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.
Latins Know How
Irving Berlin Lyrics
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Where a certain author said
That Latins are lousy lovers and it's a lie
A libelous lie and who, tell me
Who should know better than I?
Latins, they don't play baseball
They're not so good with a rake or a plow
But when it comes to making love
A Latin knows how
Latins, they don't like farming
You seldom see Latins milking a cow
In the daytime, they're always sleeping
But in the night without much light
A Latin knows how
Englishmen and Yankees
They've got quite a lot
But that extra something
They just haven't got
Latins, they're so romantic
They've got more oomph than
The law will allow
If you're married to a Latin
Life is just smooth as satin
For a Latin knows how
The lyrics to Irving Berlin's song "Latins Know How" playfully challenge stereotypes about Latin lovers and celebrate their perceived expertise in romance. The song begins by referencing a magazine article that claimed Latins are lousy lovers, calling it a libelous lie. The singer then confidently asserts that they, as a Latin themself, would know better than anyone else.
The first verse examines various skills and stereotypes associated with Latin individuals. It states that Latins are not skilled in playing baseball or working in agriculture. They are not adept at making money as well. However, the lyrics emphasize that when it comes to making love, Latins excel. This line can be interpreted as a lighthearted assertion of Latin passion and sensuality.
The second verse continues to play on stereotypes. It suggests that Latins are not typically involved in farming or agricultural activities. It humorously notes that they prefer to sleep during the daytime, implying a laid-back lifestyle. However, at night, particularly in the context of a romantic encounter, the lyrics declare that Latins possess an unmatched ability or know-how.
The following lines contrast Latins with "Englishmen and Yankees," highlighting their perceived lack of a certain "extra something." While the exact nature of this extra something is not explicitly stated, it implies a sense of passion, charm, or romantic prowess that Latins possess and others do not. This creates an air of exoticism and allure surrounding Latins.
The final verse praises Latins for their romantic nature. It suggests that they are exceptionally romantic, resonating with the concept of having "oomph" that exceeds societal norms. Despite potential challenges, such as cultural differences or language barriers, being married to a Latin person is depicted as a smooth and satin-like experience. This line further emphasizes the perception that Latins possess a unique ability to navigate the complexities of love and relationships.
Overall, the lyrics of "Latins Know How" both challenge and embrace stereotypes surrounding Latin lovers. Through playful exaggeration and humor, the song celebrates Latin individuals as passionate, romantic, and skilled in matters of the heart, suggesting that their perceived expertise sets them apart from other cultures.
Line by Line Meaning
In a magazine I read
I came across an article in a magazine
Where a certain author said
Written by a specific author
That Latins are lousy lovers and it's a lie
That the claim of Latins being bad at love is false
A libelous lie and who, tell me
A false statement that can be damaging to their reputation
Who should know better than I?
Who is more qualified than me to challenge this?
Latins, they don't play baseball
Latin people are not known for playing baseball
They're not so good with a rake or a plow
They lack expertise in farming and manual labor
They're not experts at making money
They are not particularly skilled in wealth accumulation
But when it comes to making love
However, when it comes to romantic endeavors
A Latin knows how
Latin individuals have great skills and knowledge
Latins, they don't like farming
Farming is not their preferred occupation
You seldom see Latins milking a cow
It is rare to witness Latin people engaged in cow milking
In the daytime, they're always sleeping
During the day, they tend to rest and sleep
But in the night without much light
However, during the night with limited illumination
A Latin knows how
Latin individuals possess expertise and finesse
Englishmen and Yankees
People from England and the United States
They've got quite a lot
They possess many things and qualities
But that extra something
However, there is an additional special quality
They just haven't got
They lack that particular quality
Latins, they're so romantic
Latin individuals are incredibly romantic
They've got more oomph than the law will allow
They possess a captivating and passionate energy
If you're married to a Latin
If you are in a Latin-ethnicity marriage
Life is just smooth as satin
Life becomes exceptionally comfortable and pleasant
For a Latin knows how
Because Latin individuals are highly skilled
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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