Fred Astaire (1899-1987) was an American dancer and singer famous for his n… Read Full Bio ↴Fred Astaire (1899-1987) was an American dancer and singer famous for his numerous appearances in the 1920s and 1930s in Vaudeville, on Broadway and on the London stage with sister Adele Astaire; in musical films between the 1930s and 1960s; and on American TV in the 1950s and beyond. Although he teamed with many dancers, including Gene Kelly, his best known screen pairing was with Ginger Rogers, with whom he appeared in 10 films. He continued to act in non-dancing roles in films and TV in the 1960s through 1980s.

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 Can't Be Bothered Now
Fred Astaire Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Bad news go 'way
Call round some day
In March or May
I can't be bothered now!

My bonds and shares
May fall downstairs
Who cares, who cares?

I'm dancing and I can't be bothered now!

I'm up among the stars
On earthly things I frown
I'm throwing off the bars
That held me down!

I'll pay the piper
When times are riper
Just now I shan't

Because you see
I'm dancing and I can't be bothered now!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Fred Astaire's song I Can't Be Bothered Now showcase a carefree and nonchalant attitude towards life. The singer dismisses bad news with a casual "go 'way", and suggests that it can be dealt with some other day, perhaps in the months of March or May. The lyrics indicate that the singer is entirely immersed in their present moment, dancing and enjoying life to the fullest. Material possessions like bonds and shares hold no value because the singer is up among the stars and immersing themselves in something much greater than earthly possessions.

The singer also talks about throwing off the bars that held them down, indicating a newfound freedom and sense of liberation. While the singer acknowledges that they have to "pay the piper" eventually, they believe that the time is not ripe for it yet. Thus, for the time being, the singer chooses to live life without worrying about consequences or responsibilities, choosing to be fully present in the moment and dance to their heart's content.

In summary, the lyrics of I Can't Be Bothered Now depict a happy-go-lucky attitude towards life, where the singer prioritizes the present moment over material possessions and responsibilities, choosing to dance through life without a care.

Line by Line Meaning

Bad news go 'way
I do not want to hear any bad news.

Call round some day
You can come back another time.

In March or May
Maybe I'll be ready to deal with you in those months.

I can't be bothered now!
I am too busy to deal with you now.

My bonds and shares
My financial investments.

May fall downstairs
They may lose value and decrease in worth.

Who cares, who cares?
I do not care about the temporary loss in value.

I'm dancing and I can't be bothered now!
I am having a good time dancing and I do not want to be burdened by stress or worry.

I'm up among the stars
I am feeling fabulous and elated.

On earthly things I frown
I am disinterested in material problems on this earth.

I'm throwing off the bars
I am breaking free from restrictions and societal norms.

That held me down!
That prevented me from living my life fully.

I'll pay the piper
I will handle my responsibilities eventually.

When times are riper
When conditions are more favorable.

Just now I shan't
But for now, I will not.

Because you see
As I am sure you understand.

I'm dancing and I can't be bothered now!
I am focused on enjoying my current moment and do not want any distractions.

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Comments from YouTube:

William Craig

2y↑5

It's a shame this song ends so briefly because it's one of the most Astaire-sounding songs ever.

Carl Trotter

Another Astaire-sounding one is the bugle rag.

YouzTube99

6y↑12

Astaire was very particular about the ending/exits for his dances and this is one of his best.
And gotta love the complete change in lighting that occurs near the end (00:55). No CGI or fakery here!