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)
I'm Old Fashioned
Fred Astaire Lyrics
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About the latest fads
I admit I was never one
Adored by local lads
Not that I ever try to be a saint
I'm the type that they classify as quaint
I'm old fashioned
I love the moonlight
The sound of rain
Upon a window pane
The starry song that April sings
This year's fancies
Are passing fancies
But sighing sighs holding hands
These my heart understands
I know I'm old fashioned
But I don't mind it
That's how I want to be
As long as you agree
To stay old fashioned with me
I'm old fashioned
But I don't mind it
That's how I want to be
As long as you agree
To stay old fashioned with me
Oh won't you stay old fashioned with me
Oh please stay old fashioned with me
The lyrics of "I'm Old Fashioned" by Fred Astaire express the desire to remain unchanged in a world that is constantly evolving. The singer accepts that he is not one to keep up with the latest trends and is content with being seen as quaint. He loves the simple pleasures of life, such as the moonlight and the sound of rain on a windowpane. He understands that new fancies come and go, but the true essence of love is remaining old-fashioned as this is what his heart desires, and he hopes that the person he's singing to would agree to stay old-fashioned with him.
The song speaks to the sentiment of nostalgia and the longing to hold on to things that may have been deemed outdated, but still hold a special place in one's heart. It also emphasizes the beauty of the past and the importance of tradition, as well as the value of having a partner who shares those same values. This song is a reminder that it is okay to be old-fashioned and that it is possible to find someone who feels the same way.
Line by Line Meaning
I am not such a clever one
I am not the smartest person around
About the latest fads
I am not knowledgeable about the most recent trends
I admit I was never one
I must confess that I was never someone
Adored by local lads
Who was popular with the boys of the area
Not that I ever try to be a saint
I'm not attempting to be a perfect person
I'm the type that they classify as quaint
I am often viewed as someone charmingly old-fashioned
I'm old fashioned
I am traditional
I love the moonlight
I adore the brilliance of the moon in the sky
I love the old fashioned things
I am quite fond of traditional things
The sound of rain
The noise of the raindrops falling
Upon a window pane
As it hits the glass of a window
The starry song that April sings
The peaceful melody of the stars that is heard in April
This year's fancies
The current crazes or trends
Are passing fancies
Are only temporary or fleeting in popularity
But sighing sighs holding hands
Sharing silent breaths while holding hands with someone you care for
These my heart understands
These are the things that my heart truly appreciates
I know I'm old fashioned
I am aware that I am old-fashioned
But I don't mind it
But I am content with it
That's how I want to be
That is who I am and who I choose to be
As long as you agree
Provided that you concur
To stay old fashioned with me
To maintain traditional values with me
I'm old fashioned
I am traditional
But I don't mind it
But I am content with it
That's how I want to be
That is who I am and who I choose to be
As long as you agree
Provided that you concur
To stay old fashioned with me
To maintain traditional values with me
Oh won't you stay old fashioned with me
Oh, please remain traditional with me
Oh please stay old fashioned with me
Oh, please maintain traditional values with me
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Johnny Mercer, Jerome Kern
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind