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
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Up and down Park Avenue?
On that famous thoroughfare,
With their noses in the air?
High hats and arrowed collars,
Wide spats and fifteen dollars.
Spending every dime,
For a wonderful time
If you're blue and you don' know,
Where to go to, why don't you go,
Where fashion sits?
Putting On The Ritz.
Different types, who wear a day,
Co-pants with stripes, and cut away,
Coat, perfect fits?
Putting On The Ritz.
Dressed up like a million dollar trooper,
Trying hard to look like Gary Cooper.
Super-duper
Come, let's mix where Rockerfellas,
Walk with sticks, or umbrellas,
In their mitts.
Putting On The Ritz.
Spangled gowns upon a beauty of hand-me-downs, on clown and cutie,
All misfits.
Putting On The Ritz.
Tips his hat just like an English chappie,
To a lady with the wealthy happy.
Very Snappy
You'll declare it's simply topping,
To be there, and hear them swapping,
Smart titbits.
Putting On the Ritz
Putting On the Ritz
Putting On the Ritz
Irving Berlin's Puttin' on the Ritz describes the glitz and glamour of high society on Park Avenue, New York City. The song paints a picture of the wealthy and elite, dressed in expensive suits and dresses, spending their fortunes on a lavish lifestyle. The refrain "Putting On The Ritz" refers to taking part in high-end activities and dressing in the finest clothes. The contrast between the wealthy and those trying to imitate their lifestyle is also a theme in the song. The second verse talks about different types of people dressing up in attire to try and fit in with high society. The singer advises that if you are feeling down and out, you should go where fashion sits and put on the Ritz, perhaps suggesting that one can boost their mood and outlook by indulging in upper-class activities or dressing their best.
Overall, the song is a commentary on the divide between high society's lifestyle and those who can only aspire to it. Its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics make it a timeless classic, as relevant today as when it was written.
Line by Line Meaning
Have you seen the well to do?
Have you witnessed the wealthy elites?
Up and down Park Avenue?
Roaming around the luxurious Park Avenue?
On that famous thoroughfare,
On that renowned street
With their noses in the air?
Proud & haughty people sporting an attitude
High hats and arrowed collars,
Wearing top hats with pointed collars
Wide spats and fifteen dollars.
Wearing trendy spats which cost fifteen dollars
Spending every dime,
Lavishly spending all their wealth
For a wonderful time
Enjoying the splendid life
If you're blue and you don' know,
If you are feeling sad and lost
Where to go to, why don't you go,
Can't find where to go? Why don't you try
Where fashion sits?
The place where fashion is prominent
Putting On The Ritz.
Putting on the most luxurious show
Different types, who wear a day,
Unique people from different walks of life
Co-pants with stripes, and cut away,
Wearing pants with stripes and coats with tails
Coat, perfect fits?
Wearing perfectly fitted coats
Putting On The Ritz.
Presenting the most luxurious display
Dressed up like a million dollar trooper,
Dressed like an expensive soldier
Trying hard to look like Gary Cooper.
Striving to resemble the famous Gary Cooper
Super-duper
Superb and excellent
Come, let's mix where Rockerfellas,
Let's join the Rockefellers
Walk with sticks, or umbrellas,
Strolling with stylish canes or umbrellas
In their mitts.
Holding them in their hands
Putting On The Ritz.
Exhibiting the most luxurious spectacle
Spangled gowns upon a beauty of hand-me-downs, on clown and cutie,
Sparkling dresses on both clumsy and charming individuals
All misfits.
Everyone is peculiar and out of the norm
Putting On The Ritz.
Displaying the most extravagant performance
Tips his hat just like an English chappie,
Tipping his hat like a British fellow
To a lady with the wealthy happy.
Greeting a wealthy lady happily
Very Snappy
Very fashionable and stylish
You'll declare it's simply topping,
You will admit that it is absolutely superb
To be there, and hear them swapping,
Being present and listening to their gossip
Smart titbits.
Witty and juicy conversations
Putting On the Ritz
Demonstrating the most luxurious exhibition
Putting On the Ritz
Unveiling the most luxurious display
Putting On the Ritz
Exhibiting the most luxurious performance
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: IRVING BERLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind