A Fine Romance
Michael Feinstein Lyrics
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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
This is a fine romance
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
The overall meaning of the song A Fine Romance by Michael Feinstein is that the relationship that he is in is not really a romance at all. There are no kisses or intimacy, just a friendly relationship. The singer is portraying their partner as cold and aloof, and they can't seem to get close to them, even though they try. They end up feeling rejected and frustrated, yearning for something more.
The lyrics are playful and satirical, using comedic comparisons to highlight the lack of warmth and passion in the relationship. The line "But you're as cold as yesterday's mashed potatoes" is a funny way to describe someone who is emotionally distant. Likewise, the line "You take romance, I'll take jello" is a playful way of saying that the singer's partner is uninterested in intimacy.
Overall, the song is a reflection of the complexities of romantic relationships and the frustration that can arise when one partner wants something that the other isn't willing or able to give.
Line by Line Meaning
A fine romance, with no kisses
Our love affair is polite and proper, devoid of passion.
A fine romance, my friend this is
This relationship may be considered desirable, but lacks substance to be considered meaningful.
We should be like a couple of hot tomatoes
We ought to be together as a spicy, passionate couple.
But you're as cold as yesterday's mashed potatoes
You have no passion for me, and are emotionally unresponsive and distant.
A fine romance, you won't nestle
Our relationship is devoid of physical intimacy or emotional closeness.
A fine romance, you won't wrestle
There is no passion or excitement in our love and we do not fight or disagree with each other.
I might as well play bridge
It would be just as fulfilling and exciting to play bridge with my old maid aunt as to be with you.
With my old maid aunt
Emphasizes the dull, unexciting nature of their relationship - even old maid aunts are more exciting.
I haven't got a chance
I don't have a chance with you because you don't love me.
This is a fine romance
Our relationship may be considered pleasant, but ultimately it lacks depth and excitement.
A fine romance, my good fellow
This relationship is proper and polite, but not necessarily passionate or deep.
You take romance, I'll take jello
You are not interested in romance or passion, while I am looking for a deeper connection.
You're calmer than the seals
You are emotionally serene and unresponsive.
In the arctic ocean
Emphasizes the distance and emotional coldness of their relationship.
At least they flap their fins
Even animals express more feeling than you do.
To express emotion
Even animals can express more emotional depth and feeling than you do.
A fine romance with no quarrels
There is no conflict or disagreement in our relationship, but it may also suggest a lack of passion or interest.
With no insults and all morals
Our relationship is proper and respectful, but may lack excitement or depth.
I've never mussed the crease
I have never been close enough or passionate enough to even disturb the crease in your pants.
In your blue serge pants
Emphasizes the lack of passion in their relationship and the dullness of their interactions.
I never get the chance
I never have the opportunity to experience passion or closeness with you.
This is a fine romance
Our relationship is proper, but lacks the emotional depth and passion that would make it truly meaningful or fulfilling.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Jerome Kern, Dorothy Fields
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind