Meaning: This quote by Denis Norden sheds light on the behind-the-scenes financial aspect of the comedy industry, specifically regarding the practice of comedians incorporating songs into their acts to generate additional income. The quote suggests that comedians would receive payment from song publishers for incorporating songs into their acts, and they would then use this money to compensate the writers of their comedy material. Norden also implies that the individual payments for comedy material may not have been substantial on their own, but collectively they made a meaningful contribution to the comedians' earnings.

During the mid-20th century, when Norden was active in the entertainment industry, many comedians relied on a combination of scripted material and musical performances to entertain their audiences. In this context, it was common for comedians to conclude their acts with a musical number, which not only provided a memorable finale but also served as a means of generating additional income.

The reference to receiving money from song publishers indicates that comedians were able to monetize their performances beyond the traditional avenues of ticket sales or performance fees. By incorporating popular songs into their acts, comedians could tap into the revenue streams associated with music publishing, thereby diversifying their sources of income.

The aspect of using the earnings from song performances to pay the writers of their comedy material highlights the collaborative nature of comedy creation. It suggests that comedians often relied on a team of writers to develop their material, and the financial compensation received from their performances, including the incorporation of songs, was used to fairly remunerate these creative contributors. This practice underscores the importance of recognizing and rewarding the creative efforts of writers within the comedy industry, even if the payments for individual jokes or routines may have been relatively modest.

Furthermore, Norden's statement about the cumulative effect of these payments emphasizes the significance of the incremental earnings derived from various aspects of a comedian's career. While the individual payments for comedy material may not have been substantial on their own, when aggregated over time and across multiple performances, they could represent a significant portion of a comedian's overall income. This insight sheds light on the financial realities of working as a comedian and underscores the importance of diversifying revenue streams within the entertainment industry.

In summary, Denis Norden's quote provides valuable insight into the financial practices of comedians and the multifaceted nature of their earnings. By incorporating songs into their acts, comedians were able to leverage the music publishing industry to supplement their income, while also using these earnings to compensate the writers responsible for their comedy material. This quote serves as a reminder of the complex financial dynamics within the entertainment industry and the diverse sources of income that performers relied upon to sustain their careers.