Millinder was born in Anniston, Alabama and was raised in Chicago, Illinois. Millinder worked in clubs, ballrooms, and theatres in the late 20s as a dancer and master of ceremonies. Although he could not read music, and did not play an instrument, his showmanship and musical taste made his bands successful.
In the 1930s, he took a band to Europe and on his return he was named the frontman to the Mills Blue Rhythm Band where he was a regular at The Cotton Club. Later in the 1930s, he formed a big band under his own name.
He was a bandleader from 1931 to 1952 and recorded under his own name from 1940 on.
His 1940s band included at various times Eddie (Lockjaw) Davis, Bill Doggett, Dizzy Gillespie, Wynonie Harris, Bull Moose Jackson, Tab Smith, Sister Rosetta Tharpe,and Sir Charles Thompson. By the late 1940s he was recording rhythm and blues rather than swing.
Lucky Millinder died in New York City.
I Can't Dance
Lucky Millinder Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm sorry sweetheart and yet
Though you shouldn't be lenient with me
I hope you'll forgive and forget
What can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
What can I do to prove it to you, I'm sorry?
I didn't mean to ever be mean to you
I was all wrong but right or wrong I don't blame you
Why should I take somebody like you and shame you
I know that I made you cry, and I'm so sorry dear
So what can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
You made me glad, I made you sad
I made you lonesome and blue
And who ever knew
Who'd ever think that I would be crying to you
What can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
What can I do to prove it to you, I'm sorry?
I didn't mean to ever be mean to you
If I didn't care I wouldn't feel like I do
I was all wrong but right or wrong I don't blame you
Why should I take somebody like you and shame you
I know that I made you cry, and I'm so sorry dear
So what can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
The song "I Can't Dance" by Lucky Millinder is an apology for causing heartache and sadness. The singer acknowledges the pain they caused their loved one, expressing remorse and asking for forgiveness and understanding. The lyrics convey a sense of guilt and a desire to make things right, even if it may not be possible to undo the damage caused.
The refrain "What can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry? What can I do to prove it to you, I'm sorry?" highlights the singer's struggle to find the right words or actions to make amends. The repetition emphasizes the weight of the situation and the need for resolution. The lines "If I didn't care I wouldn't feel like I do," and "I was all wrong but right or wrong I don't blame you," suggest that the singer recognizes their wrongdoing and takes responsibility for their mistakes.
The second verse offers a glimpse of the aftermath of the situation, with the singer acknowledging that they hurt their loved one and caused them pain. The line "Who'd ever think that I would be crying to you" speaks to the unexpected turn of events, as the singer now finds themselves seeking comfort and forgiveness from the person they hurt.
Overall, "I Can't Dance" is a heartfelt plea for forgiveness and a testament to the power of love and the impact of our actions on others.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know why, I made you cry
I regret hurting you and don't understand why I did it.
I'm sorry sweetheart and yet
I apologize to you, but our relationship is still strained.
Though you shouldn't be lenient with me
You should hold me accountable for my actions.
I hope you'll forgive and forget
I want to move on and repair the damage I have caused.
What can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
I am unsure of how to make amends for my actions.
What can I do to prove it to you, I'm sorry?
I want to make things right with you but don't know how.
I didn't mean to ever be mean to you
My behavior was unintentional and I never meant to hurt you.
If I didn't care I wouldn't feel like I do
I care about you deeply and that's why I feel remorseful.
I was all wrong but right or wrong I don't blame you
I take responsibility for my mistakes and don't blame you for my behavior.
Why should I take somebody like you and shame you
I recognize that you don't deserve to be treated poorly by me or anyone.
I know that I made you cry, and I'm so sorry dear
I am aware that my actions caused you pain and I am sincerely sorry.
So what can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?
I am at a loss for words and don't know how else to express my regret.
Lyrics © DONALDSON PUBLISHING CO, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Walter Donaldson, Abe Lyman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Lester2955
Great song. Thank you for posting.
@anthonyj1775
❤❤❤💥
@vonSliwowitz
Does anyone pls have an idea where to find lyrics of this great piece of swing? For me as a Middle-European are some passages hard to understand:-( Thanks
@LEONARDSEED
Great war song bad that black troops did not fight till latter in the was and were hero's!