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.

Everybody's Doing It Now
Irving Berlin Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Honey, honey, can't you hear?
Funny, funny music, dear
Ain't the funny strain
Goin' to your brain?

Like a bottle of wine, fine
Hon', hon', hon', hon' take a chance
One, one, one, one little dance

Can't you see them all

Swaying up the hall
Let's be gettin' in line

Everybody's doin' it
Doin' it, doin' it
Everybody's doin' it
Doin' it, doin' it

See that ragtime couple over there
Watch them throw their shoulders in the air
Snap their fingers
Honey, I declare

It's a bear, it's a bear, it's a bear
There!

Everybody's doin' it
Doin' it, doin' it
Everybody's doin' it
Doin' it, doin' it

Ain't that music touching your heart
Hear that trombone bustin' apart?
Come, come, come, come let us start
Everybody's doin' it now

Baby, baby get a stool
Maybe, maybe I'm a fool
Honey, don't you smile
Let us rest a while

I'm so weak in the chest, best
Go, go, go, go get a chair
No, no, no, no leave it there
Honey, if the mob

Still are on the job
I'm as strong as the rest

Overall Meaning

The song "Everybody's Doing It Now" by Irving Berlin is a classic example of the early 1900s ragtime style of music. The lyrics describe a scene where everyone is dancing to the popular and infectious music. The singer is urging his partner to join in the fun and not be left out. He describes the music as "funny," but also says that it's like a "bottle of wine" that takes hold of your brain.

The song is written in a conversational tone, as if the singer is speaking directly to his partner. He encourages her to take a chance and join in the dance. He points out other couples who are already dancing, swaying to the music, and having a great time. He also mentions the instrumental parts, like the trombone, which are adding to the excitement of the music.

The song captures the atmosphere of the time, when the popularity of ragtime was at its peak. People from all walks of life were dancing to the music, and it became a symbol of freedom and social liberation. "Everybody's Doing It Now" celebrates this spirit of joy and unity, encouraging everyone to take part in the fun.

Line by Line Meaning

Honey, honey, can't you hear?
My dear, can you not hear the music playing?

Funny, funny music, dear
The music is quite amusing, isn't it, my love?

Ain't the funny strain
Don't you find the melody to be peculiar?

Goin' to your brain?
Is the rhythm getting to your head?

Like a bottle of wine, fine
The music is like a good bottle of wine, refined and enjoyable.

Hon', hon', hon', hon' take a chance
Darling, let's take a risk and join in on the fun.

One, one, one, one little dance
Just one small dance wouldn't hurt, would it?

Can't you see them all
Can you not witness everyone dancing?

Swaying up the hall
They're swaying and moving throughout the room.

Let's be gettin' in line
Let's get in line and dance too.

Everybody's doin' it Doin' it, doin' it Everybody's doin' it Doin' it, doin' it
Everyone is dancing and enjoying themselves.

See that ragtime couple over there Watch them throw their shoulders in the air Snap their fingers Honey, I declare It's a bear, it's a bear, it's a bear There!
Look at that couple dancing the ragtime, notice how enthusiastic they are, even snapping their fingers in joy. It's quite an impressive sight.

Ain't that music touching your heart Hear that trombone bustin' apart? Come, come, come, come let us start Everybody's doin' it now
Isn't this music moving you to your core? Listen to that trombone solo! Let's join in on the fun and dance.

Baby, baby get a stool Maybe, maybe I'm a fool Honey, don't you smile Let us rest a while
Can we take a break for a moment? I'm feeling quite tired, darling. Don't laugh, I might be a bit foolish for dancing so much.

I'm so weak in the chest, best Go, go, go, go get a chair No, no, no, no leave it there Honey, if the mob Still are on the job I'm as strong as the rest
I'm feeling a bit of chest pain, maybe it's best if I sat on a chair. Actually, never mind, let's keep dancing. Even if the crowd keeps dancing, I can be as strong as them despite my chest pain.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IRVING BERLIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS