Nice Work If You Can Get It
Billie Holiday Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

The man who only lives for making money
Lives a life that isn't necessarily sunny
Likewise the man who works for fame
There's no guarantee
That time won't erase his name

The fact is, the only work
That really brings enjoyment
Is the kind that is for girl and boy meant
Fall in love, you won't regret it
That's the best work of all, if you can get it

Holding hands at midnight
'Neath a starry sky
Nice work if you can get it
And you can get it if you try

Strolling with the one girl
Sighing sigh after sigh
Nice work if you can get it
And you can get it if you try

Just imagine someone
Waiting at the cottage door
Where two hearts become one
Who could ask for anything more

Loving one who loves you
And then taking that vow
Nice work if you can get it
And if you get it, won't you tell me how

Just imagine someone
Waiting at the cottage door
Where two hearts become one
Who could ask for anything more

Loving one who loves you
And then taking that vow
Nice work if you can get it
And if you get it, won't you tell me how

Overall Meaning

The song “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” as performed by Billie Holiday, captures a romantic moment between two lovers. The lyrics paint a picture of a serene night, under a starry sky, with the lovers holding hands and sighing contentedly as they stroll. The song suggests that this kind of love and happiness is hard to come by but is attainable with effort. The lyrics also highlight the important role that commitment plays in a relationship, suggesting that loving someone who loves you back and taking vows to solidify the relationship is a great achievement.


The first stanza “Holding hands at midnight, ‘neathe the starry sky. Nice work if you can get it, and you can get it if you try. Strolling with one boy, and sigh and sigh after sigh.” depicts a couple’s romantic moment at midnight, taking a walk under the sky filled with stars. It portrays the happiness and achievement of a moment of pure intimacy. The lyrics indicate that love and commitment require effort but are possible if one tries.


The second stanza elaborates on the beauty of intimacy and love, with the lyrics “Just imagine someone waiting at the cottage door, where two hearts become one. Who could ask for anything more? Loving one who loves you and taking that vow. Nice work if you can get it, and you can get it if, won't you tell me how?” The lines depict the beauty of love and the happiness that comes with it. The idea of two hearts becoming one and taking a vow signifies the importance of commitment in a relationship.


Line by Line Meaning

Holding hands at midnight
It's a desirable experience to have someone special to share intimate moments with.


'Neath the starry sky
The setting of this moment is picturesque and romantic.


Nice work if you can get it
Being in a happy relationship is rewarding.


And you can get it if you try
Finding happiness in a relationship requires effort and persistence.


Strolling with one boy
Going for a leisurely walk with a loved one is enjoyable.


And sigh and sigh after sigh
Feeling content and relieved in the presence of a loved one.


Just imagine someone waiting at the cottage door
The thought of having someone eagerly waiting for you is heartwarming.


Where two hearts become one
In a loving relationship, two individuals come together to form a shared bond.


Who could ask for anything more
Having a fulfilling relationship is one of the greatest gifts in life.


Loving one who loves you
The reciprocity of love is essential for a happy relationship.


And taking that vow
Making a commitment to love and cherish your significant other is a significant moment.


Won't you tell me how?
Asking for advice on how to find and maintain a loving relationship.




Lyrics © TuneCore Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@nadezhdawall-rossi2211

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@thedongertron

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@MDB2770

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