Nice Work If You Can Get It
Johnny Smith and Stan Getz 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 meant
Fall in love and you won't regret it
Holding hands at midnight
'Neath a starry sky
Nice work if you can get it
And you can get it if you try
Strolling with the one girl
Sighing sigh after sigh
Nice work if you can get it
And you can get it if you try
Just imagine someone
Waiting at the cottage door
Where two hearts become one
Who could ask for anything more?
Loving one who loves you
And then taking that vow
It's nice work if you can get it
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?"
Just imagine someone
Waiting at the cottage door
Where two hearts become one
Who could ask for anything more?
Loving one who loves you
And then taking 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 Johnny Smith and featuring Stan Getz is a classic jazz tune that speaks to the idea that the only work worth doing is that which involves falling in love. The first verse reflects on the lives of those who pursue money or fame, suggesting that while they may lead successful lives, they are not necessarily happy ones. The second verse then provides an alternative, emphasizing the joy that comes from falling in love and being with someone you care about. The chorus hammers home the idea that love is the best kind of work there is, using vivid imagery such as holding hands at midnight, strolling with your loved one, and imagining someone waiting at the cottage door.
Overall, "Nice Work If You Can Get It" is a song about the search for true happiness and fulfillment. It suggests that while money and fame may bring a certain level of success, they are ultimately hollow pursuits. Only by finding someone to love and building a life together can we truly feel happy and fulfilled. The song's catchy melody and upbeat tempo reflect the joy that comes from falling in love, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Line by Line Meaning
The man who only lives for making money
A person whose sole purpose in life is to make money
Lives a life that isn't necessarily sunny
This kind of life might not always be pleasant
Likewise the man who works for fame
Similarly to the money-driven person, someone who works for fame also takes a risk
There's no guarantee that time won't erase his name
Even if someone becomes famous, it's not guaranteed that their name will stay relevant over time
The fact is, the only work that really brings enjoyment
The truth is, only work that brings pure joy is worth doing
Is the kind that is for girl and boy meant
Work that is meant for relationships, particularly romantic ones, is the most fulfilling
Fall in love and you won't regret it
Truly loving someone will never lead to regret
That's the best work of all, if you can get it
Loving someone is the best thing a person can do, if they are lucky enough to find it
Holding hands at midnight
Holding hands with a loved one under the night sky
'Neath a starry sky
Beneath the stars in the night sky
Nice work if you can get it
This is a great experience if you are able to have it
And you can get it if you try
It's possible to achieve it if you put in the effort
Strolling with the one girl
Walking slowly with the woman you love
Sighing sigh after sigh
Experiencing deep contentment or joy
Just imagine someone
Picture this hypothetical scenario
Waiting at the cottage door
Standing outside a little house in anticipation
Where two hearts become one
Where two people come together and are united in love
Who could ask for anything more?
It's difficult to imagine something better than this
Loving one who loves you
Being in love with someone who returns the feeling
And then taking that vow
Making a commitment to one another
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?
If you manage to achieve this kind of love, please share with me how you did it
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TXHusker
Recorded in NYC in November 1952. Johnny Smith (g), Stan Getz (ts), Sanford Gold (p), Bob Carter (b), Morey Feld (d). Roost(USA) R1154. LP 413 "Johnny Smith Quintet-Jazz at NBC". Roulette Jazz CD B2-97747. Reissue: Mosaic MD8-216 (2002). (Zoot Sims appears on the April 1952 recordings.)