In part because of his expressive phrasing and graceful interpretation, Astaire was chosen to introduce many now-classic songs, including standards by Cole Porter (example, "Night and Day"), his friend Irving Berlin ("Let's Face the Music and Dance"), Jerome Kern ("The Way You Look Tonight"), Johnny Mercer ("One for My Baby") and George and Ira Gershwin ("They Can't Take That Away from Me").
Fred Astaire is interred at Oakwood Memorial Park, Chatsworth, California, USA, the same cemetery where Ginger Rogers, is located. (http://encyclopaediaoftrivia.blogspot.com/2011/09/fred-astaire.html)
All by Myself
Fred Astaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
the dreams I dreamed went up in smoke.
They didn't pan out as I had intended;
I should know how to take a joke.
I'll go my way by myself, this is the end of romance.
I'll go my way by myself, love is only a dance.
I'll try to apply myself and teach my heart to sing.
I'll face the unknown, I'll build a world of my own;
No one knows better than I, myself, I'm by myself alone.
I'll go my way by myself, here's how the comedy ends.
I'll have to deny myself love and laughter and friends.
Grey clouds in sky above have put a blot on my fun.
I'll try to fly high above for a place in the sun.
I'll face the unknown, I'll build a world of my own;
No one knows better than I, myself, I'm by myself alone
The lyrics to Fred Astaire's "All By Myself" are about a person who has just experienced a disappointment in love. The party is over, the game is ended, and the dreams they had "went up in smoke." The person had hoped for a romantic ending that did not pan out as intended. It is clear that the person is upset, but the song shows a sense of resilience and acceptance.
The lyrics state that the person will go their own way and that they will be by themselves. They will have to deny themselves love, laughter, and friends. They have faced disappointment and will try to build a world of their own. They will face the unknown, just like "a bird on the wing." The person knows themselves better than anyone else, and they will be alone.
This song is a powerful message about resilience and self-reliance. The person may have to face the world alone, but they will not be defeated. They will build their own world and create a new future for themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
The party's over, the game is ended,
The event is finished, the fun is no more.
the dreams I dreamed went up in smoke.
The imaginary thoughts I had disappeared without any realization.
They didn't pan out as I had intended;
They didn't unfold as I had planned.
I should know how to take a joke.
I ought to possess the ability to laugh about the pie in the face of failure.
I'll go my way by myself, this is the end of romance.
I will lead my separate path, and this is the conclusion of any sort of love affair.
I'll go my way by myself, love is only a dance.
I will embark on a solitary journey as love is nothing but a rhythmical movement of steps.
I'll try to apply myself and teach my heart to sing.
I will make an effort to motivate myself and set my heart on a playful note.
I'll go my way by myself like a bird on the wing,
I will fly solo like a bird soaring high in the air.
I'll face the unknown, I'll build a world of my own;
I will confront the unfamiliar and establish an independent empire.
No one knows better than I, myself, I'm by myself alone.
Nobody else can comprehend more than me myself since I will be by myself all alone.
I'll go my way by myself, here's how the comedy ends.
I am going to go on my way alone, and this is the way the amusing play comes to an end.
I'll have to deny myself love and laughter and friends.
I will have to deprive myself of love, joy, and companionship.
Grey clouds in sky above have put a blot on my fun.
The dark clouds hovering over me have ruined my enjoyment.
I'll try to fly high above for a place in the sun.
I will attempt to climb higher for a chance to bask in the sunlight.
I'll build a world of my own, I'll face the unknown;
I will construct my own environment and take on any unfamiliar challenges.
No one knows better than I, myself, I'm by myself alone.
Nobody else can understand more than me myself since I will be by myself all alone.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ARTHUR SCHWARTZ, HOWARD DIETZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Conrad Salinger was the greatest orchestrator/arranger in history. The Band Wagon is a prime example of his genius
@samhendrian8658
This song (and whole movie) helped get me through freshman year of high school. I was always a bit of a loner even when I was amongst friends -- determined to stick to my values even if they were a little close-minded at the time, and never conform -- and I found this song profoundly empowering.
@umeshchandrasharma314
I agree with you. That was golden period of Hollywood. Most people active in Hollywood during those decades were at peak of their best, be it singers or composers or Actors, Directors or Script writers.
@benchill3523
Pure class....I sing this song to myself on long long walks...
@MrImiller07
A great sequence from one of the best film musicals ever made. No one moved like Astaire, dressed like Astaire or sang and danced like Astaire. The Dietz and Schwartz song was tailor made for his talents and musical abilities.
@esmeephillips5888
Fun fact: The song was introduced by Jack Buchanan in a 1937 stage show. In 'The Band Wagon' he co-starred with Fred.
@vickilant2472
Lovely rendition, very philosophical and at the same time upbeat. Something we all have to face at one time or another.
@user-xs3og8us3d
wish i were that chill
@pedrobakale7180
I'll face the unknown, I'll build a world of my own;
@umeshchandrasharma314
I shall really be obliged if someone can please upload this full song in audio or video format. This song is so heart touching that I listen to it everyday. I feel it is just not a song, but the philosophy of life. Hats off to legendary dancer, singer and actor Fred Astaire and also to song writer .