We Mustn't Say Goodbye
Jo Stafford with Paul Weston and His Orchestra Lyrics
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Where I stood I thought I knew
Or should
True or false, life wasn't ever any waltz
Then it caught the somersaults
For good
Might have known it would
The world steps on my little toes.
Ev'ry time I take a little chance
I pay right through my little nose.
Ev'ry time I fly my little kite
It catches on a tree.
Ev'ry time I throw an anchor out
It pulls me in the sea.
Ev'ry time I feel a little glow
I always get a little shock.
Ev'ry time I stick my little chin out
I always get a little knock,
And when I aim my arrows at the sun
They always miss their mark
Leaving just a lonely little lady
In the dark
In "We Mustn't Say Goodbye," Jo Stafford sings with a touch of melancholy about uncertainty in life and love. She begins by expressing confusion about whether something that she has been told is true or false. She wishes she had a "clue or two" about where she stands. She reflects on the fact that life has not been easy, and she's been upended many times, only to land where she is now for good.
In the second verse, Stafford continues to reflect on the difficulties that she's encountered in life. She compares her heart to little dancing feet that always seem to get trampled on by the world. She laments that when she takes chances, she is often left with nothing but disappointment. She feels as though she's constantly throwing herself into situations that are destined to fail--when she's trying to fly her kite, she gets it caught in a tree; when she aims for the sun, she misses. The song ends on a poignant note, with Stafford singing about being alone in the dark.
Line by Line Meaning
False or true, I wish I had a clue or two
I am uncertain about the truth of the situation, and I wish I had some knowledge or insight to guide me.
Where I stood I thought I knew
I thought I understood the situation, but now I am unsure.
Or should
Perhaps I should have known better, or perhaps things are not as straightforward as I thought they were.
True or false, life wasn't ever any waltz
Life is not always easy or predictable, and it is difficult to know what is really true or false.
Then it caught the somersaults
Suddenly, unexpected things happened that turned everything upside down.
For good
Permanently.
Might have known it would
I should have been prepared for this to happen, but I wasn't.
Ev'ry Time my heart begins to dance
Whenever I start to feel happy or joyful,
The world steps on my little toes.
Something always happens to spoil my happiness or hurt me in some way.
Ev'ry time I take a little chance
Whenever I try something new or take a risk,
I pay right through my little nose.
I suffer the consequences or pay a high price for my actions.
Ev'ry time I fly my little kite
When I feel free and adventurous,
It catches on a tree.
Something unexpected happens to ruin my sense of freedom or adventure.
Ev'ry time I throw an anchor out
When I try to steady or anchor myself,
It pulls me in the sea.
Something unpredictable happens that causes me to lose my sense of stability or control.
Ev'ry time I feel a little glow
When I feel a sense of warmth or happiness,
I always get a little shock.
Something unexpected or unpleasant happens to spoil my happiness.
Ev'ry time I stick my little chin out
Whenever I assert myself or speak my mind,
I always get a little knock,
I face criticism, setbacks, or opposition.
And when I aim my arrows at the sun
When I have high hopes or ambitions,
They always miss their mark
My aspirations do not come to fruition.
Leaving just a lonely little lady
I am left feeling alone and isolated,
In the dark
Without any understanding or resolution of my problems or challenges.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COLE PORTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jymster46
Oh, I'm So Glad You Liked It, Heather! Just another one of her beautiful songs, I think. Thank you so much for watching, listening and for leaving such a nice comment! You brightened my day, my Friend! Jim
Jymster46
AMEN!! Wonderful comment! One I agree with 100%! Thank you so much for listening and for voicing your appreciation of this wonderful artist! She will be remembered as one of the Best, I am sure. Jim
davindaire
Jo Stafford is my favorite vocalist. Her tone is pure rapture and this song with its aching beauty is one of the great tunes in the American Songbook. Thanks for your channel and the lovely visual backgrounds you sensitively and tastefully provide.
BARDONICHI
My picture of the young girl you see is our daughter , she lives in gods care after she left us in an instant and so many lovely songs remind us of her.We had for a time a beautifull song by Jo called Sometimes..After a time we took it down from her memorial site as we cried so many times looking at our pictures and the beautifull voice of Jo..Her memorial site is on my channel page.Thank you for your kind comment..
LoveTheOConnor
Gorgeous video, Jim!! Such a lovely song, sung so beautifully by Ms. Stafford. Your pictures and backgrounds are wonderful, as always!! Love the rose at the end! Thanks so much for sharing, and brightening my day as you always do :))
Phillip Payne
Jo Stafford really just sings this gorgeously , simply gorgeously.
Jymster46
Amen. Yes, she does. Thanks so much for listening.
Jim
Bob Watson
What a beautiful song to listen to on a cold and rainy Sunday night..
Lorraine Chandler
Beautiful.I have loved this song since I first heard it in the movie Stage Door Canteen(1943)sung by Lanny Ross.
Thanks for sharing.
Phillip Payne
Nice. Very nice.