Romance
Dorothys 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
This is a fine romance
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
Dorothy's song "Romance" is a satirical take on the concept of romance. The song describes the frustrating experience of someone who is stuck in a relationship with a partner who is not as enthusiastic about romance as they are. The singer expresses her desire for a passionate romance that is full of kisses, wrestling, and hot tomatoes, but sadly her partner is as cold as yesterday's mashed potatoes. The singer uses humor to describe the situation, comparing her partner's lack of enthusiasm to that of a seal in the Arctic ocean that does not show any emotion through its fins.
The lyrics of the song imply that in a relationship, both partners should be willing to put in the effort to make things work. The singer's partner is too passive and does not seem to care about a romantic relationship. The line "I might as well play bridge with my old maid aunt" highlights the lack of excitement and passion in the relationship. Furthermore, the line "You take romance, I'll take Jello" suggests that the partner does not value the importance of a romantic relationship.
Throughout the song, the singer jokingly describes the difficulties of being in a romance without the involvement of both partners. The use of humor is an effective tool to address a serious issue in relationships. Overall, the song is a parody of romance, highlighting the importance of passion, excitement, and mutual effort in a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
A fine romance, with no kisses
This supposed romance lacks kisses.
A fine romance, my friend this is
Ironically, the singer labels this romance as 'fine' with sarcasm.
We should be like a couple of hot tomatoes
The singer wishes they could have the passion and energy of a young couple in love, but they do not.
But you're as cold as yesterday's mashed potatoes
The subject of the romance is unresponsive, apathetic and lacking emotion.
A fine romance, you won't nestle
The subject of the romance does not show any physical intimacy.
A fine romance, you won't wrestle
The subject is also not willing to engage in any playful or passionate physical activities.
I might as well play bridge
The singer might as well spend their time doing something else entirely, such as playing the game of bridge.
With my old maid aunt
The artist would prefer to spend time with someone else who is unromantic and uninterested in passion.
I haven't got a chance
The artist feels the romance is hopeless and will never improve.
This is a fine romance
The artist ironically repeats that this is a 'fine' romance, with the tone conveying the exact opposite sentiment.
A fine romance, my good fellow
The singer addresses the subject of the romance as their 'good fellow' sarcastically, implying that they are anything but good or merry.
You take romance, I'll take jello
The subject is unable or uninterested in giving the artist any romance, so they will settle for the bland and unexciting substitute of jello.
You're calmer than the seals
The subject shows no emotions or expressions of romantic interest, even less than a typically tranquil seal swimming in the Arctic Ocean.
In the Arctic Ocean
The mention of the Arctic Ocean further emphasizes the coldness and lack of warmth in the subject of the romance.
At least they flap their fins
Even the seals in the Arctic Ocean show more signs of life and expression than the subject does towards the singer.
To express emotion
Flapping fins becomes a means of emotional expression for the seals, highlighting that even simple gestures can mean something in a romance.
A fine romance with no quarrels
The artist notes that at least the 'fine' romance has the merit of not having any fights, even if this is a low bar to set.
With no insults and all morals
Furthermore, the romance has a veneer of respectability, with no crude insults or slights passing between the couple.
I've never mussed the crease
The singer has never been able to make an impact or leave a trace on the person they sought to romance, even in trivial physical ways.
In your blue serge pants
The mention of blue serge pants further conveys the dull and workmanlike nature of the subject.
I never get the chance
The artist repeats their frustration at the lack of opportunities to change or improve the romance.
This is a fine romance
The sarcastic tone is once again employed for the final repetition of the song's title, conveying that the artist still feels this relationship is anything but a 'fine romance'.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: JEROME KERN, DOROTHY FIELDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DrJohnPollard
I'm just holding on,
I'm just holding on,
I'm just holding on;
holding on and I won't let
go my faith, go my faith.
I believe in the Father and His Son,
(holding on to my faith).
For I got my religion when I was very young,
(holding on to my faith).
I'm a Christian,
thank God, saved by grace,
(holding on to my faith).
I've had many hard trials running this race,
and I'm (holding on to my faith).
I'm just holding on,
I'm just holding on,
I'm just holding on;
holding on and I won't let
go my faith, go my faith.
I've been ostracized
and I've been criticized yet I'm,
(holding on to my faith).
The things I have to suffer,
bring tears to my eyes,
yet I'm (holding on to my faith).
Satan is busy stirring up the wrath,
gathering stones to block my path.
My enemies inflicting all the hurt they can
by throwing their rocks and hiding their hands.
You dig one ditch, you better dig two,
for the trap you set just may be for you.
God put it in my heart and you can't take it,
my soul's on fire and your word can't harm me
and I am...
(Working) working,
(toiling) toiling,
(hoping) hoping,
(praying) praying,
(waiting) waiting,
(watching) watching,
(fasting) fasting,
(believing) believing.
(repeat as desired)
Holding on and I won't let
go my faith, go my faith.
Chorus 2:
I'm just holding on,
oh, holding on to my faith.
I'm just holding on,
oh, holding on to my faith.
(You can't stop me) you can't stop me,
(you can't turn me) you can't turn me.
(You may forsake me) you may forsake me,
(you can't break me) you can't break me.
Oh no, no, I won't let go.
(repeat as desired)
Holding on and I won't let
go my faith, go my faith.
I remember the day, I remember the hour,
the Lord saved me with His holy power.
Wish you had a been there when I came through,
the church was on fire with the Holy Ghost too.
I know for myself, I've been change,
the angels in heaven done signed my name.
In my feet.
(repeat as desired)
In my hands.
(repeat as desired)
In my heart.
(repeat as desired)
Hold on, hold on.
Hold on, hold on.
Holding on and I won't let
go my faith, go my faith.
"Holding On (And I Won't Let Go My Faith) Reprise"
Oh no, no, I won't let go.
Oh no,
oh no.
@enossantosbezerra1100
I'm just holding on,
I'm just holding on,
I'm just holding on;
holding on and I won't let
go my faith, go my faith.
I believe in the Father and His Son,
(holding on to my faith).
For I got the religion when I was very young,
(holding on to my faith).
I'm a Christian,
thank God, saved by grace,
(holding on to my faith).
I've had many hard trials running this race,
and I'm (holding on to my faith).
I'm just holding on,
I'm just holding on,
I'm just holding on;
holding on and I won't let
go my faith, go my faith.
I've been ostracized
and I've been criticized yet I'm,
(holding on to my faith).
The things I have to suffer,
bring tears to my eyes,
yet I'm (holding on to my faith).
Satan is busy stirring up the wrath,
gathering stones to block my path.
My enemies inflicting all the hurt they can
by throwing their rocks and hiding their hands.
You dig one ditch, you better dig two,
for the trap you set just might be for you.
God put it in my heart and you can't take it,
my soul's on fire and your word can't harm me
and I am...
(Working) working,
(toiling) toiling,
(hoping) hoping,
(praying) praying,
(waiting) waiting,
(watching) watching,
(fasting) fasting,
(believing) believing.
(repeat as desired)
Holding on and I won't let
go my faith, go my faith.
@iluvmyboba
Whoo... This lady's voice is so gritty. Absolutely beautiful. And the contrast with her background vocalists high notes and voices are wonderful. Thank, YOU, LORD for a voice to lift YOU up with. Praise YOUR HOLY Name!!!
@BarnabySweetshop
She influenced Mavis Staples.
@calvinewr
Dorothy Love Coates let the Holy Ghost use her, she knows how to work a song and got a voice that will stop people in their tracks!! She was an anointed singer!
@jdb10715
Holding on despite Corona Virus, 72 years old, loss of loved one & anything else Satan throws at me. We have a mighty God. I'm gonna keep the faith!
@briggie28
Amen, God is with you...he will never leave or forsake you🙏🏽❤
@larrywilliams6648
Keep faith brother!!! God will see you through!!
@gussierhodes115
Amen amen
@belindabrinkley128
Oh I'm still holding too dumb to die
@iluvmyboba
C'mon, Mother. There's only one GOD. HE's keeping us. And as Believers that's what we know for sure. Hallelujah!!!
@callieduval3000
This was the group my mother loved along with the caravans. We would listen and sing along and have church by ourselves. Good times praising God. My mother still listening too. She knows all their songs