This is a great 30s-era Jazz band. Listening to this band would be like lis… Read Full Bio ↴This is a great 30s-era Jazz band. Listening to this band would be like listening to Al Bowlly singing with Ray Noble and His Orchestra if only high-definition recording equipment had been around 70+ years ago. I've read somewhere that Her Majesty is not displeased whenever she hears the Pasadena Roof Orchestra.

The band's website is www.pasadena.co.uk

I Can't Dance
Pasadena Roof Orchestra Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Gee, but it's tough to be broke, kid.
It's not a joke, kid, it's a curse.
My luck is changing, it's gotten from
simply rotten to something worse
Who knows, some day I will win too.
I'll begin to reach my prime.

Now though I see what our end is,

All I can spend is just my time.

I can't give you anything but love, baby.
That's the only thing I've plenty of,baby.

Dream awhile, scheme awhile
We're sure to find

Happiness and I guess
All those things you've always pined for.

Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, baby.
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby.

Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby.
I can't give you anything but love.

Rome wasn't built in a day, kid.
You have to pay, kid, for what you get.
But I am willing to wait, dear,
Your little mate, dear, will not forget.

You have a lifetime before you.
I'll adore you, come what may.

Please don't be blue for the present,
When it's so pleasant to hear you say

I can't give you anything but love, baby.
That's the only thing I've plenty of,baby.

Dream awhile, scheme awhile
We're sure to find

Happiness and I guess
All those things you've always pined for.

Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, baby.
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby.

Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby.
I can't give you anything but love.

Overall Meaning

The Pasadena Roof Orchestra's "I Can't Dance" is a throwback to the 1920s era of jazz music. The lyrics of the song capture a feeling of hopelessness as the singer feels stuck in a financial rut. The opening lines convey the despair of the singer as they sing "Gee, but it's tough to be broke, kid. It's not a joke, kid, it's a curse." The singer's luck has gone from bad to worse, and they can only hope that things will turn around someday. However, despite the bleak situation, the singer is determined to keep dreaming and scheming for a better future.

The song features a repeated refrain of "I can't give you anything but love, baby. That's the only thing I've plenty of, baby." This line highlights the fact that while the singer may not have money or material wealth, they have plenty of love to offer. The lyrics also suggest that love is more important than material possessions. The singer encourages their partner to dream and scheme for a better future, promising that they will be there to support and adore them no matter what.

Overall, "I Can't Dance" is a nostalgic and charming song that evokes a bygone era. The lyrics stand out for their focus on the importance of love and optimism in the face of hardship.

Line by Line Meaning

Gee, but it's tough to be broke, kid.
Being broke is tough, it's not a joke but rather a curse.

It's not a joke, kid, it's a curse.
Being broke is not funny but rather a curse.

My luck is changing, it's gotten from simply rotten to something worse
My luck is getting worse, not just stagnant.

Who knows, some day I will win too. I'll begin to reach my prime.
I hope to win and fulfill my potential someday.

Now though I see what our end is, All I can spend is just my time.
I am becoming aware of our financial troubles and can only spend my time.

I can't give you anything but love, baby. That's the only thing I've plenty of,baby.
I may not have material possessions, but I have an abundance of love.

Dream awhile, scheme awhile We're sure to find Happiness and I guess All those things you've always pined for.
Let's dream and make plans, we will find the happiness and things we desire.

Gee, I'd like to see you looking swell, baby. Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby.
I'd love to see you looking your best, with precious jewels that cannot be found at a common store.

Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby. I can't give you anything but love.
Until that fortunate time, you know well that my only gift is my love.

Rome wasn't built in a day, kid. You have to pay, kid, for what you get.
Good things take time and hard work to achieve.

But I am willing to wait, dear, Your little mate, dear, will not forget.
I am willing to be patient and remember our love.

You have a lifetime before you. I'll adore you, come what may.
You have your whole life ahead of you and I will continue to love you no matter what happens.

Please don't be blue for the present, When it's so pleasant to hear you say
Don't be sad about our current situation when I enjoy hearing you talk.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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