After appearing in Vaudeville theater with her sisters, Judy was signed to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer as a teenager. There she made more than two dozen films, including nine with Mickey Rooney, and the film with which she would be most identified, "The Wizard of Oz" (1939). After 15 years, Judy was released from the studio but gained renewed success through record-breaking concert appearances, including a critically acclaimed Carnegie Hall concert, a well-regarded but short-lived television series, and a return to film acting beginning with "A Star Is Born" (1954).
Despite her professional triumphs, Judy battled personal problems throughout her life. Insecure about her appearance, her feelings were compounded by film executives who told her she was unattractive and overweight. Plied with drugs to control her weight and increase her productivity, Garland endured a decades-long struggle with addiction. Garland was plagued by financial instability, often owing hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes, and her first four of five marriages ended in divorce. She attempted suicide on a number of occasions. Garland died of an accidental drug overdose at the age of 47, leaving children Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft, and Joey Luft.
Legacy
Judy Garland's legacy as a performer and a personality has endured long after her death. The American Film Institute named Garland eighth among the "Greatest Female Stars of All Time". She has been the subject of over two dozen biographies since her death, including the well-received "Me and My Shadows: A Family Memoir" by her daughter, Lorna Luft. Luft's memoir was later adapted into the multiple award-winning television mini-series, "Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows", which won Emmy Awards for two actresses portraying Garland (Tammy Blanchard and Judy Davis).
Garland was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997. Several of her recordings have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. These include "Over the Rainbow," which was ranked as the number one movie song of all time in the American Film Institute's "100 Years...100 Songs" list. Four more Garland songs are featured on the list: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (#76), "Get Happy" (#61), "The Trolley Song" (#26), and "The Man That Got Away" (#11).
Judy Garland has twice been honored on U.S. postage stamps, in 1989 (as Dorothy) and again in 2006 (as Vicki Lester from A Star Is Born).
You Can't Have Everything
Judy Garland Lyrics
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A dreary, weary and perplexed one,
I've got trouble and he's got trouble,
And you're no better than the next one!
You will find your share of bliss
If you'll just remember this;
You can't have everything,
You can't have everything,
Don't envy neighbours or the fortunes that they get!
Live and laugh and listen,
Don't be greedy,
Help the needy,
And ya gotta get lucky, yes indeedy!
Rich man, poor man, beggar or king,
You just can't have everything.
So thank your stars above
For a song in your heart,
A penny in your pocket
And someone in your arms to love.
You can't have everything,
Be satisfied with the little you may get.
You can't have everything,
Don't envy neighbours or the fortunes that they get!
Live and laugh and listen,
Don't be greedy,
Help the needy,
And ya gotta get lucky, yes indeedy!
Rich man, poor man, beggar or king,
You just can't have everything.
So thank your stars above
For a song in your heart,
A penny in your pocket
And someone in your arms to love.
The song "You Can't Have Everything" by Judy Garland is a testament to the age-old adage that happiness cannot be found in material possessions. The lyrics suggest that no matter how much one might desire something, they cannot have everything they want. The song opens with the lines, "Say there, if you are a vexed one, a dreary, weary and perplexed one, I've got trouble and he's got trouble, and you're no better than the next one!" immediately creating a sense of camaraderie with the listener. The lyrics go on to suggest that if one is grateful for what they already have, they will find their share of happiness.
The song is a reminder that happiness is not just about what one owns or accomplishes, but it is found in the simple pleasures of life like laughter, listening, and love. The lyrics, "Live and laugh and listen, don't be greedy, help the needy, and ya gotta get lucky, yes indeed" reiterate the idea that one must appreciate the small things because they are the ones that matter in the end. The chorus emphasizes this point with the lines, "You can't have everything, be satisfied with the little you may get. You can't have everything, don't envy neighbors or the fortunes that they get!"
Overall, this song carries a light-hearted and positive message that is relatable to everyone. It encourages listeners to be content with what they have and to appreciate the little things in life. It is a lovely reminder that happiness is not found in material possessions but in the moments of love, laughter, and joy that we share with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Say there, if you are a vexed one,
Hello there, if you are feeling upset,
A dreary, weary and perplexed one,
Feeling tired and confused,
I've got trouble and he's got trouble,
Everyone has their own problems,
And you're no better than the next one!
No one is exempt from difficulties,
You will find your share of bliss
You can still find happiness,
If you'll just remember this;
As long as you keep in mind the following lesson:
You can't have everything,
It's impossible to have everything you want,
Be satisfied with the little you may get.
Be content with what you have,
Don't envy neighbours or the fortunes that they get!
Don't resent others for what they have,
Live and laugh and listen,
Enjoy life, find humor in things, and pay attention,
Don't be greedy,
Don't be overly focused on acquiring more,
Help the needy,
Look out for those who are struggling,
And ya gotta get lucky, yes indeedy!
And sometimes, luck plays a role too!
Rich man, poor man, beggar or king,
Regardless of your station in life,
You just can't have everything.
You can't possibly have it all.
So thank your stars above
Be grateful for what you have,
For a song in your heart,
Like having music to lift your spirits,
A penny in your pocket
Even small amounts of money can be helpful,
And someone in your arms to love.
And having someone special to share your life with.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: GRANT MCLENNAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Frankie Harris
My mum was 18 when this came out and later on she used to sing it to me and my sister when we were little. I sung it to my two when they were little - time to teach it to the granchildren now I guess :)))))
Jean Jones
Terrific song sung by Judy Garland and Jimmy Durante. I wish the whole world lived this motto. Alice Faye also does a great version of this song!
Albert Ahlf
you may not be able to have everything BUT you will always be able to have Judy Garland!
orange pulp
If only people lived like this life would be a lot nicer
Albert Ahlf
this is GRAND
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