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.
Finale Ultimo
Irving Berlin Lyrics
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I'll admit my defeat i've won my hot toddy
Over my scarred body
I knew that I'd win singing
But wait until she gets a
Load of your dancing
All by myself I'll have to
Stick to my dancing
Oh, no, my friend, I'm here to end
Your dancing trouble and strife
This will be fun, Miss "Hit-and-Run"
Has come back into my life
We'll stay at the inn we'll have to begin
Singing! Dancing!
We've each other to cling to
You'll be easy to sing to
And you're easy to dance with
So let the old year die with a fond good-bye
And our hopes as high as a kite
How can our love go wrong if
We start the new year right?
In Irving Berlin's song "Finale Ultimo," the lyrics depict a lighthearted and playful exchange between two individuals, possibly a couple, who are preparing to welcome the new year together. The song begins with the singer, who seems to be addressing a female companion, acknowledging his defeat and stating that he has won himself a hot toddy, a warm alcoholic beverage. He humorously suggests that he has earned this drink over the "scarred body" of his past struggles.
The singer expresses confidence in his singing abilities, but eagerly anticipates the reaction when his companion sees him dance. They decide to stay at an inn, where the singer will have to rely on his dancing skills while his companion sticks to singing. There is a friendly rivalry between them, as the singer mentions ending his companion's "dancing trouble and strife," implying that his dancing prowess will outshine hers.
The lyrics then take a more optimistic and romantic turn, as the singer proclaims that they have each other to cling to and that his companion will be easy to sing and dance with. They bid farewell to the old year with hopes as high as a kite and express the belief that their love will not go wrong if they start the new year right. In essence, the song celebrates the joy and excitement of embracing a fresh start together.
Line by Line Meaning
Here she comes down the street
I see her approaching, and I can't help but feel defeated
I'll admit my defeat i've won my hot toddy
I acknowledge that I have lost, even though I have celebrated with a warm alcoholic drink
Over my scarred body
I am determined to fight and protect myself, despite the emotional wounds
I knew that I'd win singing
I was confident that my singing would triumph
But wait until she gets a Load of your dancing
However, her reaction to your dancing will surely surpass my singing
We'll stay at the inn singing
We will continue to sing at the inn
All by myself I'll have to Stick to my dancing
When alone, I will focus on my dancing as my primary outlet
Oh, no, my friend, I'm here to end Your dancing trouble and strife
I am determined to put an end to the difficulties and challenges you face in your dancing
This will be fun, Miss "Hit-and-Run" Has come back into my life
It will be enjoyable to have Miss "Hit-and-Run" reenter my life
We'll stay at the inn we'll have to begin Singing! Dancing!
Once again, we will be at the inn and must start singing and dancing
We've each other to cling to
We have each other for support and comfort
You'll be easy to sing to
It will be effortless for me to sing to you
And you're easy to dance with
Furthermore, it is effortless for me to dance with you
So let the old year die with a fond good-bye And our hopes as high as a kite
We should bid farewell to the past year, cherishing the memories, and enter the new year filled with great anticipation
How can our love go wrong if We start the new year right?
If we begin the new year on a positive note, how can our love possibly encounter any obstacles?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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