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.
How's Chances?
Irving Berlin Lyrics
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I know where to find the boys
I don't go through a club or two
I just find you and there are the boys
To get you alone I strive
You ask me to tea at five
I find you then with other men
And wonder when my chance will arrive
How's chances, say, how are the chances
Of making you love me the way I love you
How many young men must I fight with
To be in right with
In right with you
How's chances for one of those glances
A glimpse of the heaven I'm longing to see
How's chances to end all your romances
And start taking your chances with me
In these lyrics, Irving Berlin explores the longing and frustration of a person who is infatuated with someone who seems to constantly be surrounded by other suitors. The singer expresses their desire to spend time with this person, but finds themselves constantly competing with other men for their attention.
The first verse sets the scene of the singer's search for the person they are interested in. They mention that instead of going through clubs or other places, they simply need to find this person because they are always surrounded by admirers. The frustration comes when the singer finally gets a chance to be alone with the person, but they are still in the company of other men. This situation leaves the singer wondering when they will have their turn to be with this person.
In the chorus, the singer directly addresses the person they desire, asking about the chances of that person falling in love with them in the same way they love them. They question how many other men they have to compete with in order to be in a position of favor with the person they desire.
The second verse introduces the idea of hoping for a fleeting glance or a moment of connection with the person they long to be with. The singer yearns for a glimpse of the heaven they imagine being in a relationship with this person to be. They also express their desire for the person to end their other romantic affiliations and start taking a chance on them.
Overall, these lyrics convey the frustration, longing, and hope that come with unrequited or unfulfilled love.
Line by Line Meaning
When I want to see the boys
Whenever I desire to be in the company of attractive men
I know where to find the boys
I am aware of the places where I can encounter them
I don't go through a club or two
I don't bother going to various clubs or venues
I just find you and there are the boys
Instead, I simply locate you and discover the presence of those attractive men
To get you alone I strive
I make efforts to have a private moment with you
You ask me to tea at five
You invite me for a tea meeting at five o'clock
I find you then with other men
However, I discover you with other male companions at that time
And wonder when my chance will arrive
This leaves me wondering when I will have an opportunity to be with you exclusively
How's chances, say, how are the chances
May I inquire about the likelihood or probability
Of making you love me the way I love you
Of causing you to develop the same deep affection towards me as I have for you
How many young men must I fight with
How many other men must I compete with
To be in right with
In order to gain your favor or approval
In right with you
To establish a positive connection or relationship with you
How's chances for one of those glances
What is the possibility of receiving one of those brief, meaningful looks
A glimpse of the heaven I'm longing to see
A momentary glimpse of the blissful state I yearn to experience
How's chances to end all your romances
What are the odds of terminating all your current love affairs
And start taking your chances with me
And commencing to explore the possibilities of a relationship with me
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IRVING BERLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind