Nice Work If You Can Get It
Fred Astaire / Ginger Rogers Lyrics
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Lives a life that isn't necessarily sunny
Likewise the man who works for fame
There's no guarantee that time won't erase his name
The fact is
The only work that really brings enjoyment
Is the kind that is for girl-and-boy-ment
Fall in love, you won't regret it
Holdin' hands at midnight
'Neath a starry sky
Nice work if you can get it
And you can get it if you try
Strollin' with the one girl
Sighin' sigh after sigh
Nice work if you can get it
And you can get it if you try
Just imagine someone
Waitin' at the cottage door
Where two hearts become one
Who could ask for anything more?
Loving one who loves you
And then takin' that vow
Nice work if you can get it
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?
The song "Nice Work If You Can Get It" by Fred Astaire is a reflective tune that meditates on different forms of work people do in their lives. The song begins by discussing how people who live only for making money do not necessarily lead a happy life. The same applies to those who work only for fame, as it can easily fade away over time. The only kind of work that brings real happiness, according to the song, is the work of love, where one falls in love with someone and enjoys their company. The song suggests that holding hands at midnight under the starry sky and strolling with someone can be the best kind of work if you can get it. The song encourages those listening to imagine a life where they love someone, take a vow, and become one. The song seems to convey that such love can be the best work of all, as long as it is true and genuine.
Line by Line Meaning
The man who only lives for making money
A person who solely focuses on acquiring wealth
Lives a life that isn't necessarily sunny
May not lead a happy life despite being financially stable
Likewise the man who works for fame
Just like someone who chases after fame and recognition
There's no guarantee that time won't erase his name
There's always a chance that their fame will be short-lived
The fact is
To state the truth
The only work that really brings enjoyment
The only work that brings true happiness
Is the kind that is for girl-and-boy-ment
Is the kind of work that involves falling in love and romancing
Fall in love, you won't regret it
Encouraging people to fall in love because it's worth it
That's the best work of all if you can get it
Implying that finding love is the best job there is
Holdin' hands at midnight
Couples holding hands in the night
'Neath a starry sky
Under a sky full of stars
Nice work if you can get it
It's a great life for those who can achieve it
And you can get it if you try
Encouraging people to try and achieve such a life
Strollin' with the one girl
Walking with your loved one
Sighin' sigh after sigh
Being lost in admiration for each other
Just imagine someone
Creating a hypothetical situation
Waitin' at the cottage door
Waiting for your loved one at home
Where two hearts become one
Where two people connect and fall in love
Who could ask for anything more?
Asking what more someone could possibly want from life
Loving one who loves you
Being in love with someone who reciprocates those feelings
And then takin' that vow
Committing to each other through marriage
Nice work if you can get it
Implying that being in love and married is a great achievement
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?
Asking people to share their secrets if they've found true love
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Trombonology Erstwhile
This harmonically and lyrically clever number is easily in my Top Five for Gershwin, my favorite composer, and though there have been many fine versions since its first appearance, that of Mr. Fred Astaire, the man who introduced it, remains my favorite. From the first note, there is a sense of urgency that never lets up. Fred adroitly breezes through the wordy, seldom heard verse, which includes one of my favorite Ira lines, "The only work that really brings enjoyment/Is the kind that is for girl and boy meant," and then proceeds to George's beautifully structured refrain, which he clearly appreciates. Though Astaire was the epitome of sophistication, he had too a more playful, effervescent aspect that comes out in his tap routine here. Kudos to Bill Harty's deft drumming. A triumph for the Gershwins, Astaire and the Noble band!
Miguel Osvaldo Flores Dominguez
Nice drumming!
This have to be one of the earlier drums solos ever recorded!
Mag Loyd
Thank you for this.
Josefina Martinez
Beautiful beautiful ❤