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.
Puttin’ On The Ritz
Irving Berlin Lyrics
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Upon Lennox Avenue
On that famous thoroughfare
With their noses in the air
High hats and narrow collars
White spats and fifteen dollars
Spending every dime
If you're blue
And you don't know where to go to
Why don't you go where Harlem sits
Puttin' on the Ritz
Spangled Gowns upon the bevy of
High browns from down the levy
All misfits
Puttin' on the Ritz
That's where each and every lulu-belle goes
Every Thursday evening with her swell beaus
Rubbin' elbows
Come with me and we'll attend their jubilee
And see them spend
Their last two bits
Puttin' on the Ritz
------ short instrumental break ------
(Boys, look at that man puttin' on that Ritz)
(You look at him, I can't)
If you're blue
And you don't know where to go to
Why don't you go where Harlem flits
Puttin' on the Ritz
Spangled Gowns upon the bevy of
High browns from down the levy
All misfits
Puttin' on that certain Ritz
That's where each and every lulu-belle goes
Every Thursday evening with her swell beaus
Rubbin' elbows
Come with me and we'll attend their jubilee
And see them spend
Their last two bits
Puttin' on the Ritz
------ piano solo ------
Come with me and we'll attend their jubilee
And see them spend
Their last two bits
Puttin' on the Ritz
The song "Puttin' On The Ritz" by Irving Berlin is a lively, upbeat number that reflects on the grandeur and elegance of the well-to-do society of Lennox Avenue in Harlem, New York. The song invites listeners to escape their worries and woes by attending the lavish parties and gatherings at the Ritz, where they can mix with the highbrow clientele and bask in the glamour and extravagance of it all. The lyrics speak of the grand spectacle that is put up by the high society, with their high hats and white spats, spangled gowns and fifteen-dollar bills, all spent on living it up in style. The song puts forth a vision of a world where one can forget their troubles and enjoy life to the fullest amidst the opulent wealth and splendor of the Ritz.
The song "Puttin' On The Ritz" was first composed by Irving Berlin in 1927, with a tune that was inspired by the sound of a typewriter. It was originally intended for the musical "Puttin' On The Ritz", but was later sold to the studio RKO for use in the film "Puttin' On The Ritz" in 1930. The song was a hit upon its release, and has since been covered by numerous artists in different styles and genres, including Fred Astaire, Ella Fitzgerald, and even the punk rock band Taco. The lyrics have been interpreted in many ways over the years, with some seeing them as a commentary on the cultural divisions and social inequalities of the time, while others view them as simply an ode to extravagance and glamour.
Line by Line Meaning
Have you seen the well-to-do
Have you witnessed the upper class.
Upon Lennox Avenue
On Lennox Avenue.
On that famous thoroughfare
On that well-known avenue.
With their noses in the air
Arrogantly.
High hats and narrow collars
Wearing top hats and tight shirts.
White spats and fifteen dollars
Dressed in flashy and expensive clothing.
Spending every dime
Using all of their money.
For a wonderful time
To have a great experience.
If you're blue
If you're feeling down.
And you don't know where to go to
And you're lost.
Why don't you go where Harlem sits
Why not go to Harlem?
Puttin' on the Ritz
Where people are dressing up fancy.
Spangled Gowns upon the bevy of
Shiny dresses worn by a group of people.
High browns from down the levy
Rich people from the area down the river.
All misfits
All of them are odd.
Puttin' on the Ritz
Dressing up in a fancy manner.
That's where each and every lulu-belle goes
That's where all the beautiful women go.
Every Thursday evening with her swell beaus
Every Thursday evening with her handsome boyfriends.
Rubbin' elbows
Socializing.
Come with me and we'll attend their jubilee
Join me and we'll go to their party.
And see them spend
And watch them use up
Their last two bits
Their last coins.
Puttin' on the Ritz
Dressing up in a fancy manner.
Contributed by Sydney O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.