I Can
André Previn Lyrics


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I've flown around the world in a plane
I've settled revolutions in Spain
The North Pole I have charted, but I can't get
Started with you

Around the golf course I'm under par
And all the movies want me to star
I've got a house, a show place, but I get no
Place with you

You're so supreme, lyrics I write of you
Scheme, just for a sight of you
Dream, both day and night of you
And what good does it do?

In 1929 I sold short
In England I'm presented at court
But you've got me downhearted, cause I can't get
Started with you

You're so supreme, lyrics I write of you
Scheme, just for a sight of you




Dream, both day and night of you
And what good does it do?

Overall Meaning

The song "I Can't Get Started With You" by Andre Previn is a jazz standard that discusses the struggles of a wealthy and successful man who can't seem to win the affections of the one he loves. The singer in the song has traveled around the world, settled revolutions, charted the North Pole, played golf below par, starred in movies, and even sold short in the stock market in 1929. However, despite all these accomplishments, he is unable to get started with the person he loves. He is so enthralled by this person that he writes lyrics and dreams of them both day and night, but nothing seems to be enough.


The singer describes the person he loves as "so supreme" and talks about how he schemes and dreams of just getting a sight of them, yet it all seems futile. The repetition of the phrase "I can't get started with you" emphasizes the frustration the singer feels in being unable to win the person over. Even though he has accomplished so much in his life, he is downhearted because he can't seem to win over the one person he really wants.


Overall, the song is a commentary on the idea that regardless of worldly success and accomplishments, love can be elusive and difficult to attain. The struggles of the singer in the song are relatable to anyone who has chased after someone they love, only to be repeatedly rebuffed.


Line by Line Meaning

I've flown around the world in a plane
I have traveled to many different places by air


I've settled revolutions in Spain
I have helped to bring about an end to political uprisings in Spain


The North Pole I have charted, but I can't get Started with you
Despite having accomplished great things such as navigating through the North Pole, I cannot seem to start a relationship with you


Around the golf course I'm under par And all the movies want me to star I've got a house, a show place, but I get no Place with you
I am an exceptional golfer, and actors from various movies seek me out for roles, but despite having a beautiful home, I cannot win your affection


You're so supreme, lyrics I write of you Scheme, just for a sight of you Dream, both day and night of you And what good does it do?
You are so wonderful that I am inspired to write about you, plan to see you, and dream about you both day and night, but it seems like these efforts are futile


In 1929 I sold short In England I'm presented at court But you've got me downhearted, cause I can't get Started with you
I had success in the stock market in 1929, and I was even invited to appear in court in England, but I am disheartened because I cannot seem to start a relationship with you




Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ira Gershwin, Vernon Duke

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@michaelwinningham6166

Andre Previn is fantastic!

@chrisperry7963

Love it, Previn was something else!

@geoffcrisp7225

Andre Previn - plays Gershwin like Gershwin. His rendition of Gershwins No 2 on Deutsche Grammar phone is the best.

@stephenjablonsky1941

What a talented fellow...he could do it all.

@Chris-ji4iu

I came here from his interview with Oscar Peterson.

@user-tp4hr8xw1s

Love it! Absolutely enchanting

@flylooper

Well. that one of the more chopped up versions of the R-I-B! Ugh! But I came hear to remember. I was a very young fan of a very young Andre Previn. He was a huge talent.

@victorgrasscourt3382

Sublime. Wonderful performance by Previn.

@bh5606

Great tv!

@giulioferro8550

Andre' E' UN GENIO DELLA MUSICA !

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