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.

Slumming On Park Avenue
Irving Berlin Lyrics

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Let's go slumming, take me slumming
Let's go slumming on Park Avenue
Let us hide behind a pair of fancy glasses
And make faces when a member of the classes passes

Let's go smelling where they're dwelling
Sniffing everything the way they do
Let us go to it, they do it, why can't we do it too?

Let's go slumming, nose thumbing at Park Avenue

Let's go smelling where they're dwelling
Sniffing everything the way they do

Let us go to it, they do it, why can't we do it too?
Let's go slumming, nose thumbing at Park Avenue

Overall Meaning

In Irving Berlin's song "Slumming On Park Avenue", the lyrics convey a sense of playful rebellion and curiosity about exploring a different world. The chorus of the song repeatedly encourages the listener to go "slumming on Park Avenue", which is a well-known upscale street in New York City associated with high society and wealth. The idea of "slumming" in this context suggests the act of temporarily immersing oneself in an environment or lifestyle that is different or unfamiliar, often for the thrill of experiencing something new or exciting.

The lyrics further suggest a sense of mischief and irreverence towards the upper classes, as the singer proposes hiding behind "a pair of fancy glasses" in order to observe and mock the wealthy individuals who pass by on Park Avenue. By making faces and engaging in playful antics, the singer subverts the norms of social decorum and challenges the exclusivity of elite society. The use of humor and satire in these lyrics underscores a sense of lighthearted fun and adventure in crossing social boundaries.

The notion of "smelling where they're dwelling" and "sniffing everything the way they do" evokes a sense of nosiness and voyeurism, as the singer imagines immersing themselves in the luxurious lifestyle of the upper class. This imagery of using the sense of smell to explore and understand a different social sphere underscores the singer's fascination with the opulence and extravagance of Park Avenue. The repeated refrain of "why can't we do it too?" suggests a desire to break free from societal constraints and norms, and to experience the world from a new perspective.

Overall, the lyrics to "Slumming On Park Avenue" capture a sense of adventure, rebellion, and curiosity about crossing social boundaries and exploring unfamiliar territory. Through playful language and humorous imagery, the song encourages listeners to embrace their sense of daring and imagination, and to challenge societal expectations in pursuit of new experiences and perspectives. The exuberant spirit and mischievous tone of the lyrics invite the audience to join the singer in their whimsical escapade through the glamorous streets of Park Avenue, blending satire with a sense of wonder and excitement.

Line by Line Meaning

Let's go slumming, take me slumming
Let's pretend to be of a lower social class and explore the world of Park Avenue

Let's go slumming on Park Avenue
Let's act as if we are from a lower class while strolling on Park Avenue

Let us hide behind a pair of fancy glasses
Let's use fancy accessories to mask our true identity

And make faces when a member of the classes passes
We'll mock the wealthy people as they walk by

Let's go smelling where they're dwelling
Let's investigate the living conditions of the wealthy

Sniffing everything the way they do
Examining everything with a critical eye, just like they would

Let us go to it, they do it, why can't we do it too?
If they can experience a different lifestyle, why can't we do the same?

Let's go slumming, nose thumbing at Park Avenue
Let's show our disregard for the high society of Park Avenue

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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