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 Ocarina
Irving Berlin Lyrics
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Listen to the ocarina play
Listen, don't you seem to hear it say
[Refrain:]
Dance to the music of the ocarina
Ocarina, ocarina
Gretchen and Otto, Hans and Wilhelmina
Dance to the music of the sweet potata
Sweet potata, sweet potata
Cheeks gettin' redder than a ripe tomata
Dance to the ocarina dance
Listen and hear the notes escaping
Out of that tiny hole
Doesn't it please your soul?
Doesn't it say, "Dance the polka"?
Step to the music of the ocarina
Who refuses? Wilhelmina?
Wait till she listens to the ocarina
I know that Wilhelmina will
be there
The lyrics of Irving Berlin's song "The Ocarina" describe the joy and excitement that the titular instrument brings. The song encourages listeners to "dance to the music of the ocarina" and praises the instrument's ability to please the soul and inspire polka dancing. Berlin's lyrics suggest that the ocarina is a fun and lighthearted instrument that brings people together and inspires them to dance and have a good time.
While the lyrics may seem simple and straightforward, they are actually quite clever in their use of words and phrases. Berlin's use of alliteration, such as "sweet potata, sweet potata" and "ripened tomata," adds to the fun and playful tone of the song. Additionally, the repetition of the word "ocarina" in the refrain helps to reinforce the central concept of the song and create a catchy, memorable melody.
Line by Line Meaning
Listen to the ocarina play
Pay attention to the sound of the ocarina being played
Listen, don't you seem to hear it say
Can't you hear the message the ocarina is conveying?
Dance to the music of the ocarina
Enjoy the music and dance to it
Ocarina, ocarina
This is a song about the ocarina
Gretchen and Otto, Hans and Wilhelmina
People with German names are dancing to the music
Dance to the ocarina dance
Keep dancing to the delightful tune from the ocarina
Dance to the music of the sweet potata
The melody of the ocarina is so sweet it compares to a potato
Sweet potata, sweet potata
The melody from the ocarina is very sweet
Cheeks gettin' redder than a ripe tomata
The music is getting so exhilarating that dancers' cheeks are turning red
Dance to the ocarina dance
Enjoying the music so much that one can't resist but keep on dancing
Listen and hear the notes escaping
Pay attention to the music coming out from the ocarina
Out of that tiny hole
The music is coming out from a small opening on the ocarina
Doesn't it please your soul?
The sweet tune is gratifying to the heart and soul
Doesn't it say, "Dance the polka"?
The music inspires one to dance the polka
Step to the music of the ocarina
Dance barely touching the surface as the ocarina melody is played
Who refuses? Wilhelmina?
Who would ever want to refuse the enjoyment of the music? Maybe Wilhelmina?
Wait till she listens to the ocarina
If she hasn't heard it yet, she should definitely give it a try
I know that Wilhelmina will
The singer had the impression that Wilhelmina would enjoy the music very much
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: IRVING BERLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind