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Irving Berlin, Inc. transferred Burke to its New York City office, where he began to write lyrics in collaboration with composer Harold Spina.

In 1932, they wrote " Shadows on the Swanee ", followed in 1933 by " Annie Doesn't Live Here Anymore ", their first big hit, for the Guy Lombardo Orchestra.

In 1934, they wrote " You're Not the Only Oyster in the Stew " which was a novelty hit for Fats Waller, as was " My Very Good Friend, the Milkman ".

They wrote many songs that were played by leading bands of the day, including those led by Ben Pollack, Paul Whiteman and Ozzie Nelson.