Michael Feinstein (born September 7, 1956) is an American singer, a pianist… Read Full Bio ↴Michael Feinstein (born September 7, 1956) is an American singer, a pianist, music revivalist, and an interpreter of, and anthropologist and archivist for, the repertoire known as the Great American Songbook. The Library of Congress elected him to the National Sound Recording Advisory Board, an organization dedicated to safeguarding America’s musical heritage.

I'll Get By
Michael Feinstein Lyrics

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This old world was just as sad a place
For me as could be, I was lonely and you
This old world then changed to paradise for me
Suddenly, why? Because I love you
All the wealth and power I may never find
Still as long as I have you dear, I won't mind

For I'll get by as long as I have you

Though there be rain and darkness too
I'll not complain, I'll see it through
Poverty, may come to me, that's true
But what care I, say I'll get by
As long as I have you

I've neither wealth nor power
But now that you've said you're mine
Wherever I go, whatever I do
I'll be doing fine

Thought I may be far away, it's true

Say what care I, dear, I'll get by
As long as I have you

Overall Meaning

In Michael Feinstein's song "I'll Get By," he delves into the idea of love being the only thing that truly matters. The lyrics begin with the idea that the world was a sad and lonely place before the introduction of love. The singer was unhappy and alone until one person changed everything. Suddenly the world transformed into a paradise because the person they love was there.

The second verse explains that the singer may never find wealth or power, but it doesn't matter as long as they have their loved one. Even if poverty comes their way, they won't complain because they know they have love. They will get through anything with the person they love by their side. The chorus repeats this sentiment that they will get by as long as they have their loved one. It doesn't matter what the world throws at them, as long as they have love, they will make it through.

The final verse talks about how the singer may have neither wealth nor power, but it doesn't matter now that they have love. They will be fine no matter where they go or what they do, as long as they have their loved one with them. They will get by far away, as long as they have the love they need.

Overall, "I'll Get By" highlights the idea that love truly is the most important thing in life. It doesn't matter what else is going on as long as there is someone to love and hold onto.

Line by Line Meaning

This old world was just as sad a place
The world used to be depressing

For me as could be, I was lonely and you
I was very lonely at that time

This old world then changed to paradise for me
But after falling in love with you, everything changed for the better

Suddenly, why? Because I love you
I realized that I love you and that's why everything changed suddenly

All the wealth and power I may never find
I may never acquire wealth or power in my life

Still as long as I have you dear, I won't mind
But as long as I have you in my life, I will be content and happy

For I'll get by as long as I have you
I will be able to survive any challenges as long as you are with me

Though there be rain and darkness too
Even during difficult times

I'll not complain, I'll see it through
I will never complain and persevere through the hardships

Poverty, may come to me, that's true
I may face poverty in my life, that is a possibility

But what care I, say I'll get by
But I don't care because I know I can get through it