Let's Do It Let's Fall in Love
Billie Holiday Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Chinks do it. Japs do it
Upper Lapland little Lapps do it
Let's do it
Let's fall in love

In Spain the best upper sets do it
Lithuanians and Lits do it
Let's do it
Let's tall in love

The Dutch in old Amsterdam do it
Not to mention the Finns
Folks in Siam do it
Think of Siamese twins

Some Argentines without means do it
People say in Boston even beans do it
Let's do it
Let's fall in love

Cold Cape Cod clams
'Gainst their wish do it
Even lazy jelly fish do it
Let's do it
Let's fall in love

Electric eels I might add do it
Though it shocks'em I know
Why ask if Shad do it
Waiter bring me Shad Roe

In the shallow shoals English soles do it
Goldfish in privacy of bowls do it
Let's do it
We'll do it




Let's do it
Let's fall in love

Overall Meaning

The song "Let's Do It" by Billie Holiday is a playful and flirtatious tune that uses a playful euphemism of "doing it" to discuss the various behaviors and actions of different cultures and animals. By listing nations and their habits, the song highlights the universal nature of love and attraction. By using colloquial euphemisms like "cold Cape Cod clams 'gainst their wish" and "even lazy jellyfish do it," the lyrics convey a playful sense of humor that suggest even unexpected things find mates.


The song is also a commentary on society's attitudes towards sex and love. When the song was first recorded in 1933, it was considered scandalous for its frank allusions to sexuality. Still, the song's popularity during a time in which the world was preparing for war highlights the importance of love as a force that transcends national boundaries. The song's optimistic tone and celebration of love in its many forms provide a sense of hope that love can endure.


Line by Line Meaning

Chinks do it. Japs do it
Even people of different cultures and races find love and companionship


Upper Lapland little Lapps do it
Even those from the remote areas of Lapland find love and connection


Let's do it
Let's experience the joys of love and intimacy


Let's fall in love
Let's embrace the beauty of finding love and connection with each other


In Spain the best upper sets do it
Even the most affluent and upper classes of Spain fall in love and find intimacy


Lithuanians and Lits do it
Even people from Lithuania find love and companionship


The Dutch in old Amsterdam do it
People from the Netherlands, particularly in Amsterdam, engage in love and intimacy


Not to mention the Finns
The Finnish people are also known for their engagement in love and connection


Folks in Siam do it
Even people from Siam, now known as Thailand, engage in love and intimate connection


Think of Siamese twins
Even identical twins, like Siamese twins, find love and intimacy with another person


Some Argentines without means do it
Even people from Argentina who may not have much money or resources find love and intimacy


People say in Boston even beans do it
There is a saying that even in Boston, inanimate objects like beans engage in love and intimacy


Cold Cape Cod clams 'gainst their wish do it
Even creatures like Cape Cod clams, who may be resistant or reluctant to love, still engage in intimate connections


Even lazy jelly fish do it
Even creatures like jellyfish, who may seem passive and apathetic, find connection and intimacy


Electric eels I might add do it
Even electric eels, who are known for their shocking abilities, find love and intimacy


Though it shocks 'em I know
Even though some creatures may be surprised or shocked by the feelings of love and intimacy, it is still a natural part of life


Why ask if Shad do it
If even fish like Shad engage in intimate connections, why question the natural desire for love and intimacy in humans?


Waiter bring me Shad Roe
The singer requests a dish made from the eggs of the Shad fish, perhaps as a metaphor for the potential for new life and love


In the shallow shoals English soles do it
Even fish like English soles, who live in shallow waters, find love and connection with others


Goldfish in privacy of bowls do it
Even fish like goldfish, kept in bowls as pets, have the inherent desire for love and intimacy


Let's do it
Let's all experience the natural desire for love and intimacy


We'll do it
Together, the artist and their companion will find love and connection with each other


Let's do it
Once again, let's embrace the beauty and natural desire for love and intimacy


Let's fall in love
Finally, let's find love and connection with each other and bask in the joy that brings




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@erieschneiter2279

The first time I heard this song was 20 years ago inside a cafe I fell in love with it immediately.

@simoneipesports

+Erika Schneiter me too

@hypsolineee

Me too ♥️

@veronicaventuro9839

Let's do our thesis #lalala

@AnnaLindsaySellers

❤❤❤❤🎉🎉

@zwelakhezwane4128

how easy Lady Day does it

@EmillyBatistaDPF

Go! let's do it, let's fall in love? 😍❤

@abouteverything2654

Ok Emily, Im down. Lets do it, Hit me up.

@tequilyps

Jury's still out on siam and Argentina

@tequilyps

Still wrong about the Dutch... and maybe lithuanians

More Comments

More Versions