Puttin' on The Ritz
Irving Berlin · In Hollywood [2009]
Upon Lennon Avenue on that famous thoroughfare
With their noses in the air?
High hats and narrow collars
White spats and fifteen dollars
Spending every dime for a wonderful time
If you're blue, and you don't know where to go to
Why don't you go where Harlem flits? Putting' on the Ritz
Spangled gowns upon the bevy of high browns
From down the levy, all misfits, putting' on the Ritz
That's where each and every lulu-belle goes
Every Thursday evening with her swell beaus
Rubbin' elbows
Come with me and we'll attend their jubilee
And see them spend their last two bits
Puttin' on the Ritz
Boys, look at that man puttin' on that Ritz
You look at him, I can't
If you're blue, and you don't know where to go to
Why don't you go where Harlem flits? Puttin' on the Ritz
Spangled gowns upon the bevy of high browns
From down the levy, all misfits, puttin' on the Ritz
That's where each and every lulu-belle goes
Every Thursday evening with her swell beaus
Rubbin' elbows
Come with me and we'll attend their jubilee
And see them spend their last two bits
Puttin' on the Ritz
Come with me and we'll attend their jubilee
And see them spend their last two bits
Puttin' on the Ritz
Puttin' on The Ritz
Irving Berlin's "Puttin' on The Ritz" remains one of the most enduring standards in American popular music. Written in 1929, the song captures the essence of the Jazz Age with its witty commentary on social pretension and the desire to appear wealthy. The composition showcases Berlin's signature ability to blend sophisticated orchestration with accessible, rhythmic melodies that defined the Great American Songbook. As a staple of the genre, the track has been interpreted by countless performers across decades, cementing its place in the cultural consciousness. This recording highlights the timeless appeal of Berlin's work, demonstrating how his compositions continue to resonate with audiences through their clever wordplay and infectious energy. The song stands as a testament to Berlin's prolific career and his lasting influence on the landscape of English-language music.