Irving Berlin (11 May 1888 – 22 September 1989), born Israel Isidore Baline… Read Full Bio ↴Irving Berlin (11 May 1888 – 22 September 1989), born Israel Isidore Baline, in Tyumen, Russia (according to other sources possibly Mogilev, now Belarus), was an American composer and lyricist. He was one of the most prodigious and famous American songwriters in history.

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.

Ocarina
Irving Berlin Lyrics

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[Verse:]
Listen to the ocarina play
Listen, don't you seem to hear it say

[Refrain:]
Dance to the music of the ocarina
Ocarina, ocarina
Gretchen and Otto, Hans and Wilhelmina

Dance to the ocarina dance
Dance to the music of the sweet potata
Sweet potata, sweet potata
Cheeks gettin' redder than a ripe tomata
Dance to the ocarina dance
Listen and hear the notes escaping
Out of that tiny hole
Doesn't it please your soul?
Doesn't it say, "Dance the polka"?
Step to the music of the ocarina
Who refuses? Wilhelmina?

Wait till she listens to the ocarina
I know that Wilhelmina will

Overall Meaning

The song "Ocarina" talks about a small, handheld wind instrument that a group of people are playing and dancing to. The lyrics ask the listener to pay attention to the sound of the ocarina and its pleasing notes that are escaping out of its tiny holes. The refrain then invites everyone to dance to the music of the ocarina, specifically mentioning names like Gretchen, Otto, Hans, and Wilhelmina. The song ends with the assurance that even Wilhelmina, who might initially refuse to dance, will eventually join in once she listens to the captivating sound of the ocarina.

In many ways, "Ocarina" captures the infectious quality of music and its ability to bring people together. The song suggests that even a small instrument like the ocarina can create joy and inspire people to dance. The lyrics also reveal a sense of community and inclusion as the song invites everyone, including Wilhelmina, to join in the dance. By emphasizing the power of music to unite and uplift individuals, "Ocarina" celebrates the human capacity for joy and connection.

Line by Line Meaning

Listen to the ocarina play
Pay attention to the sound of the ocarina

Listen, don't you seem to hear it say
Do you not hear the ocarina's melody?

Dance to the music of the ocarina
Move to the rhythm of the ocarina's music

Ocarina, ocarina
The name of the musical instrument being played

Gretchen and Otto, Hans and Wilhelmina
Four people who could dance to the ocarina's music

Dance to the ocarina dance
Dance to the beat of the ocarina's music

Dance to the music of the sweet potata
Move to the rhythm of the sweet potato-shaped ocarina

Sweet potata, sweet potata
The name of the ocarina that looks like a sweet potato

Cheeks gettin' redder than a ripe tomata
Blush as you dance to the lively ocarina music

Listen and hear the notes escaping
Hear the musical notes flowing out of the ocarina

Out of that tiny hole
From the small opening of the ocarina