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)
You Were Never Lovelier
Fred Astaire Lyrics
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That would make the party bright;
Sitting at the table I was never able
To become the host's delight
But now you've given me my after dinner story,
I'll just describe you as you are in all your glory.
[Chorus]
You were never so fair,
Dreams were never lovelier,
Pardon me if I stare.
Down the sky the moonbeams fly to light your face;
I can only say they chose the proper place.
You were never lovelier,
And to coin a new phrase;
I was never luckier in my palmiest days.
Make a note, and you can quote me,
Honor bright,
You were never lovelier than you are tonight.
[Chorus]
In "You Were Never Lovelier," Fred Astaire expresses his admiration for his partner by describing her beauty in a dreamlike, almost ethereal way. He begins by acknowledging his own social shortcomings, specifically his inability to entertain guests at a party. However, he then shifts his attention to his partner and how she has given him the ability to tell a beautiful story, simply by being herself. This woman is so stunning that she takes his breath away, and he can't help but stare.
The chorus emphasizes how beautiful she is, with the moonbeams themselves lighting up her face. Astaire is struck by how lucky he is to be with such a gorgeous woman, and even comes up with a new phrase to describe just how amazing he thinks she is. He asks his listeners to take note of his words and quote him, emphasizing just how much he wants the world to know how much he adores his partner.
The lyrics of the song paint a picture of a beautiful, magical night, with Astaire unable to take his eyes off his partner. The song captures the feeling of being completely taken aback by someone's beauty and charisma, and is a classic love song that continues to be appreciated today.
Line by Line Meaning
I was never able to recite a fable
I never had the charm or wit to entertain a group of people with a story.
That would make the party bright;
I never had a story interesting or lively enough to bring energy and joy to a gathering.
Sitting at the table I was never able
Whenever I was present at a dinner party, I was never the life of the party or the center of attention.
To become the host's delight
I never had it in me to impress the host and make them feel proud to have me as a guest.
But now you've given me my after dinner story,
Now that I have met you, I have a story to tell after a dinner party - the story of how wonderful and beautiful you are.
I'll just describe you as you are in all your glory.
I'll simply tell everyone about your amazing attributes and qualities, just the way you are.
You were never lovelier,
You have never looked more beautiful than you do right now.
You were never so fair,
You have never been so stunningly attractive and charming as you are at this moment.
Dreams were never lovelier,
Even in my dreams, I've never imagined anyone as magnificent and enchanting as you.
Pardon me if I stare.
I hope you don't mind if I keep looking at you with admiration and wonder.
Down the sky the moonbeams fly to light your face;
Even the moon seems to be shining brighter just to illuminate your beautiful face.
I can only say they chose the proper place.
I can only agree that the moonbeams picked the right location to shine on - your lovely face.
And to coin a new phrase;
To come up with a new expression or saying.
I was never luckier in my palmiest days.
I have never been happier or luckier than I am right now when I am with you - even during my luckiest and most prosperous days.
Make a note, and you can quote me,
Remember what I am saying, and you can repeat it to others as my honest testimony.
Honor bright,
I swear on my honor - this is the truth.
You were never lovelier than you are tonight.
I have never seen anyone more beautiful, charming, and enchanting than you are right now.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHNNY MERCER, JEROME KERN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind