One More for the Road
Fred Astaire Lyrics

It's quarter to three, there's no one in the place
It's late at night and the place is empty, except for the singer and the bartender.

Except you and me
Those are the only people in the bar.

So set 'em' up Joe, I got a little story
The singer asks the bartender to pour drinks and tells him he has a story to share.

You oughta know
The artist is implying the bartender might be interested in hearing the story.

We’re drinking my friend, to the end
The artist is drinking with the bartender as he shares his story.

Of a brief episode
The story is about a brief moment in the singer's life.

Make it one for my baby
The singer asks for another drink to be made for him in honor of something or someone.

And one more for the road
The artist wants one last drink before he leaves.

I got the routine, so drop another nickel
The artist has a set routine and asks for another song to be played by putting more money in the jukebox.

In the machine
The machine refers to the jukebox where the artist's songs are being played.

I'm feeling so bad, I wish you'd make the music
The singer is feeling sad and wishes the music played by the jukebox would reflect his mood.

Dreamy and sad
The artist wants the music to be emotional and dream-like.

Could tell you a lot, but that's not
The singer has a lot to say but won't burden the bartender with more stories.

In a gentleman's code
The singer is being respectful of the bartender's time and doesn't want to overstay his welcome.

You'd never know it, but buddy I'm a kind of poet
The singer reveals he has a talent for poetry, which wouldn't be expected given the setting.

And I've got a lot of things to say
The artist has a lot of thoughts and emotions he wants to express.

And when I'm gloomy, you simply gotta listen to me
The artist wants the bartender to listen to him when he's feeling down.

Until it's all talked away
The singer wants to keep talking about his problems until he feels better.

Well that's how it goes, and Joe I know your gettin'
The singer acknowledges that the conversation has gone on long enough and the bartender is probably getting tired.

Anxious to close
The bartender is ready to close up the bar for the night.

Thanks for the beer
The artist thanks the bartender for serving him drinks.

I hope you didn't mind
The artist is hoping that he didn't impose too much by sharing his story.

My bending your ear
The singer acknowledges that he talked a lot and potentially bored the bartender.

Don't let it be said
The artist doesn't want to be remembered as someone who couldn't hold their alcohol.

Little Freddie couldn't carry his load
The singer refers to himself in the third person and doesn't want to be seen as someone who can't handle alcohol.

Make it one for my baby
The singer wants one last drink in honor of someone or something.

And one more for the road
The singer wants one last drink before leaving for the night.

That long long road
The artist is referring to the road ahead, as he leaves the bar and continues his journey through life.