He was born Joseph Goreed in Cordele, Georgia and moved to Chicago as a child. He was raised by his mother and grandmother. He grew on the south side of Chicago, surrounded by jazz, blues, and gospel music. In the 1930s, as a teenager, he was a member of "The Jubilee Boys" and performed in Chicago churches.
He worked as a singer and bouncer in Chicago in the late 1930s and early 1940s. In 1943, he was hired by the Lionel Hampton Orchestra. He toured with Hampton for several years but never achieved breakthrough success.
He rose to national prominence as the singer for Count Basie's Orchestra in 1954. He remained with Basie for several years. "Everyday I have the Blues" is his biggest hit.
After leaving the Basie band, Williams continued to have a successful career working with his own jazz combo. He and Basie remained on good terms and he would regularly appear with the band.
Bill Cosby cast Williams as his father-in-law "Grandpa Al" Hanks in a recurring role on the 1980s sit-com The Cosby Show.
Williams enjoyed a successful career and worked regularly until his death. He died at age 80, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Joe Williams shares a birthday with Frank Sinatra who was also born Dec. 12, three years before Williams
A Fine Romance
Joe Williams 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
But you're as cold as yesterday's mashed potatoes
A fine romance--you won't nestle
A fine romance--you won't wrestle
I might as well play bridge with my old maid aunt
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 with no quarrels
With no insults and all morals
I've never mussed the crease in your blue serge pants
I never get the chance this is a fine romance
In Joe Williams's song "A Fine Romance," he describes a relationship that lacks the passion and excitement that typically comes with a romantic connection. The singer notes that there are "no kisses" or physical affection to be found in this partnership. Despite this, he tries to convince himself that it's a "fine romance" by reminding himself that they don't argue or insult each other, and that they both have morals. However, he cannot help but express his frustration at the other person's lack of emotion and passion, comparing them to "yesterday's mashed potatoes" and contrasting them with the "hot tomatoes" they should be.
The singer uses a playful and sarcastic tone to convey his point, highlighting the absurdity of a "fine romance" without any actual romance. He compares his partner's lack of emotion to the calm behavior of seals in the Arctic ocean and likens their relationship to playing bridge with his "old maid aunt." Ultimately, the song humorously portrays the disappointment and frustration of being in a relationship that lacks the excitement, passion, and physical connection that define a true romance.
Line by Line Meaning
A fine romance with no kisses
We have a so-called romance without any intimacy.
A fine romance, my friend, this is
This is a not-so-fine relationship, my friend.
We should be like a couple of hot tomatoes
We should be passionate and intense like hot tomatoes.
But you're as cold as yesterday's mashed potatoes
But your passion is as cold as yesterday's mashed potatoes.
A fine romance--you won't nestle
This relationship lacks physical affection, you won't cuddle.
A fine romance--you won't wrestle
This is a not-so-fine relationship, you won't even fight for it.
I might as well play bridge with my old maid aunt
This relationship is lifeless, might as well play cards with my spinster aunt.
I haven't got a chance; this is a fine romance
There is no hope for this romance, it's just a facade.
A fine romance, my good fellow
This is a not-so-fine romance, my dear friend.
You take romance, I'll take jello
You're not serious about romance, I'll take something else as a substitute.
You're calmer than the seals in the Arctic Ocean
You're not emotional, you're too calm.
At least they flap their fins to express emotion
Even seals in the Arctic Ocean express more emotion than you do.
A fine romance with no quarrels
This relationship lacks passion and intensity, there are no arguments.
With no insults and all morals
This relationship lacks passion and intensity, there are no insults and all good morals.
I've never mussed the crease in your blue serge pants
This relationship lacks passion and intensity, never got the chance to mess up your clothes in passion.
I never get the chance this is a fine romance
This relationship is lifeless, never got the chance to experience true passion.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: JEROME KERN, DOROTHY FIELDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind