I Won't Dance
Monheit Jane Lyrics
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I won't dance, don't ask me
I won't dance, monsieur, with you
My heart won't let my feet do things they should do
You know what? You're lovely
You know what? So lovely
But oh, what you do to me
I feel so absolutely stumped on the floor
When you dance, you're charming and you're gentle
'Specially when you do the Continental
But this feeling isn't purely mental
For heaven rest us, I'm not asbestos
And that's why I won't dance, why should I?
I won't dance, how could I?
I won't dance, merci beaucoup
I know that music plays the way to romance
So if I hold you in my arms, I won't dance
When you dance, you're charming and you're gentle
'Specially when you do the Continental
But this feeling isn't purely mental
For heaven rest us, I'm not asbestos
And that's why I won't dance (I won't dance), why should I?
I won't dance (I won't dance), how could I?
I won't dance, merci beaucoup
I know that music leads the way to romance
So if I hold you in my arms, I won't dance
I won't dance
I won't dance
I won't dance
The lyrics of Jane Monheit's song "I Won't Dance" express the singer's hesitant attitude towards dancing with someone they are attracted to. The repeated line "I won't dance, don't ask me" exemplifies the singer's reluctance and fear of losing control if they were to dance with Madame. The singer attributes their inability to dance to the fact that their heart won't let their feet do things they should do, suggesting that they fear being vulnerable and open with Madame.
The singer acknowledges the charm of Madame and the effect they have on the singer's emotions. The comparison of the singer to an "ocean wave that's bumped on the shore" illustrates their overwhelming feeling towards Madame. However, the singer remains steadfast in their decision to not engage in dancing, fearing that it could potentially lead to a deeper emotional connection.
Furthermore, the references to the Continental dance and the French language (merci beaucoup) give the song a vintage and romantic aura. The lyrics emphasize the idea that dance and music can lead to romance, but the singer remains cautious not to let their guard down. The song ultimately portrays the fear of vulnerability and potential heartbreak that can come with opening oneself up to love.
Line by Line Meaning
I won't dance, don't ask me
I refuse to dance, don't even bother asking me to.
I won't dance madame with you
I will not dance with you, even though you are a respectable lady.
My heart won't let my feet do things that they should do
I cannot dance because of the overwhelming emotions in my heart that is holding me back from dancing.
You know what, you're lovely you know what, you're so lovely
You are truly beautiful, it is undeniable how lovely you are.
And you oh what you do to me
You have an effect on me, it is powerful and undeniable.
I'm like an ocean wave that's bumped on the shore
I feel turbulent inside, just like an ocean wave that's crashing against the shore.
I feel so absolutely stumped on the floor
I am completely lost and unable to move, I feel perplexed on the dance floor.
When you dance, you're charming and you're gentle
Your dancing is full of grace and elegance, it is absolutely charming and delightful to watch.
Specially when you do the Continental
Particularly when you dance the Continental, a type of ballroom dance popular in the early 20th century.
And this feeling isn't purely mental
This strong emotion I am feeling is not solely in my head, it is a physical sensation as well.
Cuz heaven rest us, I'm not asbestos
I'm only human and vulnerable to the power of dance and love, just like everyone else.
And that's why I won't dance, why should I?
This is the reason I cannot dance, why should I subject myself to feeling this way?
I won't dance, how could I?
I cannot dance no matter how hard I try to force myself to.
Merci beacoup
Thank you very much.
I know that music lead the way to romance
Music has the power to create a romantic atmosphere and set the mood.
So if I hold you in arms I won't dance
Even if I hold you in my arms, I still won't dance because my heart won't allow me to.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jerome Kern, Jimmy Mc Hugh, Oscar Hammerstein Ii, Otto Harbach
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MCRose
My love of this genre began when I was 8 years old. I just find it incredibly beautiful. Most of my friends think it's a weird interest but what can I say... I just love good music :)
Justin Powell
Wow I love her voice. It's so old-fashioned, you never really see that anymore. They do a good job together
Julia T
Great duet! Jane voice is so clear and soft. And Michael is just the best
Mia Margareta
Jane s voice s highly educated Michael just sings...but just simply charming together 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
MiSimonCat
A beautiful song, done by two talented performers
Mei Douthitt
Swing was never better - these two singers are amazing!
Groek123
I absolutely wished they would sing a lot of songs together ! For me this is one of the very best interpretations of this Songs .
Cass_jh
I'm so glad there's still amazing music like this being made.. I almost lost hope for music, what with all the junk coming out now. They sound great together, yeah?
orangeymi
I like that they made a song together, they are really cool. Her voice is really good and his voice is too!! Yep.
kickboxer
Two absolutely superb performers, alas I don't hear enough much Jane Moneit on local radio