Louis Armstrong (1901 - 1971) was a trumpet player, singer, and bandleader, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in the history of jazz.
I Won't Dance
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Lyrics
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By constantly refusing to dance with me
You'd be the idol of France with me
And yet you stand there
And shake your foolish head dramatically
While I wait here so ecstatically
You just look and say emphatically
I won't dance, don't ask me
I won't dance, don't ask me
I won't dance, madam, with you
My heart won't let my feet
Do things they should do
You know what, you're lovely
And so what, you're still lovely
But oh, what you do to me
I'm like an ocean wave that's bumped on the shore
I feel so absolutely stumped on the floor
Yes, when you dance you're charming and you're gentle
Especially when you do the continental
But this feeling isn't purely mental
For heaven rest us, I'm not asbestos
And that's why
I won't dance, why should I
I won't dance, how could I
I won't dance, merci beaucoup
I know that music leads the way to romance
So if I hold you in my arms, I won't dance
I won't dance, don't ask me
I won't dance, don't ask me
I won't dance, monsieur, with you
My heart won't let my feet
Do things they should do
You know what, you're handsome
And so what, you're handsome
But oh, what you do to me
I'm like an ocean wave that's bumped on the shore
I feel so absolutely stumped on the floor
When you dance you're charming and you're gentle
Especially when you do the continental
But this feeling isn't purely mental
For heaven rest us, I'm not asbestos
And that's why
I won't dance, why should I
I won't dance, how could I
I won't dance, merci beaucoup
I know that music leads the way to romance
So if I hold you in my arms, I won't dance
I won't dance, don't ask me
I won't dance, don't ask me
I will not dance, madame, with you
Yes, my heart won't let my feet do things they should do
You know what, you're kinda lovely
And so what, I'm lovely
But oh, what you do to me
I'm like an ocean wave that's bumped on the shore
I feel so absolutely stumped on the floor
When you dance you're charming and you're gentle
Especially when you do the continental
But this feeling isn't purely mental
For heaven rest us, I'm not asbestos, honey
And that's why
I won't dance, why should I
I won't dance, how could I
I won't dance, merci beaucoup
I know that music leads the way to romance
So if I hold you in my arms, I won't dance
The song "I Won't Dance" is a duet by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong that tells the humorous story of a man trying to convince a woman to dance with him. The lyrics suggest that the woman is missing out on the opportunity to be famous and happy by constantly refusing to dance with the man. He describes her as lovely and charming, especially when she does the continental, but he is too overwhelmed by her beauty to dance properly. The song ends with the man realizing that holding her in his arms is enough and he doesn't need to dance to feel romantic.
The lyrics of this song can be interpreted as a humorous commentary on the fear of vulnerability in romantic relationships. The man in the song is too afraid to dance with the woman because he is afraid of getting hurt or making a fool of himself. Similarly, the woman is too afraid to be vulnerable with the man and dance with him, even though it could bring her happiness and fame.
Overall, "I Won't Dance" is a lighthearted and playful song about the struggles of love and the power of vulnerability.
Line by Line Meaning
Think of what you're losing
Consider the missed opportunity by constantly refusing to dance with me
By constantly refusing to dance with me
You always decline to dance with me
You'd be the idol of France with me
We would be admired in France if we danced together
And yet you stand there
You are in front of me while I am dancing alone
And shake your foolish head dramatically
You are shaking your head in an exaggerated way to say no
While I wait here so ecstatically
I am eagerly waiting for you to dance with me
You just look and say emphatically
You merely reply with a strong emphasis
Not this season, yes that's the reason
I won't dance with you this season, that's my explanation
I won't dance, don't ask me
I refuse to dance with you
Madam, with you
Referring to the woman he is addressing
My heart won't let my feet
I am unable to dance with you due to my feelings
Do things they should do
My feet won't respond the way they should
You know what, you're lovely
You are extremely attractive
And so what, you're still lovely
Yes, you are still beautiful
But oh, what you do to me
You have an intense effect on me
I'm like an ocean wave that's bumped on the shore
I feel unsteady and uncertain, like a wave hitting the shore
I feel so absolutely stumped on the floor
I am completely unable to dance or move my feet
Especially when you do the continental
You are particularly charming when you dance the continental
But this feeling isn't purely mental
This feeling is not only in my mind
For heaven rest us, I'm not asbestos
I am not immune to your charms
And that's why
Therefore, this is why
Why should I
I have no reason to dance with you
How could I
I am unable to dance with you due to my strong emotions
Merci beaucoup
Thank you very much
I know that music leads the way to romance
I understand that music often leads to romantic connections
So if I hold you in my arms, I won't dance
Even if I were to hold you, I still won't be able to dance
Monsieur, with you
Referring to the man he is addressing
Yes, my heart won't let my feet do things they should do
I am unable to dance as my heart won't let my feet follow through
You're kinda lovely
You are somewhat charming
But oh, what you do to me
You have a strong effect on me
For heaven rest us, I'm not asbestos, honey
I am not unaffected by your charm, honey
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jerome Kern, Jimmy Mc Hugh, Oscar Hammerstein Ii, Otto Harbach
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@joanjett8814
Now this is absolutely one of the most incredible things to me ., style and class .. love it
@Nora-yv8op
This song is special
@shainnasuello8662
❤️❤️❤️ such class!
@chrisheatleymulhall3950
Still probably the finest ever arrangement, regardless of names involved ...many thanks to Fred, Frank, and all who gave it their best
@skylerrrr9443
the fact i was 2 when this was uploaded
@Dellboyflyer
Two great vocal performances, and Oscar Peterson sound pretty good too! This is a track that always leaves you smiling. Thanks for uploading this.
@wilyum1971
This song puts a spring in your step
@janolianna9926
This is the theme song for youth dances XD
@seizieme
Best of jazz for Jazz beginners
@UncleOafie
Timeless...