[1st verse:]
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When I was young
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My father said to me "Learn a trade
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Learn a trade
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Do me a favor and become an engraver
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For engravers are well-paid
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If I'd have done what father wanted
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Imagine what I'd miss
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There is no doubt
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I was cut out
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For a life like this
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[1st refrain:]
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I come around to the theatre in my automobile
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Singing, "This is the life, this is the life"
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Surrounded by chorus ladies in the troupe
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I spend all my time in a chicken coop
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They come to my dressing room as cute as can be
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Saying "Won't you hook up my dress for me?"
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And it makes me mad to think my dear old dad
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Wanted me to learn a trade
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[2nd verse:]
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When I come out
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With lots of powder upon my sleeve
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On my sleeve
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Somebody rested on my new double-breasted
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I believe you've got me, Steve
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I always kiss the prima donna
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In every we scene we act
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Leave it to me
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That has to be
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It's in my contract
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[2nd refrain:]
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I leave the show ev'ry evening in my automobile
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Singing, "This is the life, this is the life"
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My supper consists of chicken a la King
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I get indigestion and everything
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A ring on my finger with a four carat stone
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Twenty payments more and it's all my own
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And it makes me mad to think my dear old dad
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Wanted me to learn a trade
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-----------------
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And Father Wanted Me To Learn A Trade
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| Irving Berlin |
