"Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries" is a popular song with music by Ray Henderson and lyrics by Lew Brown, published in 1931.[1] Ethel Merman introduced this song in George White's Scandals of 1931.[2] A Rudy Vallée version, recorded in 1931, spent five weeks in the top-10 pop music charts.[3] The song was revived in 1953 by singer Jaye P. Morgan.[4] Show The song title gave rise to the revue of composer Ray Henderson's music called It's the Cherries, which launched the American Composer Series in 2000.[5] Notable recordings[edit]
In popular culture[edit]
References[edit]
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Jan 26, 2013 Wulfwyn rated it it was amazing I first heard of Erma Bombeck when I was 13. My mom had gone to
the doctor and came home with the news she was pregnant. I was the baby up until then so you can imagine her shock. My dad, being funny, brought home a pillow that said, " It's A Crying Shame," and a book by Erma Bombeck. That book was If Life Is A Bowl Of Cherries, What Am I doing In The Pits? My dad got hit by the pillow but the book cheered my mom up.
When I was a little girl staying with my grandparents, after my cousins went home and there was no more playing Payday or that weird soccer game where your fingers are the players' legs, I would need to read (I was a very nerdy child). My options were the Bible, Sidney Sheldon, or this book. Obviously, I picked the Bible. No! I picked Erma, who I discovered to be totally humorous when I turned the light on after I was sure everyone else was in bed, and snuggled under my brown-and-orange swirled When I was a little girl staying with my grandparents, after my cousins went home and there was no more playing Payday or that weird soccer game where your fingers are the players' legs, I would need to read (I was a very nerdy child). My options were the Bible, Sidney Sheldon, or this book. Obviously, I picked the Bible. No! I picked Erma, who I discovered to be totally humorous when I turned the light on after I was sure everyone else was in bed, and snuggled under my brown-and-orange swirled comfortor in the spare bedroom with the unused exercise bike and praying Jesus head. The idea that this mom didn't really think her family was that great! Hilarious! Of course, I haven't actually read this book since I was approximately 10 years old, but I give it four stars for memory's sake. ...more
May 17, 2021 Helio rated it liked it A friend is moving to Water Valley and "bestowed" a number of books on me. This was
one of them. It may have been funny in its time but only a few quips tickled my funny bone: P22 "If I had of had amnesia don't you think I'd remember it?" P216 "How comes pens never have any ink in them until they accidently end up in the washer?" P241-242 had a list of women who achieved success later in life (novelist Margaret Mitchell 37, Senator Margaret Chase Smith 51, Actress Ruth Gordon 72, Tennis Star Billie P22 "If I had of had amnesia don't you think I'd remember it?" P216 "How comes pens never have any ink in them until they accidently end up in the washer?" P241-242 had a list of women who achieved success later in life (novelist Margaret Mitchell 37, Senator Margaret Chase Smith 51, Actress Ruth Gordon 72, Tennis Star
Billie Jean King 31, Painter Grandma Moses 76, Writer Ann Morrow Lindbergh 49, Ambassador Shirley Temple Black 47, Prime Minister Golda Meir 71). Not everything was comical (but the last mention was used to launch at attempt for a laugh).
Mar 02, 2011 Sophia rated it it was amazing I read this back when it first released and well before my GoodReads
days. This was my first time for a re-read. I used to read Erma Bombeck's syndicated column in the newspaper each week and couldn't wait for what funny pearls of wisdom she'd bestow. I was thrilled when she started assembling these into books. If Life is a Bowl of Cherries... covers marriage, kids, community, housekeeping, and world affairs- life in other words. There is wry humor from a woman who shows us that serious matters a If Life is a Bowl of Cherries... covers marriage, kids, community, housekeeping, and world affairs- life in other words. There is wry humor from a woman who shows us that serious matters are to be
gotten over lightly and the family that lasts is not the perfect one. I think I noticed the point of her amusing anecdotes more than ever with what is happening in the world today. While the surroundings might be dated, the universal message in each story is not. Families, jobs, community, politics, and the world still are in upheaval. Love her humor that makes a point and also gets me to lighten up.
Oct 07, 2019 Shiloah rated it it was amazing Erma always makes me smile! She makes life seem so normal and found the humor in all situations. Betty Macdonald wrote similarly in her delightful memoirs. I need these women when times get tough.
Not as funny as I remember from reading Mrs. Bombeck years ago. I did get a few chuckles though, and it is worth the read if only for being a 1970's time capsule. Also, the last chapter was priceless. Not as funny as I remember from reading Mrs. Bombeck years ago. I did get a few chuckles though, and it is worth the read if only for being a 1970's time capsule. Also, the last chapter was priceless. ...more
Jun 10, 2008 Kari rated it liked it I remember reading this book a long time ago, probably in college. Having reread the book, I'm not sure I was able to full appreciate the book back then. Now, reading it as a wife and mother, I loved it. Even though Ms.
Bombeck wrote this back in the 70s, I found that about 90% of it is still relevant today. Husbands still snore, kids and families still drive us crazy and the debate over working mom vs. stay at home mom still goes on 30+ years later. I found myself laughing and nodding my head t I remember reading this book a long time ago, probably in college. Having reread the book, I'm not sure I was able to full appreciate the book back then. Now, reading it as
a wife and mother, I loved it. Even though Ms. Bombeck wrote this back in the 70s, I found that about 90% of it is still relevant today. Husbands still snore, kids and families still drive us crazy and the debate over working mom vs. stay at home mom still goes on 30+ years later. I found myself laughing and nodding my head through out most of the book as I have experienced many of the things that she brings up. While mostly funny, there are a few places where she gets serious and her points
really hit home. Specifically her section on when the child becomes the parent and vice versa. It makes you take a hard look at the cycle of life and how fast it revolves. I know that my favorite part of the book was the poem " I Loved you Enough". I may just have to print that out and save it for my kids when they are older. I definitely recommend this throwback!
Jul 09, 2010 Miss rated it really liked it Do you like standup comedy? This book reads like one.
Sep 17, 2007 Clayton rated it liked it Okay, I admit to being an Erma fan. I inherited several of her paperbacks when a friend of mine moved over seas and left several boxes of her books with me. I remembered reading this one as a teen, but it always seemed like something my mom would be interested in. However, for satirical insight on the middle-class female point of view on the big trends of the seventies and eighties, Bombeck is very insightful. I guess it took age and the ability to reflect back on those decades to appreciate her Okay, I admit to being an Erma fan. I inherited several of her paperbacks when a friend of mine moved over seas and left several boxes of her books with me. I remembered reading this one as a teen, but it always seemed like something my mom would be interested in. However, for satirical insight on the middle-class female point of view on the big trends of the seventies and eighties, Bombeck is very insightful. I guess it took age and the ability to reflect back on those decades to appreciate her work. As her work progressed, some of it even became rather poignant (I Want to Grow up...) Every once in a while I find myself quoting something I read in her books. ...more
Jan 24, 2013 Sarah rated it really liked it Even though this book was written in the 70's it is still relevant for me today. From the snoring husband, the overly dependent kids, the housework never ending, and of course the totally wrong fads
and fashion(Pantsuit that doesn't look good on anyone unless your 2), this book had me laughing and saying at least I'm not the only one who thinks that.
Apr 12, 2011 Gena Lott rated it it was amazing How can we have EVERYTHING as we do in America, and still be so depressed and downtrodden? Although these are older books, they are still very pertinent today. Besides getting a laugh, you will love her in your face style which questions just what we as women should find important.
Loved Erma Bombeck...My mother and I to this day can quote her verbatim. She's provided us hours of entertainment. It was like losing a family member when she passed. RIP Erma, I'm sure you've got them laughing somewhere else! Loved Erma Bombeck...My mother and I to this day can quote her verbatim. She's provided us hours of entertainment. It was like losing a family member when she passed. RIP Erma, I'm sure you've got them laughing somewhere else! ...more
Feb 20, 2016 Linda Rowland rated it really liked it I found this in a stack of books someone gave me for the book shop. Have always enjoyed Bombeck and this was no different. I may have read this before but still had a good time with it.
Nov 14, 2021 Greg rated it liked it I read this WAY back and laughed, but I am not sure how it holds up today. (It may have inspired me to stay single.) It's listed in "1001 Books for Every Mood" by Hallie Ephron and published in 2008, so it spans two centuries. That's saying something. I read this WAY back and laughed, but I am not sure how it holds up today. (It may have inspired me to stay single.) It's listed in "1001 Books for Every Mood" by Hallie Ephron and published in 2008, so it spans two centuries. That's saying something. ...more
Dec 28, 2009 Meredith rated it it was ok I read this for an initiative at work. We are to read a book each month
with a different angle. January's assignment was to read a book published in the year you were born (for me, 1978). Someone recommended Erma Bombeck, since she wrote humor based on being a mother and housewife. I must say, for the most part I just didn't get it. I didn't laugh or even smile once. First of all, there was language to decode. For example, "wedgies." No, not what happens when your undies get in a twist. Apparent I read this for an
initiative at work. We are to read a book each month with a different angle. January's assignment was to read a book published in the year you were born (for me, 1978). Someone recommended Erma Bombeck, since she wrote humor based on being a mother and housewife. I must say, for the most part I just didn't get it. I didn't laugh or even smile once. First of all, there was language to decode. For example, "wedgies." No, not what happens when your undies get in a twist. Apparently, these were a
type of shoe in the 70s, but when I read something along the lines of "gold wedgies lying on the staircase," I was stumped. A lot of the name dropping she did meant nothing to me, either. There was a chapter near the end that read like a forward from my mother-in-law, too. You know, the ones with a photo of a baby with cake on her face, followed by a list with each item starting, "I loved you enough to..." Anyway, not funny to me. Guess I'll at least know who Bombeck is if she ever comes
up?
Closer to 2.5 stars; quite dated, really. It had several moments that were sincerely chuckle-worthy, but overall, not as funny as I believed it would be. You'll find steadier laughs of a
similar nature with Dave Barry. So I wouldn't suggest necessarily seeking this out, but it *is* the sort of book that, if you were renting a beach house and it was a lousy weather day and you were stuck inside and forgot to bring a book of your own, and discovered this one on a shelf near the radio, it could be w So I wouldn't suggest necessarily seeking this out, but it *is* the sort of book that, if you were renting a beach house and it was a lousy weather day and you were stuck inside and forgot to bring a book of your own, and discovered this one on a shelf near the radio, it could be worthwhile to kill some time with.
Sep 21, 2019 Laura rated it it was amazing This book was exactly what a homesick Ohio girl needed. It is nice to know you are not going crazy, but crazy is normal. Erma Bombeck books should be required reading for life. I laughed my head off, cried my eyes out, and wished I could talk about this one with my friends from Book Club. I love and miss you lovely ladies.
Read this as a child. For some reason my mother had a case of these books. I recall it as funny and sometimes baffling. Curious to re-read and see what I think now that I'm an adult. I think reading Erma Bombeck shaped my idea of humor and writing though. I remember just reading and re-reading her work and trying to figure it out. Read this as a child. For some reason my mother had a case of these books. I recall it as funny and sometimes baffling. Curious to re-read and see what I think now that I'm an adult. I think reading Erma Bombeck shaped my idea of humor and writing though. I remember just reading and re-reading her work and trying to figure it out. ...more
Mar 30, 2011 Adrienne rated it it was amazing I loved this book. Sure, a very small number of the cultural references were lost on me due to my age, but I was laughing out loud--literally, not acronymically (is that a word?)--at least 80% of the time. Bombeck has a gift for making us laugh at the things that would otherwise make us throw our hands up and walk away. I think every mom should have at least one of her books hanging around the house for those days when we really just need to check out and have a good laugh. And the bonus is that I loved this book. Sure, a very small number of the cultural references were lost on me due to my age, but I was laughing out loud--literally, not acronymically (is that a word?)--at least 80% of the time. Bombeck has a gift for making us laugh at the things that would otherwise make us throw our hands up and walk away. I think every mom should have at least one of her books hanging around the house for those days when we really just need to check out and have a good laugh. And the bonus is that we might be able to laugh at the things that are putting us in our bad place to begin with. Very therapeutic, light, and easy reading. I highly recommend it to all moms. ...more
Bombeck was the favorite humorous essayist of both my mother and my aunt (Bombeck died in 1996). I wouldn't think of badmouthing the woman. She was a
brilliant humorist, and had the storytelling gift in full measure. If I personally always preferred Jean Kerr (who, like me, was definitely NOT a 'morning person'), I'm not blind to Bombeck's often wicked invective, tempered by a not quite unfailing compassion. I can see why my aunt and my mother like her--their own storytelling styles are often simi I wouldn't think of badmouthing the woman. She was a brilliant humorist, and had the storytelling gift in full measure. If I personally always preferred Jean Kerr (who, like me, was definitely NOT a 'morning person'), I'm not blind to Bombeck's often wicked invective, tempered by a not quite unfailing compassion. I can see why my aunt and my mother like her--their own storytelling styles are often similar.
May 20, 2009 Nicole rated it liked it I remember reading this from my mom's bookshelves a long time ago, and when I saw it at the library, I picked it up for a fun, quick read. Written in the early 80s, it's fun to see how different (and how much the same) life is/was for mothers. Some of it is universal, and other sections are very much 30 years ago. But the parts that she writes on parenting (and being married) are so funny, I found myself laughing out loud at parts, and getting misty at others. Recommended. I remember reading this from my mom's bookshelves a long time ago, and when I saw it at the library, I picked it up for a fun, quick read. Written in the early 80s, it's fun to see how different (and how much the same) life is/was for mothers. Some of it is universal, and other sections are very much 30 years ago. But the parts that she writes on parenting (and being married) are so funny, I found myself laughing out loud at parts, and getting misty at others. Recommended. ...more
Aug 02, 2011 Alexa rated it it was amazing The first book that I ever finished reading. My puberty years. I begun laughing upon starting on its pages and end up cryin.... "I love you enough to say NO even if you'll HATE me for it From that time on, My puberty years. I begun laughing upon starting on its pages and end up cryin.... "I love you enough to say NO even if you'll HATE me for it From that time on,
One review said that every wife and mother should read this book. I think every daughter should too, if
only to get some insight on what lies ahead. (And, of course, to pick up little tips like "green is not a happy color" when it comes to food.) Erma Bombeck talks about everything with such wit and candor, not to mention comedy. When I was little, my mom used to read the "funny parts" to my sister and me. Once I was a little older, I read the entire book, and still couldn't stop laughing. When I was little, my mom used to read the "funny parts" to my sister and me. Once I was a little older, I read the entire book, and still couldn't stop laughing.
Jan 30, 2016 Cheryl rated it liked it I found this book to be uneven. Some stories I really enjoyed while others I didn't. I am amazed at how some issues or themes continue to prevail even after all these years. Such as children leaving their wet towels on the floor or a parent calling their child by the wrong name (which was probably my favorite story in the book as well). She has some great lines in the book as well such as her son "staring into the refrigerator waiting for something to embrace him." I found this book to be uneven. Some stories I really enjoyed while others I didn't. I am amazed at how some issues or themes continue to prevail even after all these years. Such as children leaving their wet towels on the floor or a parent calling their child by the wrong name (which was probably my favorite story in the book as well). She has some great lines in the book as well such as her son "staring into the refrigerator waiting for something to embrace him." ...more
Apr 29, 2017 Camille rated it liked it [May 2017 book group selection] I remember my mom had this book when I was young, and I imagine it was extremely funny in the 70s when it was written. 40ish years later it seemed somewhat dated to me - quite a few references to people I'm not familiar with and everyday things that are seldom used anymore. There were still some funny parts as well as a few worthwhile insights at the end, but overall not a classic that has stood the test of time...at least for me. [May 2017 book group selection] I remember my mom had this book when I was young, and I imagine it was extremely funny in the 70s when it was written. 40ish years later it seemed somewhat dated to me - quite a few references to people I'm not familiar with and everyday things that are seldom used anymore. There were still some funny parts as well as a few worthwhile insights at the end, but overall not a classic that has stood the test of time...at least for me. ...more
Nov 19, 2009 Bunny rated it liked it 100th book of 2015! ----- Erma Bombeck is hilarious in an easy way. This book was written in the 70's, and it's still hilarious, and still timely. There are very few moments where you realize how times
have changed. Unless you're wondering why she doesn't mention her children's Twitter accounts. So so great. 100th book of 2015!----- Erma Bombeck is hilarious in an easy way. This book was written in the 70's, and it's still hilarious, and still timely. There are very few moments where you realize how times have changed. Unless you're wondering why she doesn't mention her children's Twitter accounts. So so great. ...more
Nov 29, 2010 Marshaferz rated it it was amazing My favorite of Bombeck's books. I haven't read it in 20 years, but certain turns of phrase, passages, even whole stories are so clear in my memory. Even with my familiarity with the material, it still made me laugh out loud. Let's face it, motherhood is funny and insane in pretty much the same way now that it always has been. My favorite of Bombeck's books. I haven't read it in 20 years, but certain turns of phrase, passages, even whole stories are so clear in my memory. Even with my familiarity with the material, it still made me laugh out loud. Let's face it, motherhood is funny and insane in pretty much the same way now that it always has been. ...more
A re-read from my favorite columnist ever, Erma "spoke" to me from the time I was a teenager about the age of her daughter and we bought prom dress the same week. I read her books as a newlywed in the 70's and as a new mom. Remembering what life was like before cell phones, computers, and dvd's was a joy. I miss this warm, kind and funny lady! A re-read from my favorite columnist ever, Erma "spoke" to me from the time I was a teenager about the age of her daughter and we bought prom dress the same week. I read her books as a newlywed in the 70's and as a new mom. Remembering what life was like before cell phones, computers, and dvd's was a joy. I miss this warm, kind and funny lady! ...more
Apr 27, 2009 Stephanie rated it it was amazing This is one lady I really miss!!! I have read all of her books and probably 3 times each! You don't get funnier, more real, and more touching then her stories. It makes you feel like you are hearing the confidences and real life fiascos of your best girl friend! This is one lady I really miss!!! I have read all of her books and probably 3 times each! You don't get funnier, more real, and more touching then her stories. It makes you feel like you are hearing the confidences and real life fiascos of your best girl friend! ...more
Oct 11, 2011 Lynn rated it it was amazing Erma Bombeck is my hero. She is funny and smart and absolutely wonderful. She is funny without being mean and just a wonderful observer of people and family. I love re-reading her work when I need a boost. In my opinion, everyone can read it -- but a mother gets so much more out of it! Erma Louise Bombeck, born Erma Fiste, was an American humorist who achieved great popularity for a newspaper column that depicted suburban home life humorously, in the second half of the 20th century. For 31 years since 1965, Erma Bombeck published 4,000 newspaper articles. Already
in the 1970s, her witty columns were read, twice weekly, by thirty million readers of 900 newspapers of USA and Canada For 31 years since 1965, Erma Bombeck published 4,000 newspaper articles. Already in the 1970s, her witty columns were read,
twice weekly, by thirty million readers of 900 newspapers of USA and Canada. Besides, the majority of her 15 books became instant best sellers. News & InterviewsIn literature, the term “Gothic” is a notoriously slippery designation. Ask a dozen English professors what it means, and you’ll get a dozen... Welcome back. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. What does life is like a bowl of cherries mean?idiom. something that you say that means that life is very pleasant. This phrase is often used humorously to mean the opposite.
Where did the saying life is like a bowl of cherries come from?This phrase is often used ironically, as in My husband is about to get laid off—life is just a bowl of cherries, right? Originating as the title of a song (1931) by Lew Brown (lyrics) and composer Ray Henderson, this term expressed the idea that everything was going very well.
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Life is like a bowl of cherries
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