Supper Time

Ethel Waters

About Supper Time

"Supper Time" is a popular song written by Irving Berlin for the 1933 musical As Thousands Cheer, where it was introduced by Ethel Waters. It is about a wife's reaction to news of her husband's lynching.


Year:
2002
3:14
485 
#4

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

Supper time
I should set the table
'Cause it's supper time
Somehow I'm not able

'Cause that man of mine
Ain't coming home no more
Oh, supper time
Kids will soon be yelling

For this supper time
While I keep from telling
That that man of mine
Ain't coming home no more

While I keep explaining
When they ask me where he's gone
While I keep from crying
When I bring the 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,

Oh, lord!
Supper time,
I should set the table
'Cause it's supper time

Somehow I'm not able
'Cause that man of mine
Ain't coming home no more
Ain't coming home no more

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters (October 31, 1896 – September 1, 1977) was an American blues, jazz and gospel vocalist and actress. She frequently performed jazz, big band, and pop music, on the Broadway stage and in concerts, although she began her career in the 1920s singing blues. more »

0 fans

Written by: Irvin Berlin

Lyrics © IMAGEM MUSIC INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


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.
Accomplished Composer
Irving 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."
Premier Performance
Ethel Waters first performed "Supper Time" in 1933, in a Broadway revue called "As Thousands Cheer."
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.
Pioneering Artist
Ethel 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.
Irving Berlin's Motivation
Berlin 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.
Emotional Reception
Due 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.
Recording Session
The song was recorded on December 27, 1933, by Ethel Waters with orchestra conducted by Leonard Joy.
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.

Discuss the Supper Time Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Supper Time Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 12 Oct. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/6198061/Ethel+Waters/Supper+Time>.

    Missing lyrics by Ethel Waters?

    Know any other songs by Ethel Waters? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Supper Time

    220
    11     0

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    What artist did this line, "but I can't help falling in love with you."?
    A Eddie Cochran
    B Elvis Presley
    C Crispian St. Peters
    D Jim Reeves

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Ethel Waters tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io