Heat Wave

Irving Berlin

About Heat Wave

"Heat Wave" is a popular song written by Irving Berlin for the 1933 musical As Thousands Cheer, and introduced in the show by Ethel Waters.


Year:
1999
3:08
109 
#4

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We're having a heat wave,
A tropical heat wave,
The temperature's rising,
It isn't surprising,
She certainly can can-can.

She started a heat wave
By letting her seat wave
In such a way that
The customers say that
She certainly can can-can.

Gee, her anatomy
Makes the mercury
Jump to ninety-three.

We're having a heat wave,
A tropical heat wave,
The way that she moves
That thermometer proves
That she certainly can can-can.

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Irving Berlin

Irving Berlin (May 11, 1888 – September 22, 1989) was a Russian-born American composer and lyricist, widely considered one of the greatest songwriters in American history. He published his first song, "Marie from Sunny Italy", in 1907 and had his first major international hit, "Alexander's Ragtime Band" in 1911. more »

4 fans

Written by: Edward Jr. Holland, Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland

Lyrics © DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist
"Heat Wave" is a popular song that was performed by Ethel Waters, a notable singer and actress in the American entertainment industry, particularly in jazz, blues, and Broadway genres.
Composer
The song was composed by Irving Berlin, a widely applauded American composer and lyricist. He is often considered one of the greatest songwriters in American history.
Album
The song "Heat Wave" was part of the musical "As Thousands Cheer" where Ethel Waters performed it in 1933.
Historical Significance
The song was one of the popular tunes played during the Great Depression era, which helped to define the country’s culture at that time.
Groundbreaking Role
Ethel Waters was the first African American woman to be recognized for her performance in the Broadway hit show "As Thousands Cheer" where "Heat Wave" was performed.
Lyricist
"Heat Wave" also reflects Irving Berlin's proficiency as a lyricist. Known for his clever, witty and often emotionally touching lyrics, Berlin's talent is widely exhibited in this song.
Song Style
"Heat Wave" is distinguished by its fast tempo, big band instrumentation, and bright, upbeat sound. It represents the high-energy music that was popular in the 1930s.
Cover Versions
Many artists did their renditions of the song after Ethel Waters, which included artists like Pearl Bailey, Ella Fitzgerald, and Marilyn Monroe.
Irving Berlin's Inspiration
The song "Heat Wave" was reportedly inspired by the unusually hot summer weather that hit New York City in 1933, when Irving Berlin was writing songs for "As Thousands Cheer".
Racial Barrier Break
Ethel Waters' performance of "Heat Wave" as an African American woman on Broadway was a notable milestone in breaking racial barriers in the American entertainment industry.

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    "Heat Wave Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3549482/Irving+Berlin/Heat+Wave>.

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