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.
Lazy
Irving Berlin Lyrics
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I see a puppy upon a summer's day
A puppy dog at play
My heart is filled with envy
That's because
My heart is yearning to pass the time away
Like that pup
'cause I'm all fed up
I long to be
Lazy
I want to be lazy
I want to be out in the sun
With no work to be done
Under that awning
They call the sky
Stretching and yawning
And let the world go drifting by
I want to peep
Through the deep
Tangled wildwood
Counting sheep
'til I sleep
Like a child would
With a great big valise full
Of books to read where it's peaceful
While I'm
Killing time
Being lazy
Life is short
And getting shorter with each day that goes by
And how the time does fly
Before you know, it's over
That's why I'm
In such a hurry to pack my things and fly
To a spot
Where it's nice and hot
And hear the birdies sing
While I'm being
Lazy is a song by Irving Berlin, which depicts the singer's desire to not work and simply enjoy life. The song begins by describing a puppy at play and how the singer feels envy towards it. The idea of a carefree life is appealing to the singer, who mentions being "fed up" with work. The lyrics then express the singer's desire to be lazy, spending time in the sun and watching the world go by. The singer longs to "peep through the deep tangled wildwood" and count sheep until falling asleep like a child. The song concludes with the singer acknowledging the brevity of life and desire to "pack my things and fly" to a place where they can be lazy and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
The theme of laziness is common in popular music, but Irving Berlin's song has become a classic due to its catchy tune and distinctive lyrics. The song was first introduced in the musical "Watch Your Step," which premiered on Broadway in 1914. The musical was one of several collaborations between Irving Berlin and the dancer couple Vernon and Irene Castle. The song became an immediate hit and has been covered by many artists over the years.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IRVING BERLIN
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