"Ain't We Got Fun" was
written in 1921, and became a standard in Vaudeville shows, Speakeasies,
and films in the early 20th century. The words were written by Gus Kahn and Raymond B.
Egan; the tune was written by Richard Whiting.
Although everyone on earth knows the tune of
the song, almost no one alive today is familiar with all the words. Since the
copyright is long past into public domain, I'm going
to post the words in their entirety, here, on E2.
A few points about the song: Perhaps it's most famous usage is in Warner Bros. cartoons. Bugs Bunny and
Daffy Duck sing or hum the tune often when hatching plans. In literature
it appears, rather ironically, in The Great Gatsby, by F.
Scott Fitzgerald. The song is
played by Ewing Klipspringer, a freeloader in Gatsby's mansion.
Overture:
Bill collectors gather 'round and
rather haunt the cottage next door,
Men the grocer and butcher sent,
Men who call for the rent.
But within, a happy chappy, and his bride of only a year,
Seem to be so cheerful,
Here's an ear full of the chatter you hear:
Begin Song:
Every morning
Every evening
Ain't we got fun
Not much money
Oh but honey
Ain't We Got Fun
The rent's unpaid dear
We haven't a bus
But smiles were made dear
For people like us
In the winter
In the summer
Don't we have fun
Times are bum and getting bummer
Still we have fun
There's nothing surer
The rich get rich and the poor get... children
In the meantime
In between time
Ain't we got fun
Every morning Every evening
Don't we got fun
Twins and cares dear
Come in pairs dear
Don't we have fun
We've only started
As mommer and pop
Are we downhearted
I'll say that we're not
Landlords mad and getting madder
Ain't we got fun
Times are bad and getting badder
Still we have fun
There's nothing surer
The rich get rich and the poor get laid off
In the meantime
In between time
Ain't we got fun
Night or day-time
It's all play-time
Ain't we got fun
Hot or cold days
Any old days
Ain't we got fun
If wifie wishes
To go to a play
Don't wash the dishes
Just throw them away
Street car seats are awful narrow
Ain't we got fun
They won't smash up our Pierce Arrow
We ain't got none
They've cut my wages
income tax will be so much smaller
When I'm paid off
I'll be laid off
Ain't we got fun