Hooray for Hollywood

Johnny Mercer

About Hooray for Hollywood

"Hooray for Hollywood" is a song first featured in the 1937 movie Hollywood Hotel, and which has since become (together with "That's Entertainment" and "Another Op'nin', Another Show") the staple soundtrack element of any Academy Awards ceremony. It is even frequently played during non-American movie ceremonies, e.g. the French César Awards. The popularity of the song is notably due to the lyrics by Johnny Mercer, which reference the American movie industry and satirize the illusory desire of many people to become famous as actors.  


Year:
1971
15,941 
#15

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Hooray for Hollywood
That screwy ballyhooey Hollywood
Where any office boy or young mechanic can be a panic
With just a good looking pan
And any barmaid can be a star maid
If she dances with or without a fan

Hooray for Hollywood,
Where you're terrific if you're even good
Where anyone at all from Shirley Temple to Aimee Semple
Is equally understood
Go out and try your luck, you might be Donald Duck
Hooray for Hollywood

Hooray for Hollywood
That phoney super-Coney Hollywood
They come from Chillicothes and Paducas with their bazookas
To get their names up in lights
All armed with photos from local rotos
With their hair in ribbon and legs in tights

Hooray for Hollywood
You may be homely in your neighbourhood
But if you think that you can be an actor, see Mr. Factor
He'll make a monkey look good
Within a half an hour you'll look like Tyrone Power
Hooray for Hollywood

Hooray for Hollywood

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Johnny Mercer

John Herndon "Johnny" Mercer (November 18, 1909 – June 25, 1976) was an American lyricist, songwriter and singer. Mercer was also a co-founder of Capitol Records. more »

6 fans

Written by: JOHNNY MERCER, RICHARD WHITING, RICHARD A. WHITING

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Time Period
"Hooray for Hollywood" was first recorded and published in 1937, reflecting the rise of the American film industry in Hollywood during that time period.
Composer and Lyricist
The song was composed by Richard A. Whiting, while Johnny Mercer wrote the lyrics attributed to his famous songwriting prowess.
Origin
"Hooray for Hollywood" was written in Hollywood, California, the heart of the U.S. film industry, adding authenticity to its tribute to showbiz.
Feature Film Appearance
The song debuted in the 1937 film "Hollywood Hotel," a musical-comedy where it was performed by Frances Langford and John Payne.
Style
"Hooray for Hollywood" is considered a show tune, characteristic of the classic Hollywood era of musical productions.
Themes
The lyrics of the song satirically praise the Hollywood lifestyle, reflecting on the desire for fame and success in the entertainment industry.
Cover Versions
Over the years, "Hooray for Hollywood" has been covered by numerous artists, including Doris Day, Nancy Sinatra, and Benny Goodman, among others.
Cultural Icon
Today, the song is often associated with the Academy Awards, underlining its iconic status as a tribute to the Hollywood film industry.
Recording Academy Induction
In 2007, "Hooray for Hollywood" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, recognized as a recording of lasting qualitative or historical significance.
Johnny Mercer's Influence
Johnny Mercer, as a lyricist of this song, was a notable figure in the development of the American Songbook, contributing to the popularity of American music worldwide with his witty and sophisticated lyrics.
Legacy
The song is still regularly used on Hollywood-themed television episodes and movies, and it continues to be a celebratory anthem for Hollywood, the symbol of American cinema.

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