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.
Sex Marches On
Irving Berlin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
The trolley has passed away
The bicycle built for two is gone
But sex, S-E-X, marches on
The town is crowded with gentlemen
Who'll never be rich again
They're putting their overcoats in pawn
The opera can't make money at the Met
And no one gives a hoot
But Billy Rose made a million dollars net
Out of a tank and a one-piece bathing suit
The moon looks down from among the stars
Where lovers are parked in cars
And couples make whoopee on your lawn
While sex, S-E-X, marches on
Glasses across the table
Drink till the break of dawn
Drink to Lamarr and Betty Grable
Long may their oomph march on
And here's to Sheridan to Garbo
And to Dietrich and to Crawford
And the others on the coast
Here's to Hollywood for sex marches on
And that's where it marches on the most
This may be yours and my day
But we will soon be gone
Ten thousand kids were born last Friday
Sex marches on sex, S-E-X, marches on
Glasses across the table
Drink till the break of dawn
To Robert Taylor and Clark Gable
Long may their oomph march on
And here's to beauty shops to lip rouge
And mascara and to perfume that is worth
It's weight in gold
Times are terrible but sex marches on
And ten million girdles have been sold
Fill up your empty glasses
Drink till the last drop's gone
Grandfather's old but still makes passes
Sex marches on sex, S-E-X, marches on
Washington grinds it's axes
Incomes will soon be gone
Ladies of leisure don't pay taxes
Sex marches on sex, S-E-X, marches on
In Irving Berlin's song "Sex Marches On," the lyrics reflect on the passing of different eras and societal changes, contrasting them with the enduring and constant nature of human sexuality. The song opens by referencing outdated modes of transportation like horse and buggy, trolleys, and bicycles built for two that have become relics of the past. Despite these changes, the song asserts that sex remains a timeless and persistent force in human life, symbolized by the repeated chant S-E-X marches on.
The following verses paint a picture of a town filled with gentlemen who have fallen on hard times, highlighting economic struggles and social challenges. The mention of individuals pawning their overcoats emphasizes financial difficulties, yet the song suggests that even in the face of adversity, the pursuit of sex continues unabated. This juxtaposition of societal issues with the unwavering presence of sex underscores the idea that human desires transcend material concerns.
The lyrics then shift to reference cultural phenomena, such as the declining popularity of opera and the success of Billy Rose's unconventional entertainment ventures. The mention of the moon overlooking lovers in parked cars and couples engaging in romantic activities humorously illustrates the persistence of sexual relationships regardless of external circumstances. The song celebrates the resilience and prevalence of sexual expression, even amidst changing cultural landscapes and shifting tastes in entertainment.
The final verses raise a toast to Hollywood icons and beauty standards, acknowledging the enduring allure of celebrities and the beauty industry. The lyrics also touch on economic challenges and societal norms, such as the mention of girdles and taxation, while ultimately emphasizing that despite external pressures and changing times, the essence of human sexuality marches on relentlessly. The song's playful tone and witty observations serve to highlight the enduring nature of sex as a fundamental aspect of human experience, weaving together themes of change, resilience, and the timeless nature of desire.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IRVING BERLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind