A Fine Romance
Count Basie & Joe Williams Lyrics
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A fine romance, my friend, this is
We should be like a couple of hot tomatoes
But you're as cold as yesterday's mashed potatoes
A fine romance--you won't nestle
A fine romance--you won't wrestle
I might as well play bridge with my old maid aunt
A fine romance, my good fellow
You take romance, I'll take jello
You're calmer than the seals in the Arctic Ocean
At least they flap their fins to express emotion
A fine romance with no quarrels
With no insults and all morals
I've never mussed the crease in your blue serge pants
I never get the chance this is a fine romance
The lyrics to "A Fine Romance" by Count Basie and Joe Williams present a humorous and ironic twist on the traditional love song. The first verse sets the tone, declaring that the romance in question is "fine" despite the fact that there are no kisses involved. The second verse amplifies the irony, with lines like "You're as cold as yesterday's mashed potatoes" and "I might as well play bridge with my old maid aunt." The third verse continues in this vein, with the singer suggesting that his partner is more interested in jello than romance, and that he is even calmer than a seal in the Arctic Ocean.
The overall effect is one of wry resignation - the singer acknowledges that this relationship is not what he had hoped for, but he seems to accept it for what it is. The humorous lyrics and upbeat jazz tempo highlight the playful nature of the song and add to the irony of the message. Through these witty lines, the songwriters mock the pretentiousness of traditional love songs of the time and celebrate the humor and imperfection in real relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
A fine romance with no kisses
Our love affair may be fine, but it lacks passion and intimacy
A fine romance, my friend, this is
Our relationship may be perceived as desirable, but it lacks true emotional connection
We should be like a couple of hot tomatoes
Our love should be fiery and passionate, like two hot tomatoes in love
But you're as cold as yesterday's mashed potatoes
You are completely devoid of passion and enthusiasm, like yesterday's cold, mashed potatoes
A fine romance--you won't nestle
You show no physical affection or desire to cuddle
A fine romance--you won't wrestle
You won't even fight or engage in any kind of physical interaction
I might as well play bridge with my old maid aunt
Our relationship is so platonic and formal that it may as well be a game of cards with an elderly, unmarried relative
I haven't got a chance; this is a fine romance
I have no chance of achieving a real relationship with you; what we have now is a superficial, unfulfilling love affair
A fine romance, my good fellow
Our love affair may be perceived as good or desirable, but it is actually lacking in substance and depth
You take romance, I'll take jello
You are indifferent to love and romance, while I am more passionate and enthusiastic about it
You're calmer than the seals in the Arctic Ocean
You are completely unemotional and emotionally distant
At least they flap their fins to express emotion
Even seals, who are not capable of human emotions, can express more emotion than you
A fine romance with no quarrels
Our relationship is lacking in any sort of conflict or excitement
With no insults and all morals
Our love affair is so polite and proper that we never even insult each other or step out of line
I've never mussed the crease in your blue serge pants
Our relationship is so formal that I have never even had the opportunity to crease or wrinkle your blue pants
I never get the chance this is a fine romance
I never get the chance to truly connect with you; what we have is just a superficial and unsatisfying romance
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: JEROME KERN, DOROTHY FIELDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
hommefriday
Bought the LP 60 years ago - still have it, and was lucky to find the CD, as the cracks on the LP were getting louder. Was so fortunate to this orchetsra and Joe performing these songs in 1960 in the London Festivall Hall.