Let's Dance
Benny Goodman & Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Lyrics

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There may be trouble ahead
But while there's moonlight and music
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 a 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 moonlight and music
And love and romance
Let's face the music and dance, dance
Let's face the music and dance

There may be teardrops to shed
So while there's moonlight and music
And love and romance
Let's face the music and dance, dance
Let's face the music and dance

So while there's moonlight and music

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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Let's Face the Music and Dance" by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra & Helen Ward invite the listeners to confront the challenges and uncertainties of life with courage and optimism. The song acknowledges the existence of trouble and potential difficulties ahead, but suggests that in the presence of moonlight, music, love, and romance, it is important to face these obstacles head-on.

The first verse proposes seizing the opportunity to enjoy the present moment, taking advantage of the favorable elements of moonlight and music, as well as the emotions of love and romance. The lyrics emphasize the need to confront the music and dance, signaling an active engagement with life and its challenges.

The second verse points out the urgency to face the music before the fiddlers leave and before the bill is presented. This implies the importance of confronting reality and making the most of the present moment, while there is still an opportunity to do so. The lyrics also acknowledge the fleeting nature of things, suggesting that there will come a time when the moon, symbolizing beauty and inspiration, will no longer be there, and a different tune will need to be hummed.

The repeating chorus further emphasizes the theme of facing the music and dancing in the face of potential difficulties, acknowledging the possibility of teardrops and challenges, but asserting the importance of embracing the current moment, marked by moonlight, music, love, and romance.

Overall, "Let's Face the Music and Dance" encourages listeners to confront the challenges and uncertainties of life with bravery and a willingness to embrace the fleeting moments of joy and connection.

Line by Line Meaning

There may be trouble ahead
Although there may be difficulties in the future

But while there's moonlight and music
While there are still opportunities for joy and entertainment

And love and romance
And while there are still chances for love and romance

Let's face the music and dance
Let us confront and embrace whatever challenges come our way with grace and resilience

Before the fiddlers have fled
Before the musicians have disappeared

Before they ask us to pay the bill
Before we are forced to face the consequences or settle debts

And while we still have a chance
And while there is still an opportunity

Let's face the music and dance
Let us confront and embrace whatever challenges come our way with grace and resilience

Soon, we'll be without the moon
In the near future, we will not have the same level of brightness and hope

Humming a different tune, and then
Adapting and embracing a new perspective or approach

There may be teardrops to shed
Although we may experience sorrow and sadness

So while there's moonlight and music
Therefore, while there are still opportunities for joy and entertainment

And love and romance
And while there are still chances for love and romance

Let's face the music and dance, dance
Let us confront and embrace whatever challenges come our way with grace and resilience, with enthusiasm and energy