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.

Choreography
Irving Berlin Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

The theatuh, the theatuh
What's happened to the theatuh
Especially where dancing is concerned

Chaps
Who did taps
Aren't tapping anymore
They're doing choreography

Chicks
Who did kicks
Aren't kicking anymore
They're doing choreography

Heps
Who did steps
That would stop the show in days that used to be

Through the air they keep flying
Like a duck that is dying

Instead of dance
It's choreography

Overall Meaning

Irving Berlin's song Choreography laments the changing times in the world of theater and dance. The lyrics reflect the observation that even though dance used to be spontaneous and expressive, it has now become highly organized and planned out, which Berlin terms as choreography. The song mourns the loss of spontaneity and creativity, as well as the people who have caused this change. The once famous tap dancers are now replaced by choreographers who plan out every step of the dance routine. The women who used to do high kicks are now doing highly choreographed moves, much like the men.

Berlin also comments on the prevalence of poor quality shows and dance routines, which he compares to a dying duck. Essentially, the song expresses Berlin's view that dance and theater have lost their soul, and have become mechanical and soulless. The song offers a commentary on the changes in the world of entertainment, and the compromises that have been made which have caused it to lose its charm.

Line by Line Meaning

The theatuh, the theatuh
Oh how we long for the days of theater

What's happened to the theatuh
Why has theater changed so much?

Especially where dancing is concerned
Particularly with regards to dancing

Chaps
Male dancers

Who did taps
Who used to do tap dance

Aren't tapping anymore
Don't tap dance anymore

They're doing choreography
They are now focused on executing specific routines and movements

Chicks
Female dancers

Who did kicks
Who used to do high kicks

Aren't kicking anymore
Don't do high kicks anymore

They're doing choreography
They are now focused on executing specific routines and movements