Change Partners
Jimenez Flaco Lyrics
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Are requested to gaze in the faces
Found on the dance cards
Please then remember
And don't get to close
To one special one
He will take your defenses and run.
So we change partners
Time to change partners
You must change partners
Again
This is how most of our ladies grew up
At the country club dances
They learned how to handle the boys
Gently but firmly
They learned to say no
There were four more young men
Who were waiting in the color and the noise.
[Chorus]
All of the ladies attending the ball
Are requested to gaze in the faces
Found on the dance cards
Please then remember
And follow your list
'Cause the dear things get hurt
And the broken hearts make you feel.
[Chorus]
The song "Change Partners" by Jimenez Flaco is about the experience of attending a ball or dance where social norms dictate that everyone must switch dance partners throughout the night. The lyrics caution the ladies attending the dance to not get too attached to one particular partner, as he will likely move on to dance with someone else. The chorus repeats the phrase "time to change partners," emphasizing the importance of adhering to this social convention.
The second verse provides some context for this behavior, suggesting that it is a learned behavior from attending country club dances. The young women in attendance learn how to handle boys and say no, but are also encouraged to keep their options open by not getting too invested in one person. The final verse reminds the women to stick to their dance card lists, lest they hurt someone's feelings or end up with a broken heart.
Overall, the song is a commentary on the social expectations and gender dynamics of dances and balls. It suggests that women are forced to be somewhat passive and cautious in their interactions with men, while also acknowledging that this behavior can protect them from heartbreak or disappointment.
Line by Line Meaning
All of the ladies attending the ball
All women present at the event
Are requested to gaze in the faces
Must pay attention to the faces
Found on the dance cards
Written on the dance schedule
Please then remember
Remember the following
And don't get to close
Don't get too attached
To one special one
To someone specific
He will take your defenses and run.
He will break your guard and leave
So we change partners
We switch dance partners
Time to change partners
It's time to dance with someone else
You must change partners
It's necessary to switch dance partners
Again
Once more
This is how most of our ladies grew up
This is how most women were raised
At the country club dances
At the ballroom events held at the club
They learned how to handle the boys
They learned how to manage the boys
Gently but firmly
Kindly, but with resolution
They learned to say no
They learned to decline
There were four more young men
There were other eligible men
Who were waiting in the color and the noise.
Who were waiting in the busy environment
And follow your list
Stick to your dance schedule
'Cause the dear things get hurt
Because people can get hurt
And the broken hearts make you feel.
And the pain of a broken heart can be overwhelming
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STILLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind