How to Format Lyrics:

  • Type out all lyrics, even repeating song parts like the chorus
  • Lyrics should be broken down into individual lines
  • Use section headers above different song parts like [Verse], [Chorus], etc.
  • Use italics (<i>lyric</i>) and bold (<b>lyric</b>) to distinguish between different vocalists in the same song part
  • If you don’t understand a lyric, use [?]

To learn more, check out our transcription guide or visit our transcribers forum

About

Genius Annotation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I8-CbJYGMA

The following song is best known as an American Great Depression era song. The premise of the song surrounds a beggar speaking against a system that stole his job. It was written in 1930 by E.Y. Harburg (lyricist) and Jay Gorney (composer). Gorney states in a 1974 interview that he ensured that the song wouldn’t depress people, but instead make them think about the role of men and their nation. Originally the song appeared in the musical Americana (1932), and was almost banned for being “anti-capitalist propaganda” according to Republicans. It wasn’t until Bing Crosby, Al Jolson, and Rudy Vallee completed a recording of the song that it became known as an anthem of the ruined hopes from the Great Depression.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

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