Fine Romance
Jerome Kern Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A fine romance, my friend, this is
We should be like a couple of hot tomatoes (to-mah-toes, dear)
But you're as cold as yesterday's mashed po-tah-toes (potatoes)
A fine romance, you won't nestle
A fine romance, you won't even wrestle
You've never mussed the crease in my blue serge pants
A fine romance, my good fellow
You take romance, I'll take Jello
You're calmer than the seals in the Arctic Ocean
At least they flap their fins to express emotion
A fine romance, my dear Duchess
Two old fogies, we really need crutches
You're just as hard to land as the Ile de France! (Fronce)
I haven't got a chonce (chance), this is a fine romance
A fine romance, my good woman
My strong, aged-in-the-wood woman
You never give those orchids I send a glance
They're just like cactus plants, (oh boy)
This is a fine romance!
Jerome Kern's song "Fine Romance" is a fun and witty tune that plays off the traditional concept of a romance. The lyrics highlight an unusual relationship where the lovers have a fine romance with "no kisses" and no physical intimacy. Despite this, they continue to pursue each other much like "hot tomatoes," but the singer's love interest remains as "cold as yesterday's mashed po-tah-toes" (potatoes) and never takes a chance on romance.
The singer of the song is frustrated with the limited connection his lover is willing to have with him. He tries to bring some passion into the relationship, but his love interest remains distant. Despite their lack of action, they continue to pursue each other, and the singer is left with a feeling of unfulfillment. The lyrics are full of clever word play, metaphors, and humor, making it a playful and enjoyable song to listen to.
Line by Line Meaning
A fine romance with no kisses
Our relationship is devoid of any physical intimacy
A fine romance, my friend, this is
Our relationship is pleasant but lacks excitement
We should be like a couple of hot tomatoes (to-mah-toes, dear)
We should have a passionate and fiery relationship
But you're as cold as yesterday's mashed po-tah-toes (potatoes)
But you are emotionally distant and unresponsive
A fine romance, you won't nestle
You are not inclined to hug and cuddle
A fine romance, you won't even wrestle
You are not willing to engage in a playful physical fight
You've never mussed the crease in my blue serge pants
You've never messed up my clothes in a playful manner
You never take a chance, this is a fine romance
You are too cautious to take risks, which makes our relationship mundane
A fine romance, my good fellow
Our relationship is amicable but not adventurous
You take romance, I'll take Jello
You are more interested in the concept of romance than actual romantic endeavors
You're calmer than the seals in the Arctic Ocean
You are unemotional and remote like the seals in the Arctic Ocean
At least they flap their fins to express emotion
At least the seals have some way of expressing emotions
A fine romance, my dear Duchess
Our relationship is old-fashioned and outdated
Two old fogies, we really need crutches
We are outdated and could use assistance to walk
You're just as hard to land as the Ile de France! (Fronce)
You are as difficult to seduce as the famous ocean liner, Ile de France
I haven't got a chonce (chance), this is a fine romance
I have no possibility of seducing you, which makes our relationship monotonous
A fine romance, my good woman
Our relationship is cordial but uneventful
My strong, aged-in-the-wood woman
You are mature, hearty, and resilient like a well-aged piece of wood
You never give those orchids I send a glance
You do not take notice of the romantic gestures I make
They're just like cactus plants, (oh boy)
The romantic gestures I make are just as prickly and uninviting as cactus plants
This is a fine romance!
Our relationship is acceptable but dull
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Jerome Kern, Dorothy Fields
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mmathems395
Thank you for this content. I mostly listen to Frank's version but it's good hearing the female side of the coin 😊
@myphonyaccount
God this is amazing
@cathleensolomon3079
This is my very favorite Ella Fitzgerald song.
@mmathems395
It's a very nice song and version, so I'll say that's a good choice 😊
@CraigFarangBa
My favorite performance by the one and only Ella.
@4musikable
Perfection.
@babyboomerrodg
THE one and only!!!
@atocox166
I play guitar and yesterday (Saturday June 9th, 2018)I reluctantly purchased a book with old standards, most of which I couldn't recognize.This will be the first song I look up,and this is the first version I'm listening (the book version is "from Swing Time").Hope the book's worth it.
@georgechulig9570
The best!
@lennybuttz2162
Love all the photos! Good Job!