Supper Time
Irving Berlin
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Supper time I should set the table 'Cause it's supper time Somehow I'm not able 'Cause that man o'mine Ain't comin' home no more Supper time Kids will soon be yellin' For their supper time How'll I keep from tellin' Them that man o'mine Ain't comin' home no more? How'll I keep explainin' when they ask me where he's gone? How'll I keep from cryin' when I bring their supper on? How can I remind them to pray at their humble board? How can I be thankful when they start to thank the Lord? Lord! Supper time I should set the table 'Cause it's supper time Somehow I'm not able 'Cause that man o'mine Ain't comin' home no more
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9 facts about this song
Song Origin"Supper Time" is a popular song composed by Irving Berlin. Ethel Waters, an American singer and actress, made the song popular.
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Accomplished ComposerIrving Berlin, the composer of "Supper Time," is considered one of the greatest songwriters in American history. He composed over 1,500 songs, including famous ones like "God Bless America" and "White Christmas."
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Premier PerformanceEthel Waters first performed "Supper Time" in 1933, in a Broadway revue called "As Thousands Cheer."
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Important Theme"Supper Time" was groundbreaking, as it was a song in mainstream entertainment that addressed the brutal reality of racial violence. The song narrates a woman’s grief after learning her husband had been lynched.
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Pioneering ArtistEthel Waters was the first African-American woman to be nominated for an Emmy Award, and her rendition of "Supper Time" made history due to the serious racial themes it touched upon.
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Irving Berlin's MotivationBerlin wanted to produce a song discussing racial lynching after reading about it in a newspaper. He specifically wanted Ethel Waters to perform the song, considering her strong acting skills.
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Emotional ReceptionDue to its sensitive theme, "Supper Time" was met with an emotional response from the audience when it was performed in "As Thousands Cheer." Many people cried during Ethel Waters’ performances, moved by the song's powerful message.
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Recording SessionThe song was recorded on December 27, 1933, by Ethel Waters with orchestra conducted by Leonard Joy.
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Stage Context"Supper Time" is a torch song and is sung by Ethel Waters' character in "As Thousands Cheer," who has just heard about the lynching of her husband and is trying to keep her emotions in check as she sets the table for supper.
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Citation
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"Supper Time Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5966470/Irving+Berlin/Supper+Time>.
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