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.
That's What The Well Dressed Man In Harlem Will Wear
Irving Berlin Lyrics
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In those Lenox Avenue clothes
Mister Dude has disappeared with his flashy tie
You'll see in the Harlem Esquire
What the well-dressed man will desire
When he's struttin' down the street with his sweetie-pie
Sun tan, shade of green
That's what the well-dressed man in Harlem will wear
Dressed up in O.D.'s
With a tin hat for overseas
That's what the well-dressed man in Harlem will wear
Top hat, white tie and tails no more
They've been put away till after the war
If you want to know
Take a look at Brown Bomber Joe
That's what the well-dressed man in Harlem will wear
Irving Berlin's song "That's What the Well Dressed Men in Harlem Will Wear" is a celebration of a change in fashion from the old flashy dress styles of the past to the subtle and sophisticated styles that are prevalent in 1941 when it was written. It describes the transformation in style that has taken place in the black community in New York City. Specifically, this song is about the way "the well-dressed man in Harlem" looks, and how he wants to be seen. This new era of dress is epitomized by Joe Louis, who is considered a role model for young black men.
The first verse of the song talks about how the flashy fashions of yesteryear are no longer in vogue on the streets of Harlem. The singer mentions that in the past, "Mister Dude" was known for his flashy tie, but he is now nowhere to be found. The second verse speaks more directly to the new styles that are in fashion. It specifically mentions a few colors that are popular among the stylish young men of Harlem, including sun tan, shade of green, and an olive drab color scheme. The final verse talks about how even the most formal of dress is changing in Harlem. The top hat, white tie, and tails that were traditional elements of formal attire are no longer in fashion.
The song's theme of fashion echoes the greater cultural trends that were taking place throughout the United States in the early 1940s. During this time, there was a push towards more subdued, utilitarian styles of clothing, in part due to rationing during World War II. The song's reference to the Brown Bomber Joe refers to boxing champion Joe Louis, who was seen as a fashion icon in the black community during this time. Through these contextual clues, the lyrics of "That's What the Well Dressed Men in Harlem Will Wear" provide an insightful look into the shifting cultural trends of the time.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a change in fashion that shows
There has been a noticeable shift in fashion
In those Lenox Avenue clothes
This change can be seen in the clothing styles worn on Lenox Avenue
Mister Dude has disappeared with his flashy tie
The flashy clothing styles of 'Mister Dude' are no longer fashionable
You'll see in the Harlem Esquire
Fashionable clothing can now be found in the Harlem Esquire
What the well-dressed man will desire
The clothing styles desired by fashionable men
When he's struttin' down the street with his sweetie-pie
When a well-dressed man is walking down the street with his significant other
Sun tan, shade of green
Colors like a tan or green
Or an olive drab color scheme
Specifically, the color olive drab
That's what the well-dressed man in Harlem will wear
These colors and color schemes are popular among fashionable men in Harlem
Dressed up in O.D.'s
Dressed in military-style clothing, particularly the color olive drab
With a tin hat for overseas
Wearing a helmet for military service
That's what the well-dressed man in Harlem will wear
Military-style clothing and helmets are popular in Harlem
Top hat, white tie and tails no more
Formal wear like top hats, white ties, and tails are no longer fashionable
They've been put away till after the war
These formal wear items will not be worn again until after the war ends
If you want to know
To find out what is fashionable, one could observe
Take a look at Brown Bomber Joe
One specific example of a well-dressed man is Brown Bomber Joe
That's what the well-dressed man in Harlem will wear
Brown Bomber Joe represents the clothing styles popular among fashionable men in Harlem
Lyrics © IMAGEM U.S. LLC
Written by: I. BERLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind