I Can Do Anything You Can Do Better Lyrics

The song “Anything You Can Do” is a classic tune from the 1946 Broadway musical “Annie Get Your Gun.” It features a friendly competition between a man and a woman, each boasting about their abilities and trying to outdo one another. The song has since been covered by many artists, and its popularity has only grown over time.

One particular version of the song that has gained attention is the “I Can Do Anything You Can Do Better” remix. This version features new lyrics that are more modern and playful, while still maintaining the competitive spirit of the original song. The remix has become a popular choice for dance and exercise routines, and has even been used in commercials and movies.

Whether you’re a fan of the original version or the remix, “Anything You Can Do” is a fun and catchy tune that celebrates the spirit of competition and the joy of showing off your skills. So next time you’re feeling confident, why not sing along and see if you can outdo your friends and family?

I Can Do Anything You Can Do Better Lyrics

Anything you can do, I can do better than You can do, 
I can do, we can do, I  can do, much much better than You.

Anything you can do, I can do better.
I can do anything better than you.
No you can't.
Yes I can.
No you can't.
Yes I can.
No you can't.
Yes I can, yes I can. 

Anything You can be I can be greater.
Sooner or later, I'm greater than you.
No, you're not.
Yes I am.
No you're not.
Yes I am.
No you're not.
Yes I am, yes I am. 

I can shoot a partridge with a single cartridge. 
I can get a sparrow with a bow and arrow. 
We can do most anything. 
Can you bake a pie?
No.
Well Neither can I. 

Anything you can sing I can sing louder.
I can sing anything louder than you. 
No you can't.
Yes I can.
No you can't.
Sure I can.
No you can't.
Yes I can

I'm superior, no you're inferior.
I'm the big attraction, oh no you are the small. 
I'm the major one, oh no you're the minor one,
I can beat you at anything', and that's not all.

Anything you can buy, I can buy cheaper.
I can buy anything cheaper than you. 
Fifty cents. 
Forty cents. 
Thirty cents. 
Twenty cents. 
No you can't.
Yes I can, yes I can. 

Anything you can dig, I can dig deeper.
I can dig anything deeper than you. 
Thirty feet. 
Forty feet. 
Fifty feet. 

I can drink my liquor faster than a flicker. 
I can do it quicker and get even sicker.
I can live on bread and cheese. 
And only on that?
Yep.
So can a rat.

Any note you can reach, I can go higher.
I can sing anything higher than you. 
No you can't.
Yes I can.
No you can't.
Yes I can.
 
Anyone you can lick, I can lick faster.
I can lick anyone faster than you. 
With your fist? 
With my feet. 
With your feet? 
With an axe. 

Anything you can do, I can do better.
I can do anything better than you.
No you can't.
Yes We can.
No you can't.
Yes We can.
No you can't.
Yes We can, yes We can.

Origins of ‘I Can Do Anything You Can Do Better’ Lyrics

The famous song “Anything You Can Do” is a duet from the 1946 Broadway musical “Annie Get Your Gun.” The song was written by Irving Berlin, and the musical was based on the life of sharpshooter Annie Oakley. The song is known for its catchy tune and playful lyrics, which have been parodied and referenced in various media over the years.

The song’s lyrics are a playful exchange between Annie and her romantic interest, Frank Butler. They both claim to be able to do anything better than the other, leading to a humorous back-and-forth that showcases their competitive spirit and mutual admiration.

The song’s popularity led to many covers and adaptations over the years. In 1950, Betty Hutton and Howard Keel starred in a film adaptation of the musical, which helped to cement the song’s place in popular culture. Since then, the song has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Ethel Merman, Judy Garland, and Bing Crosby.

In addition to its musical legacy, the song has also been referenced in various films, TV shows, and other media. Its catchy tune and playful lyrics have made it a cultural touchstone, inspiring countless parodies and adaptations over the years.

Analysis of Lyrics

When analyzing the lyrics of “I Can Do Anything You Can Do Better,” we can see that the song is essentially a playful back-and-forth between two characters, Annie Oakley and Frank Butler, who are both trying to one-up each other. The lyrics are witty and clever, with each character trying to prove that they are better than the other.

One interesting aspect of the lyrics is the use of repetition. For example, the line “Anything you can do, I can do better” is repeated several times throughout the song, emphasizing the competitive nature of the characters. Additionally, the use of the phrase “better than you” is repeated multiple times, further emphasizing the competitive nature of the song.

Another interesting aspect of the lyrics is the use of hyperbole. For example, Annie Oakley sings, “I can shoot a partridge with a single cartridge,” which is obviously an exaggeration. However, this hyperbole adds to the playful and competitive nature of the song.

Overall, the lyrics of “I Can Do Anything You Can Do Better” are clever, witty, and playful, with a strong emphasis on competition. The use of repetition and hyperbole adds to the overall effect of the song, making it a classic musical number that is still popular today.

Impact and Cultural References

The song “Anything You Can Do” has had a significant impact on popular culture since its release in 1946. The lyrics have been referenced and parodied in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and advertisements.

One of the most notable references to the song was in the 1954 film “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” where the characters Ethel Merman and Marilyn Monroe perform a duet of the song. This performance helped to popularize the song and cement its place in American musical theater.

The song has also been referenced in various television shows, such as “The Simpsons,” “Family Guy,” and “South Park.” In these shows, the lyrics are often used to make humorous comparisons between characters or situations.

In addition to its impact on popular culture, “Anything You Can Do” has also been used as a feminist anthem. The song’s lyrics celebrate the idea that women can do anything that men can do, and this message has resonated with many women over the years.

Overall, the song “Anything You Can Do” has had a lasting impact on popular culture and has become a beloved classic. Its catchy tune and empowering lyrics continue to inspire and entertain audiences today.

Cover Versions and Adaptations

There have been several cover versions and adaptations of the song “Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better)” since its original release in 1946. Here are some notable ones:

• In 1950, Betty Hutton and Howard Keel, the original performers of the song in the musical “Annie Get Your Gun”, recorded a duet version that became a hit in the United States.
• In 1967, Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney recorded a cover version for their album “That Travelin’ Two-Beat”. Their version features a slower tempo and a jazzier arrangement.
• In 1988, the song was adapted into a rap song by Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella for their album “A Salt with a Deadly Pepa”. The lyrics were changed to reflect the group’s female empowerment message.
• In 2003, the song was featured in the animated film “The Jungle Book 2” as a duet between the characters Mowgli and Shanti. The lyrics were changed to reflect the characters’ playful rivalry.
• In 2017, Kelly Clarkson and Ben Platt performed a cover version of the song on “The Kelly Clarkson Show”. Their version features a more contemporary pop arrangement and showcases their powerful vocals.

Overall, the song’s enduring popularity and catchy melody have made it a favorite for cover versions and adaptations across different genres and mediums.

Controversies and Criticisms

The song “Anything You Can Do” has faced its fair share of controversies and criticisms over the years. Here are a few of the most notable ones:

• Sexist lyrics: Some people have criticized the song’s lyrics for being sexist. The line “Anything you can be, I can be greater” is often seen as implying that men are inherently better than women. However, others argue that the song is simply a playful back-and-forth between two characters and should not be taken too seriously.
• Racist origins: The song was originally written for the 1946 musical “Annie Get Your Gun,” which was based on the life of Annie Oakley, a white woman who was a sharpshooter in the late 1800s. However, the song’s melody is actually based on a traditional Native American tune called “The Sun Dance,” which has led some people to criticize the song for cultural appropriation.
• Lack of diversity: Another criticism of the song is that it reinforces the idea that there are only two genders and that they are in competition with each other. This can be seen as exclusionary to people who identify as non-binary or genderqueer. Additionally, the song only features two characters, both of whom are white, which can be seen as lacking in diversity.

Despite these criticisms, “Anything You Can Do” remains a beloved song that has been covered by countless artists over the years. Whether you see it as a playful duet or a problematic relic of a bygone era, there’s no denying that the song has had a lasting impact on popular culture.

Legacy

The “I Can Do Anything You Can Do Better” song has left a significant legacy in the music industry. The song has been covered by various artists and used in different movies, TV shows, and commercials. Its catchy tune and lyrics have made it a timeless classic.

The song has become a symbol of friendly competition and has been used in sports events, especially in gymnastics and figure skating. The song’s upbeat tempo and playful lyrics make it the perfect choice for showcasing athletic achievements.

Moreover, the song’s message of equality and mutual respect has made it a popular choice for feminist movements. The song’s lyrics challenge traditional gender roles and encourage women to pursue their dreams and aspirations.

The song’s legacy has also been recognized by the music industry. In 1951, the songwriters, Irving Berlin and Ethel Merman, received a Tony Award for their contribution to the musical “Annie Get Your Gun,” in which the song was originally featured.

In conclusion, the “I Can Do Anything You Can Do Better” song has left a lasting impact on popular culture. Its catchy tune, playful lyrics, and inspiring message have made it a timeless classic that continues to inspire generations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “I Can Do Anything You Can Do Better” is a classic song that has been enjoyed by audiences for decades. The lyrics are playful and catchy, and the melody is upbeat and fun. As we have discussed, the song was originally written for a Broadway musical, but it has since been covered by many different artists and used in various contexts.

While some may argue that the lyrics are outdated or inappropriate in today’s society, we believe that the song can still be enjoyed for its entertainment value. It is important to remember that the song was written in a different time and context, and should be viewed through that lens.

Overall, “I Can Do Anything You Can Do Better” is a lighthearted and enjoyable song that showcases the talents of its performers. Whether you are a fan of Broadway musicals or simply enjoy catchy tunes, this song is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the song “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better”?

“Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better” is a song from the 1946 Broadway musical “Annie Get Your Gun.” The music and lyrics were written by Irving Berlin.

Are there any modern versions of “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better”?

Yes, there have been many modern versions of the song recorded by various artists. Some of the more popular versions include a duet by Idina Menzel and Billy Porter, and a cover by the cast of the television show “Glee.”

Who sang the original version of “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better”?

The original version of the song was sung by Ethel Merman and Ray Middleton in the Broadway production of “Annie Get Your Gun.”

Is there a rap version of “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better”?

While there may be rap versions of the song, we are not aware of any official versions that have been released.

What is the Disney movie that features “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better”?

The song was featured in the 1954 Disney movie “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” which starred Ethel Merman and Marilyn Monroe.

Has “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better” been used in any commercials?

Yes, the song has been used in several commercials over the years, including a 2018 commercial for the Hyundai Kona.