Change Partners
Antonio Carlos Jobim Lyrics


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Must you dance every dance with the same fortunate man?
You have danced with him since the music began.
Won't you change partners and dance with me?
Must you dance quite so close with your lips touching his face?
Can't you see
I'm longing to be in his place?
Won't you change partners and dance with me?
Ask him to sit this one out. while you're alone,
I'll tell the waiter to tell him he's wanted on the telephone.
You've been locked in his arms ever since heaven-knows-when.




Won't you change partners and then,
You may never want to change partners again.

Overall Meaning

In "Change Partners," Antonio Carlos Jobim expresses his yearning for a chance to dance with someone he desires deeply, who is already engaged in a dance with another fortunate man. Throughout the lyrics, Jobim questions the choice of his love interest to continuously dance with this particular man and urges them to consider changing partners and dancing with him instead.


The lyrics suggest that the woman has been dancing exclusively with this man since the music started playing. Jobim wonders why she has remained committed to dancing with him for so long and implies a desire for her to break this pattern and dance with him instead. He sees a potential opportunity for them to share an intimate dance together, hoping she will consider changing partners and giving him a chance.


Jobim expresses his longing to be in the position of the man she currently dances with, implying a strong attraction and desire for a deeper connection. He yearns to be close to her, even suggesting his lips touching her face as they dance. The lyrics reveal an emotional plea from Jobim, unable to bear the thought of someone else experiencing the closeness and intimacy he craves with this woman. He hopes she will recognize his feelings and change partners, granting him the opportunity to fulfill his desires.


Seeking to create an opportunity for themselves, Jobim suggests asking the current dance partner to sit out. By instructing the waiter to convey that this man is needed on the telephone, he hopes to create a moment where he can offer himself as an alternative partner. This line shows Jobim's determination and desire to have a chance with this woman, regardless of the obstacles standing in his way.


Finally, Jobim points out that his love interest has been locked in the arms of her current dance partner for an extended period. He reiterates his plea for her to consider changing partners with a sense of urgency. He is hopeful that, if given the opportunity for a dance with him, she may never want to change partners again, suggesting his eagerness to provide a fulfilling and long-lasting connection.


In "Change Partners," Jobim, driven by his intense longing, expresses his desire for a chance to dance intimately with the object of his affection. Through his passionate lyrics, he implores her to break the cycle and change partners, presenting himself as an alternative who can offer the connection he so deeply craves.


Line by Line Meaning

Must you dance every dance with the same fortunate man?
Do you really have to dance every dance with the same lucky man?


You have danced with him since the music began.
You've been dancing with him since the music started.


Won't you change partners and dance with me?
Wouldn't you consider changing partners and dancing with me?


Must you dance quite so close with your lips touching his face?
Do you have to dance so intimately with your lips touching his face?


Can't you see I'm longing to be in his place?
Don't you realize how much I desire to be in his position?


Won't you change partners and dance with me?
Wouldn't you agree to change partners and dance with me?


Ask him to sit this one out while you're alone,
Request him to skip this dance while you're by yourself,


I'll tell the waiter to tell him he's wanted on the telephone.
I'll instruct the waiter to inform him that he's needed on the telephone.


You've been locked in his arms ever since heaven-knows-when.
You've been trapped in his embrace for who knows how long.


Won't you change partners and then,
Wouldn't you be willing to switch partners and then,


You may never want to change partners again.
You might never desire to change partners again.




Lyrics © IMAGEM U.S. LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IRVING BERLIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@robertoangelbarsottibrassa7608

Must you dance every dance with the same fortunate man?
You have danced with him since the music began
Won't you change partners and dance with me?
Must you dance quite so close with your lips touching his face?
Can't you see, I'm longing to be in his place?

Won't you change partners and dance with me?
Ask him to sit this one out, while you're alone
I'll tell the waiter to tell him he's wanted on the telephone
You've been locked in his arms ever since heaven-knows-when
Won't you change partners and then
You may never want to change partners again

Has de bailar cada baile con el mismo hombre afortunado
Has bailado con él desde que empezó la música
No harías un cambio de parejas y bailarías conmigo
Has de bailar tan cerca, con tus labios tocando su cara
¿No puedes ver que anhelo estar en su lugar?

No harías un cambio de parejas y bailarías conmigo
Dile que te excuse un momento, y mientras te quedas asolas
Le diré al camarero que le diga que le requieren al teléfono
Has estado atrapada



All comments from YouTube:

@breakingcycles741

I think I've played this song 100 times in a row at some point. Frank's voice mixed with that Bossa nova rhythm is just heaven to the ears.

@williamhay812

It really is

@tiffsaver

I only recently discovered this song, and you're right, I just can't stop listening to it.

@sparkyperson

Frank Sinatra at his very best. Jobim, in a supporting role, complements him perfectly. Their album together is flawless in every detail. Two men at the peak of their talent, singing in a setting requiring no other staging or distractions.

@shariallison5579

absolutely except Jobim is as good actually better than Frank in my opinion as he wrote most of his songs

@braianlemos

@@shariallison5579 Além de ser maestro, pianista, e arranjador.

@Cruz_ignatius

He was better when he was with Tommy Dorsey

@sparkyperson

@@Cruz_ignatius Different people have different opinions, and it's okay to respect all of them.

@Marcos_1983

wf you are a ignorant fool, it was frank that requested Jobim to play with him.

1 More Replies...

@PeterStrachanMusic

What a song.. What a guitarist.. What a singer..

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