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.
Let Yourself Go
Irving Berlin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As you listen to them play don't you get a glow?
If you step out on the floor
You'll forget your trouble
If you go into your dance
You'll forget your woe
So:
Come
Let the dance floor feel your leather
Step as lightly as a feather
Let yourself go
Come
Hit the timber
Loosen up and start to limber
Can't you hear that hot marimba?
Let yourself go
Let yourself go
Relax
And let yourself go
Relax
You've got yourself tied up in a knot
The night is cold but the music's hot
So
Come
Cuddle closer
Don't you dare to answer "No, sir"
Butcher, banker, clerk and grocer
Let yourself go
The song Let Yourself Go by Irving Berlin is an upbeat and lively tune that invites listeners to let go of their worries and enjoy the moment. The lyrics of the song encourage people to dance and have fun as they listen to the band playing music. The first two lines of the song suggest that listening to music creates a feeling of happiness and joy inside, which is indicated by the term "bubble" and "glow". The song then goes on to encourage people to step onto the dance floor and forget their troubles and woes. The lyrics suggest that dancing is a way of escaping from the difficulties of life and enjoying the present moment.
The chorus of the song says, "Come, get together, let the dance floor feel your leather, step as lightly as a feather, let yourself go." This phrase encourages people to come together and dance, while also alluding to the idea of leather shoes sliding smoothly on the dance floor. The second part of the chorus invites people to hit the timber and let the music make them limber. It describes the rhythm of the marimba, a percussion instrument that creates a lively and energetic sound. The song concludes by urging people to relax and let go of their worries, suggesting that they are tied up in knots, and the night is too cold to be tense.
Overall, the song Let Yourself Go is about the joy of dancing and being in the moment. It encourages listeners to step out of their routine and enjoy themselves, letting go of their problems and allowing themselves to be free. The lyrics are simple but evoke a sense of carefree abandon and happiness that is infectious.
Line by Line Meaning
As you listen to the band don't you get a bubble?
Do you not feel an energizing, joyous sensation inside of you as you listen to the music being played?
As you listen to them play don't you get a glow?
Does the music not fill you with excitement and exuberance?
If you step out on the floor
You'll forget your trouble
If you begin to dance, your worries and problems will fade away.
If you go into your dance
You'll forget your woe
If you fully embrace the dance and let yourself be taken away by the music, your sorrows will be forgotten.
Come
Get together
Let the dance floor feel your leather
Step as lightly as a feather
Let yourself go
Join us in dancing and allow yourself to be carried away by the rhythm. Glide across the floor as if you're light as a feather, and surrender yourself to the music.
Come
Hit the timber
Loosen up and start to limber
Can't you hear that hot marimba?
Let yourself go
Embrace the rhythm and tempo of the music, limber up your body and move to the beat. Feel the energy of the lively marimba and allow it to guide you as you dance.
Let yourself go
Relax
And let yourself go
Allow yourself to fully let go of your inhibitions and relax into the music, freeing yourself in the moment.
Relax
You've got yourself tied up in a knot
The night is cold but the music's hot
So
Ease up and let go of the tension within yourself caused by overthinking. Even if the air is chilly, allow the music to warm you up with its fiery beats.
Come
Cuddle closer
Don't you dare to answer "No, sir"
Butcher, banker, clerk and grocer
Let yourself go
Come close to your partner and embrace the moment. Don't let any hesitations or outside distractions deter you from enjoying yourself. It doesn't matter who you are or what you do; let yourself go and indulge in the music and dance.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: IRVING BERLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind