I've Got Rhythm
Charlie Parker Lyrics


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I've got you under my skin.
I've got you deep in the heart of me.
So deep in my heart that you're really a part of me.
I've got you under my skin.
I'd tried so not to give in.
I said to myself, this affair never will go so well.
But why should I try to resist when, baby, I know down well
I've got you under my skin?

I'd sacrifice anything come what might
For the sake of havin' you near
In spite of a warnin' voice that comes in the night
And repeats, repeats in my ear,
Don't you know, you fool, you never can win?
Use your mentality, wake up to reality.
But each time that I do just the thought of you
Makes me stop before I begin
Cause I've got you under my skin.

I would sacrifice anything come what might
For the sake of havin' you near
In spite of the warning voice that comes in the night
And repeats, how it yells in my ear,
Don't you know, you fool, ain't no chance to win
Why not use your mentality, get up, wake up to reality?
And each time I do just the thought of you
Makes me stop just before I begin




Cause I've got you under my skin.
And I like you under my skin.

Overall Meaning

Charlie Parker's rendition of "I've Got You Under My Skin" is an emotionally charged piece about the deep and irresistible attachment the singer has for their lover. The first two lines of the song set the primary motif for the composition, with the lyrics "I've got you under my skin, I've got you deep in the heart of me." The song suggests the singer not only feels affection from afar for their lover, but that it is also deep within their core as something innate and uncontrollable.


Despite the singer's determination to resist the hypnotic effect of their lover's pull, they eventually succumb to the attraction. The line "I'd tried so not to give in" indicates that they made several attempts to maintain distance from their lover, but to no avail. The singer's internal struggle is evident when they realize that regardless of how hard they tried to deny their love, they could not resist the passion that they felt: "But why should I try to resist when, baby, I know down well I've got you under my skin?"


Towards the end of the song, the singer openly declares that they would do anything to have their lover near them, even if it means going against all odds. They understand that the ever-present warning voice that repeats in their ear and tries to steer them away from their lover is right, but still, they cannot help themselves, and the feeling of obsession remains just as strong: "Don't you know, you fool, ain't no chance to win, Why not use your mentality, get up, wake up to reality? And each time I do just the thought of you makes me stop just before I begin, Cause I've got you under my skin."


Overall, the song's lyrics address the deeply conflicted feeling of wanting someone, even though it might not be in their best interest. The song describes passion, jealousy, and obsession with a very poignant and expressive language, which is why it has remained one of the best songs in the American songbook.


Line by Line Meaning

I've got you under my skin.
I am deeply infatuated with you.


I've got you deep in the heart of me.
You are a significant part of me and my emotions.


So deep in my heart that you're really a part of me.
You have become an integral part of my emotional makeup.


I've got you under my skin.
I cannot stop thinking about you and my feelings for you.


I'd tried so not to give in.
I tried to resist my feelings for you.


I said to myself, this affair never will go so well.
I am aware of the potential complications of pursuing a relationship with you.


But why should I try to resist when, baby, I know down well I've got you under my skin?
My feelings for you are too strong to resist, even if I know it may end badly.


I'd sacrifice anything come what might for the sake of havin' you near
I am willing to risk anything to be close to you.


In spite of a warnin' voice that comes in the night
Despite the inner voice warning me of the potential consequences.


And repeats, repeats in my ear, Don't you know, you fool, you never can win?
I am reminded of the futility of pursuing a relationship with you.


Use your mentality, wake up to reality.
I know that I should be practical and rational in my decision.


But each time that I do just the thought of you makes me stop before I begin
Every time I try to be rational about my feelings, I am overwhelmed by my emotional attachment to you.


Cause I've got you under my skin.
My feelings for you are too deep to ignore or control.


And I like you under my skin.
Despite the potential problems, I enjoy the intensity of my feelings for you.




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@Dihyyy

it's actually good to hear that some young people still listen to this music.

@babyjesuslovesme1219

I’m 40… hope that’s considered young haha

@guritevzadze314

@@babyjesuslovesme1219 after thirty youre grown men.

@ThePaolaherrera

I'm 23, 8 years later... I love this jazz, and I hear charlie parker since 2015

@saltybananas5763

I'm 16

@erniebuck7986

No need to say actually or still. It's good period. Christ, this was, always will be deadly music.

5 More Replies...

@ronnieharper879

As a fellow saxophonist, I have to admit listening to these incredibly talented musicians makes me want to give up music altogether because I know that I'll never ever be able to play as good as these guys. Makes me want to cry because I love music so much.

@lawrencemuller8972

As long as it gives you pleasure, play music ! To give you an idea, Herbie Hancock once said he was not a genius as Miles Davis, but he would continue making music in his own way.

@BucketheadsBucket

You can get there man. Put in the time and effort that these guys did and you'll be just as good.

@firetopman

Never compare. Just enjoy your music.

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