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.
I'm playing with fire
Irving Berlin Lyrics
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Each word about you
That everyone has spoken
And from the things I hear
I should be careful, dear
They come and find me
And then remind me
But I'm in love with you
So what am I to do?
I'm playing with fire
I'm gonna get burned
I know it, but what can I do?
I know my heart must be content to go
Where it is sent, although
I may repent when I'm through
But what can I do?
I'm playing with fire
I'm gonna get burned
While merry-go-rounding with you
But I go for my ride
With my eyes open wide
I'm playing with fire
I know it, but what can I do
In these lyrics, the singer acknowledges that they have been hearing about the person they are interested in. The rumors and stories about this person have warned the singer to be cautious and careful. It is implied that this person has a reputation for breaking hearts.
Despite the warnings, the singer confesses that they are in love with this person. They acknowledge that being involved with someone who has a history of hurting others might lead to their own heartbreak. They understand that they are taking a risk by getting involved with this person.
The singer recognizes that their heart might end up regretting the decision to pursue this relationship. They understand that they may have to face the consequences of their actions. However, despite being aware of the potential for negative outcomes, they feel powerless to resist their feelings and desires.
The singer metaphorically describes their situation as "playing with fire." They know that they are putting themselves in a dangerous position, likely to get hurt, yet they cannot resist the attraction and continue to pursue a relationship with this person. They acknowledge that they are riding a metaphorical "merry-go-round" with this person, fully aware of the risks involved but unable to resist the enticement.
In summary, these lyrics depict a person who is knowingly entering into a risky and potentially harmful relationship with someone who has a reputation for breaking hearts. Despite the warnings and potential consequences, they find themselves deeply in love and unable to resist the allure of this person, even though they fully understand that they are "playing with fire."
Line by Line Meaning
I've heard about you
I've been informed of your reputation
Each word about you
Every piece of information I receive about you
That everyone has spoken
That has been the topic of conversation for everyone
And from the things I hear
Based on the rumors I've heard
I should be careful, dear
I should proceed cautiously, my dear
They come and find me
People approach and talk to me
And then remind me
And then they bring to my attention
Of all the hearts you've broken
The numerous individuals you have emotionally hurt
But I'm in love with you
But I am deeply infatuated with you
So what am I to do?
Therefore, what should be my course of action?
I'm playing with fire
I am engaging in a risky and dangerous relationship
I'm gonna get burned
I am aware that I will inevitably suffer emotional harm
I know it, but what can I do?
Despite my awareness, there seems to be no alternative
I know my heart must be content to go
I understand that my heart must willingly accept
Where it is sent, although
Its intended destination, even though
I may repent when I'm through
I might regret my decisions in the end
But what can I do?
But what options do I have?
While merry-go-rounding with you
While continuously engaging in a volatile relationship with you
But I go for my ride
However, I willingly take part in this journey
With my eyes open wide
With full awareness and understanding
I'm playing with fire
I am knowingly putting myself in a risky situation
I know it, but what can I do
I am aware of the consequences, but I feel powerless
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: IRVING BERLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@brianlpalmer
another great recording from gracie . thanks for posting this
@standziobek7108
Good old Gracie rochdale lass through and through in case you didn't know I was born just down the road from where she was born. Rubbish dump now the site of her house pity on rochdale but a nice statute in town centre truly great voice up there with very best God bless her ๐๐ผ๐ต๐ถ๐๐๐งก๐โฅ๏ธ๐๐น๐