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.
The Little Things in Life
Irving Berlin Lyrics
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Were not fashioned for brides and grooms
A little place is where we should be
Great big troubles and great big cares
Come from houses with marble stairs
A little place for you and for me
That's if they're contented with the little things in life
Living on a larger scale would soon entail a lot of care and strife
We could be so happy with the little things in life
A little rain, a little sun, a little work, a little fun
A little time for loving when the day is done
And a little thing that cries for lullabies could make a man and wife
Tell the world how much they love the little things in life
Irving Berlin's The Little Things in Life is a song that essentially advocates for the beauty of simplicity. The song begins by contrasting great big houses with great big rooms, the idea being that these ostentatious spaces were not made for newlyweds. The lyrics call for a little place for "you and me." According to the song, the trouble of living in a grandiose way, with all the marble stairs and grandeur that comes with it, is too much for most people to bear. Instead, the song suggests that what we truly need is a little room or two that can more than suffice for a happy couple.
The lyrics of the song speak to the idea that happiness in life almost always comes from the "little things." The song talks about how a little rain, a little sun, a little work, and a little fun are all we really need in life. In other words, we don't need the biggest house, the fanciest car or the most luxurious vacations to be happy. Instead, we can be content with the simpler things, such as a little thing that cries for lullabies. The song suggests that these little things can make a man and wife tell the world how much they love the little things in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Great big houses with great big rooms
Large, opulent homes are not intended for newlyweds.
Were not fashioned for brides and grooms
Such homes do not cater to the needs of newlyweds.
A little place is where we should be
A small, cozy home suits a couple best.
Great big troubles and great big cares
Enormous problems and concerns usually stem from luxurious, extravagant homes.
Come from houses with marble stairs
Such troubles usually arise in grand, lavish houses.
A little place for you and for me
A small abode is adequate for the two of us.
Just a little room or two can more than do a little man and wife
A modest home with a few rooms is enough for a modest couple.
That's if they're contented with the little things in life
This is applicable only if the pair are satisfied with simple pleasures in their life together.
Living on a larger scale would soon entail a lot of care and strife
Living in a luxurious manner would bring a lot of responsibility and difficulty.
We could be so happy with the little things in life
A modest lifestyle can still bring great happiness.
A little rain, a little sun, a little work, a little fun
A balance of sun, rain, work, and play is necessary for happiness.
A little time for loving when the day is done
Some quality time spent together in the evening can be very refreshing.
And a little thing that cries for lullabies could make a man and wife
A baby that needs lullabies can bring a couple closer together.
Tell the world how much they love the little things in life
The couple should spread the word about how much they appreciate and enjoy life's simple pleasures.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: IRVING BERLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind