Ruth Etting (November 23, 1897 – September 24, 1978) was an American singin… Read Full Bio ↴Ruth Etting (November 23, 1897 – September 24, 1978) was an American singing star and actress of the 1920s and 1930s, who had over sixty hit recordings and worked in stage, radio, and film. She was known as America's Radio Sweetheart, and was the top female vocalist in America for several years, often singing in the 'torch' song style. In 1925, Ruth Etting was discovered by a Columbia record executive in Chicago and was signed to a nation-wide deal. In 1927 she was recommended by Irving Berlin to Florenz Ziegfeld for a spot in his Follies. She was an instant success in New York, and the top vocalist in the country for a number of years.

Ruth was born in David City, Nebraska. Her mother died when she was 5, and her father left her with her grandparents, George and Hannah Etting, who owned a roller mill. Her father remarried and moved away, seldom visiting his daughter. When she was 17 she moved to Chicago to attend art school, and got a job designing costumes at a night club. One night the tenor got sick and since she was the only one who could sing low enough, she took his place, and landed a job in the chorus. By 1918 she was one of the club's featured vocalists. It was there she met Moe "The Gimp" Snyder, a wanna-be gangster who took over management of Ruth's career and married her in 1922.

After her New York sucess, she moved to Los Angeles and had roles in a number of films including Roman Scandals with Eddie Cantor. There are conflicting stories about the scandal that virtually ended her career. The marriage between Ms. Etting and The Gimp was virtually loveless from the beginning, and he was a demanding and controlling manager who would not let other men near his wife. They were divorced in 1937. While in Los Angeles she began spending time with Myrl Alderman, a pianist who had played with her earlier in her career. In 1938, The Gimp forced his way into Ruth's house, and shot Alderman, wounding him. The subsequent trial put a halt to her career, although she did make some appearances in 1947. Ruth and Myrl married and retired to Colorado Springs, where she died in 1978. The academy award nominated movie version of her life story, Love me or Leave Me, with Jimmy Cagney and Doris Day, was apparently highly fictionalized.

Have You Forgotten
Ruth Etting Lyrics

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I'll get by
As long as I have you
Though there be rain
And darkness too
I'll not complain
I'll see it through

Poverty

May come to me, it's true
But what care I
Say, I'll get by
As long as I have you.

But what care I

Say, I'll get by
As long as I have you.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song "I'll Get By" by Ruth Etting is an expression of resilience in the face of adversity. The singer acknowledges that life can be challenging, with rainy days and dark times, and even poverty may come her way. However, the presence of her loved one gives her strength and hope to face these challenges with optimism and endurance. She does not complain but vows to go on, her commitment and love for her partner unwavering.

The phrase "I'll get by" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the singer's determination and persistent spirit. She exclaims, "But what care I," highlighting her unflinching attitude towards the hardships she may face. She knows that as long as she has her loved one by her side, she will continue to thrive and be resilient.

Overall, the lyrics of "I'll Get By" celebrate the power of love to sustain and support us through difficult times. It's a message of hope and perseverance, encouraging listeners to keep going, even when the going gets tough.

Have You ForgottenRuth Etting Lyrics

Have You Forgotten
Ruth Etting Lyrics