I Can't Get Started
O'Day Anita Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I've flown around the world in a plane
I've settled revolutions in Spain
And the North Pole I have charted
Still I can't get started with you

On the golf course, I'm under par
Metro Goldwyn have asked me to star
I've got a house, a showplace
Still I can't get no place with you

'Cause you're so supreme
Lyrics I write of you, I dream
Dream day and night of you
And I scheme just for the sight of you
Baby, what good does it do?

I've been consulted by Franklin D
Greta Garbo has had me to tea
Still I'm broken-hearted





'Cause I can't get started with you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Anita O'Day's "I Can't Get Started" narrate the story of a person who has achieved great success in their life, traveling around the world, settling revolutions, charting the North Pole, and receiving offers to star in movies by Metro Goldwyn. However, despite all of these achievements and possessions, they are still not able to make a connection with the person they are yearning for. The singer expresses their feelings of helplessness and despair, highlighting the overwhelming effect the object of their desire has upon them, even after their notable successes.


The line "Cause you're so supreme" emphasizes the love and admiration the singer has for this person. The verses "Lyrics I write of you, I dream, Dream day and night of you" illustrate the obsession that the person has towards their love interest. The line "And I scheme just for the sight of you" indicates the extent to which the singer is willing to go to be with their lover.


Line by Line Meaning

I've flown around the world in a plane
I've traveled extensively by air across the globe


I've settled revolutions in Spain
I've been involved in resolving conflicts in Spain


And the North Pole I have charted
I've navigated and mapped out the North Pole


Still I can't get started with you
Despite my achievements, I cannot seem to make progress with you


On the golf course, I'm under par
I excel at golf, consistently scoring below average


Metro Goldwyn have asked me to star
The film company Metro Goldwyn Mayer has invited me to be a lead actor in one of their movies


I've got a house, a showplace
I own a magnificent home, a place to entertain and showcase my accomplishments


Still I can't get no place with you
Despite my success and possessions, I am not able to make progress with you


'Cause you're so supreme
Because you are the pinnacle of excellence


Lyrics I write of you, I dream
I constantly dream of writing lyrics about you


Dream day and night of you
You are constantly on my mind, even in my dreams


And I scheme just for the sight of you
I plan and strategize just for the chance to see you


Baby, what good does it do?
But it seems to be futile, and leaves me wondering if it is worth the effort.


I've been consulted by Franklin D
I've been sought after to provide guidance to Franklin D. Roosevelt, the former President of the United States


Greta Garbo has had me to tea
I have had the pleasure of having tea with the famous actress, Greta Garbo


Still I'm broken-hearted
However, my heart is still shattered


'Cause I can't get started with you
Because I cannot make progress with you, and the thought still causes me great pain.




Lyrics © DELLA BLUE MUSIC LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANITA O'DAY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

cooperdogable

There is no one hipper or wittier than Anita. She was delectably stylish in a way that no one else was. I love her to pieces!

pharma steve

Thanks for sharing this... my all-time song from the old American Songbook... sung by one of my favourite jazz sings. Her voice is like velvet.

blueboyb

Thanks for this one. One of the greatest voices ever.

John Agresti

her voice is a soothing balm for the turmoil in my soul.

TrinidadTwirlygigs

I've been searching for the melody to the proper intro for awhile. Anita you still give us a smile.

Mick Penning

Never got over seeing her for the first time on the big silver screen, performing in the Jazz Documentary 1958 'Jazz on a Summer's Day' -the Newport Jazz Festival. I think she sang 'Sweet Georgia Brown'.... eh! ,,get this here; I've just bin and sorted it for you... the other one she sang was 'Tea for Two' -tremendous, absolutely tremendous!! It's there waiting for you....

tippimail1

Great song sang by one of the greatest voices of all time.Anita,you were the best!

Stuart Dryer

She was the perfect jazz singer.

FLBoy46

Lovely. #1 in talent and interpretation.

Ivan Schmidt

She adds her own personal touch...so close you can feel the fuzz on her face and hear the nearly inaudible rasp in her voice. What could be better?

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