Gee, but it's tough to be broke, kid.
It's not a joke, kid, it's a curse.
My luck is changing, it's gotten from
simply rotten to something worse
Who knows, some day I will win too.
I'll begin to reach my prime.

Now though I see what our end is,
All I can spend is just my time.

I can't give you anything but love, baby.
That's the only thing I've plenty of,baby.

Dream awhile, scheme awhile
We're sure to find

Happiness and I guess
All those things you've always pined for.

Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, baby.
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby.

Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby.
I can't give you anything but love.

Rome wasn't built in a day, kid.
You have to pay, kid, for what you get.
But I am willing to wait, dear,
Your little mate, dear, will not forget.

You have a lifetime before you.
I'll adore you, come what may.

Please don't be blue for the present,
When it's so pleasant to hear you say

I can't give you anything but love, baby.
That's the only thing I've plenty of,baby.

Dream awhile, scheme awhile
We're sure to find

Happiness and I guess
All those things you've always pined for.

Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, baby.
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby.

Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby.
I can't give you anything but love.

Overall Meaning

In "I Can't Give You Anything but Love," Django Reinhardt sings about the difficulties of being broke and how he longs to give his partner lavish gifts and a comfortable life. The first verse sets the tone for the song, with Django lamenting about his financial troubles and how his luck has only gotten worse. However, he remains optimistic that things will turn around and he will be able to provide for his loved one. In the chorus, he emphasizes that even though he can't give material possessions, he can offer love which to him, is abundant.

The second verse is more hopeful, with Django urging his partner to wait for him until he can provide for her. He acknowledges that some things take time and effort, but promises to always be there for her. The chorus repeats, with Django reassuring his partner that even though he can't buy her diamonds, they will find happiness together.

Overall, the song is a beautiful and heartfelt declaration of love in the face of financial hardship. In today's world where material possessions are often equated with love, Django's words are a reminder that love itself is the most precious gift of all.

Line by Line Meaning

Gee, but it's tough to be broke, kid.
It's difficult to be poor and struggling.

It's not a joke, kid, it's a curse.
Being broke is not funny, it's a serious problem.

My luck is changing, it's gotten from simply rotten to something worse
Things have gone from bad to worse for me.

Who knows, some day I will win too.
Perhaps someday my luck will turn around and I will succeed.

I'll begin to reach my prime.
I will start to reach my full potential.

Now though I see what our end is,
I understand our eventual outcome.

All I can spend is just my time.
The only thing I have to offer is my company.

I can't give you anything but love, baby.
I may be poor, but I can offer you love.

That's the only thing I've plenty of,baby.
Love is the one thing I have in abundance.

Dream awhile, scheme awhile
Let's imagine and plan for the future.

We're sure to find happiness and I guess all those things you've always pined for.
If we dream and work towards our goals, we will find happiness and all the things you desire.

Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, baby.
I would love to see you looking happy and healthy.

Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby.
I may not be able to buy you expensive things like diamond bracelets.

Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby.
Until the day when we are lucky enough to afford those things.

Rome wasn't built in a day, kid.
Success takes time and patience.

You have to pay, kid, for what you get.
You have to work hard and make sacrifices to get what you want.

But I am willing to wait, dear,
I am patient and willing to wait for success.

Your little mate, dear, will not forget.
I will always remember and appreciate our love and commitment.

You have a lifetime before you.
You have your whole life ahead of you.

I'll adore you, come what may.
No matter what happens, I will always love you.

Please don't be blue for the present,
Don't be sad about our current situation.

When it's so pleasant to hear you say
I enjoy hearing your voice and your company.

Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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