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.
My Walking Stick
Irving Berlin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't look my best I feel undressed without my cane.
Must have my walking stick 'cause it may rain
When it pours can't be outdoors without my cane.
If I ever left my house without my walking stick
Well it would be something I could never explain
Oh the thing that makes me click, on lovers lane
Be-bop-bop-de-la-dum
Be-bop-a-da-bum
Re-bop-be-a
Rop-a-de-bop
Rump-a-de-dum
Ra-da-da-de
Re-bop-bop-la-da-dum
Re-bop-be-de-a
Rop-a-de-bum
Rop-a-de-bum
Deet-de-de-a
Ra-da-da-dum
If I ever left my house without my walking stick
Well it would be something I could never explain
Oh the thing that makes me click on lovers lane
Would go for naught if I were caught without my cane.
The lyrics of Irving Berlin's song "My Walking Stick" express the importance of a walking stick in the life of the singer. Without the walking stick, the singer feels incomplete and inadequate, as if he is undressed. The walking stick is not just a fashion accessory; it's a necessity for him as it helps him walk and navigate through the rain. The lyrics reveal the importance of the walking stick in the singer's life as it is essential to his well-being and quality of life.
At the same time, the lyrics show that without his walking stick, the singer would feel lost and disappointed in himself. He claims that he would go insane if he were to leave his house without it. Even his romantic life would suffer as he couldn't take a walk in lovers lane without it. Essentially, the walking stick becomes part of his identity, similar to how one feels incomplete without their phone or glasses.
The repetitive and catchy scat-inspired refrain of the song adds to the songwriter's portrayal of the importance of the singer's walking stick. The "be-bop" and "de-la-dum" etc., become a quirky and playful cacophony and stand out as an homage to the popular music of the time.
Line by Line Meaning
Without my walking stick, I'd go insane
My walking stick is a crucial part of my life and if I were to lose it, I would feel very uncomfortable and almost insane.
I can't look my best I feel undressed without my cane.
My walking stick provides a certain level of confidence in my appearance and I feel somewhat naked without it.
Must have my walking stick 'cause it may rain
I always carry my walking stick with me even if there is a chance of rain.
When it pours can't be outdoors without my cane.
If it rains, I won't be able to leave the house without my walking stick.
If I ever left my house without my walking stick
Leaving my house without my walking stick is not something that I could ever fathom.
Well it would be something I could never explain
I wouldn't be able to explain why I left my walking stick at home.
Oh the thing that makes me click, on lovers lane
My walking stick is an integral part of my identity and romantic endeavors.
Would go for naught if I were caught without my cane.
I wouldn't be able to woo anyone without my walking stick as part of my fashion and persona.
Be-bop-bop-de-la-dum
N/A
Be-bop-a-da-bum
N/A
Re-bop-be-a
N/A
Rop-a-de-bop
N/A
Rump-a-de-dum
N/A
Ra-da-da-de
N/A
Re-bop-bop-la-da-dum
N/A
Re-bop-be-de-a
N/A
Rop-a-de-bum
N/A
Deet-de-de-a
N/A
Ra-da-da-dum
N/A
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: IRVING BERLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thomasbunner5214
I too (at 69) have started to carry a "walking stick" of my own. Partially in memory of this great man. R.I.P. Mr. Redbone. We will not see your like again
@Zeppolino100
Me too! At age 71. ;-)
@stephenduffy4855
How I miss this guy
@markleviner2540
Miss you Leon RIP Love but not forgoten MMLZZZ
@skywatch208
Redbones music is his spirit. I appreciate him. Leon thank you for your amazing soothing warm voice. You transcend the universe. I’m blessed to enjoy your very special you😊
@LeonRedboneTributeChannel
Thanks for listening
@skywatch208
This music is so amazing a person can’t help falling in love and tapping your foot to his mellow beat😄❤️👏
@skywatch208
Love the songs. Wish I could shake his hand and thank him for his selfless spirit and transcending music and gift to the world 👏
@bookertee3057
First saw Leon on Saturday Night Live and he sang this song. This was when I became a fan.
@jimmytrafficant
Saw him up at Prkers in Seattle....Too cool to decribe...never broke character...Needless to say I loved him, RIP