
Daughters of men who were wealthy
Fitted them like a glove
They all married for money
I mean to marry for love

[Refrain:]
It's an old-fashioned idea, marrying for love
And that old-fashioned idea's what I'm thinking of
Where there's love, poets have said
Two can live as one
That's an old-fashioned idea
But it's being done
When I find the man that I'm crazy about
There's much that I could do without
But I couldn't do without love
Just an old-fashioned romance with a moon above
A romance, one that will end marrying for love
That's the kind of love
That I'm thinking of
[
Alternate bridge for male:]
If she must have gold, let it be in her hair
Rubies, let them be in her lips
Diamonds, let them shine in her eyes

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Written by: IRVING BERLIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS