What's New
Louis Armstrong & Oscar Peterson Lyrics
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How is the world treating you?
You haven't changed a bit
Lovely as ever I must admit
Oh, what's new?
How did that romance come through?
We haven't met since then
What's new? Probably I'm boring you
But seeing you is grand
And you were sweet to offer your hand
I understand, adieu
Pardon my asking what's new
Of course you couldn't know
I haven't changed: I still love you so
Oh, what's new? Probably I'm boring you
But seeing you is grand
And you were sweet to offer your hand
Mama, I understand, adieu
Pardon my asking what's new
Of course you couldn't know
I haven't changed: I still love you so
The lyrics to "What's New" by Louis Armstrong and Oscar Peterson are a sentimental exchange between two former lovers who bumped into each other after a long time. The song opens up with the first singer inquiring about the well-being of the other, asking 'What's new? How is the world treating you? You haven't changed a bit, lovely as ever I must admit'. The second vocalist responds almost cryptically by discussing a romance that they had not seen each other since, and how it turned out. The first singer then reflects on the awkwardness of the situation and apologizes for boring the other with small talk. He expresses gratitude for the chance to see the other again by saying, 'seeing you is grand, and you were sweet to offer your hand, Mama, I understand, adieu'. The two singers close out the song with a shared realization that they still have feelings for each other, 'Pardon my asking what's new, of course, you couldn't know, I haven't changed: I still love you so.'
The song's lyrics beautifully capture the nostalgia that comes with seeing an old flame after a long time. The first singer inquiring about the world treating the other and admitting that they haven't changed a bit indicate that he has fond memories of the person he is talking to. The reply from the second vocalist about a past romance, which they had not seen each other since, seems to suggest that they had parted ways on good terms. The two singers, while acknowledging that they may be boring each other, continue to reminisce and share a moment that culminates in a shared sentiment that they still care for each other.
Line by Line Meaning
What's new?
Louis is asking if there is anything new happening in the world or in the life of the person he is speaking to.
How is the world treating you?
Louis is inquiring about the emotional state of the person he is speaking to with a concern for their well-being.
You haven't changed a bit
Louis is saying that the person he is speaking to looks like they haven't aged a day since the last time he saw them.
Lovely as ever I must admit
Louis is complimenting the person he is speaking to, saying that they are still as beautiful as the last time he saw them.
Oh, what's new?
Louis is asking the same question again, hoping to get an answer this time.
How did that romance come through?
Louis is asking for an update on the romantic relationship of the person he is speaking to.
We haven't met since then
Louis is pointing out that it has been a long time since he has seen the person he is speaking to.
Gee, but it's nice to see you again
Louis is expressing his joy at being able to see the person he is speaking to again after a long time.
What's new? Probably I'm boring you
Louis is acknowledging the possibility that he may be repeating himself, but he still wants to know if anything new has happened.
But seeing you is grand
Louis is saying that just being able to see the person he is speaking to is a wonderful experience.
And you were sweet to offer your hand
Louis is thanking the person he is speaking to for extending their hand in greeting when they first met.
I understand, adieu
Louis is saying goodbye to the person he is speaking to, acknowledging that their time together has come to an end.
Pardon my asking what's new
Louis is apologizing for continuously asking the same question, recognizing that it may be getting repetitive.
Of course you couldn't know
Louis is giving the person he is speaking to a pass, recognizing that they couldn't have known the answer to his repeated question.
I haven't changed: I still love you so
Louis is revealing that despite the passage of time, his feelings for the person he is speaking to have not changed and he still loves them deeply.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHNNY BURKE, BOB HAGGART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lizah carnaúba
Excelent interpretation, with great sensibility.