Let's Dance
Benny Goodman & Anita O'Day Lyrics


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There may be trouble ahead,
But while there's music and moonlight,
And love and romance,
Let's face the music and dance.
Before the fiddlers have fled,
Before they ask us to pay the bill,
And while we still have that chance,
Let's face the music and dance.
Soon, we'll be without the moon,
Humming a different tune, and then,
There may be teardrops to shed,
So while there's music and moonlight,




And love and romance,
Let's face the music and dance.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Benny Goodman & Anita O'Day's song "Let's Dance" convey a message about embracing the present moment and enjoying life's pleasures while they are still available. The opening line, "There may be trouble ahead," suggests that the future is uncertain and there may be challenges or difficulties to overcome. However, rather than dwelling on the potential problems, the lyrics encourage the listener to focus on the positive aspects of life such as music, moonlight, love, and romance.


The phrase "Let's face the music and dance" serves as the refrain throughout the song, reinforcing the idea of confronting whatever comes our way with a joyful and carefree attitude. The lyrics highlight the impermanence of certain pleasures, like the fiddlers playing, the moon shining, or the chance to dance, emphasizing the need to seize the opportunity and make the most of the present moment.


The lyrics also allude to the possibility of a future without these joyful elements, a time when the moon may no longer be there and tears may need to be shed. In this context, the song becomes a reminder to appreciate and embrace the beauty and joy in life while they still exist.


Overall, the lyrics of "Let's Dance" urge listeners to live in the present, cherish the small moments of joy, and bravely face whatever challenges the future may bring.


Line by Line Meaning

There may be trouble ahead
Difficulties or challenges might arise


But while there's music and moonlight
However, as long as there's music and moonlight


And love and romance
And feelings of affection and passion


Let's face the music and dance
Let's confront the reality and embrace joy by dancing


Before the fiddlers have fled
Before the musicians have left the scene


Before they ask us to pay the bill
Before they demand payment for the experience


And while we still have that chance
And while we still have the opportunity


Let's face the music and dance
Let's confront the reality and embrace joy by dancing


Soon, we'll be without the moon
In the near future, we won't have the moon's luminance


Humming a different tune, and then
Adapting to a different mindset or approach


There may be teardrops to shed
We might experience moments of sadness


So while there's music and moonlight
Therefore, as long as there's music and moonlight


And love and romance
And feelings of affection and passion


Let's face the music and dance
Let's confront the reality and embrace joy by dancing




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Irving Berlin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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