I Can't Get Started
Anita O’Day Lyrics

In Anita O'Day's song "I Can't Get Started," the lyrics reflect a sense of frustration and longing in the singer's inability to establish a meaningful connection with someone they desire. The song uses vivid imagery and references to emphasize the singer's accomplishments and stature, contrasting them with their failure to capture the attention and affection of the person they desire.

The first verse highlights the singers' worldwide travels and engagement in significant events such as settling revolutions and exploring the North Pole. Despite these remarkable feats, the singer still feels incomplete without the reciprocation of affection from their desired individual. It showcases how even extraordinary experiences cannot overcome the disappointment of unrequited love.

Moving on to the second verse, the singer expresses their talent and success. Being under par on the golf course suggests exceptional sporting skills, while being asked to star by Metro-Goldwyn, a prominent film studio, indicates their recognition and fame. The mention of a house as a showplace further illustrates their prosperous and desirable lifestyle. However, these achievements pale in comparison to the singer's inability to win over the affection of their desired person.

The chorus of the song delves into the singer's infatuation and obsession with the person they can't get started with. Employing hyperbolic language, they describe the person as "supreme" and admit to dreaming about them constantly. The lyrics reveal that the singer's thoughts and actions revolve around the person they desire, suggesting they are consumed by their affection. Yet, this intense longing brings no tangible benefits, leaving the singer yearning for a connection that continues to elude them.

The final verse introduces a sense of irony in the singer's life. They mention being consulted by Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, and having tea with Greta Garbo, a renowned actress. Despite these influential acquaintances, the singer remains heartbroken and unfulfilled due to their unsuccessful pursuit of the person they desire. The juxtaposition of external success and internal discontent underscores the singer's ongoing sense of longing and unrequited love.

Overall, "I Can't Get Started" by Anita O'Day portrays the singer's frustration, disappointment, and yearning for a connection with someone they desire. The lyrics emphasize the singer's accomplishments and recognition but underscore their sense of emptiness without reciprocated affection. The song explores the theme of unrequited love and the recurring inability to establish a relationship with the desired individual, showcasing the singer's profound longing and emotional struggle.