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.
On the Avenue: I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
Irving Berlin Lyrics
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But I can weather the storm
What do I care how much it may storm
I've got my love to keep me warm
I can't remember a worse December
Just watch those icicles form
What do I care if icicles form
Off with my overcoat, off with my gloves
I need no overcoat, I'm burning with love
My heart's on fire, the flame grows higher
So I will weather the storm
What do I care how much it may storm
I've got my love to keep me warm
The snow is snowing, the wind is blowing
But I can weather the storm
What do I care how much it may storm
I've got my love to keep me warm
I can't remember a worse December
Just watch those icicles form
What do I care if icicles form
Baby, I've got my love to keep me warm
Off with my overcoat, off with my gloves
I need no overcoat, I'm burning with love
My heart's on fire, the flame grows higher
So I will weather the storm
What do I care how much it may storm
I've got my love to keep me warm
The snow is snowing, the wind is blowing
But I can weather the storm, storm, storm
What do I care how much it may storm
I've got my love to keep me warm
I can't remember a worse December
Just watch those icicles form
What do I care if icicles form
'Cause I've got my love to keep me warm
Off with my overcoat, off with my gloves
I need no overcoat, I'm burning with love
My heart's on fire, the flame grows higher
So I will weather the storm
What do I care how much it may storm
I've got my love to keep me
I've got my love to keep me
I've got my love to keep me warm
"I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" is a love song with a festive spirit written by Irving Berlin in 1937. The song reflects a positive attitude towards the cold winter months, while cherishing the warmth and security provided by a loving partner. The lyrics convey the message that cold weather and winter storms are less daunting when one is in love. The song opens with optimism, where the singer expresses a nonchalant approach towards any stormy weather. The use of poetic devices such as alliteration and repetition can be observed throughout the song, creating a rhythmic and musical quality.
The song speaks to the enduring power of love, with the refrain "I've got my love to keep me warm" serving as a comforting reminder. It is noteworthy that the singer is willing to go outside without an overcoat on because of the warmth of their love. This theme is particularly relevant as it was written during the Great Depression, where many people were struggling to make ends meet. It provides an escapist fantasy, imagining that no matter what happens in the real world, the warmth of love may provide a sense of safety and comfort.
"I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" has been recorded by numerous artists throughout the years, including Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Dean Martin, and many others. It has become a popular song during the holiday season, often on radio and television broadcasts.
Line by Line Meaning
The snow is snowing, the wind is blowing
It is snowing and windy outside
But I can weather the storm
I am strong enough to face any difficulty
What do I care how much it may storm
I don't care about the severity of the storm
I've got my love to keep me warm
I have someone who loves me and makes me feel warm inside
I can't remember a worse December
This is the worst December I can recall
Just watch those icicles form
I can see the icicles forming because it is so cold outside
Baby, I've got my love to keep me warm
My love is like a blanket that keeps me warm and comforted
Off with my overcoat, off with my gloves
I don't need my overcoat or gloves because I am warm with love
I need no overcoat, I'm burning with love
Love has made me feel so warm that I don't need an overcoat
My heart's on fire, the flame grows higher
I am passionate and deeply in love
So I will weather the storm
I am strong enough to face any difficulty
But I can weather the storm, storm, storm
I am prepared to face any difficulty three times over
I've got my love to keep me
Love is my constant companion and support
I've got my love to keep me
Love is my constant companion and support
I've got my love to keep me warm
Love is what keeps me feeling comforted and warm inside
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Irving Berlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind