Leader of the most popular dance bands in the United States during the 1920s, Whiteman's recordings were immensely successful, and press notices often referred to him as the "King of Jazz". Using a large ensemble and exploring many styles of music, Whiteman is perhaps best known for his blending of symphonic music and jazz, as typified by his 1924 commissioning and debut of George Gershwin's jazz-influenced "Rhapsody In Blue". Whiteman recorded many jazz and pop standards during his career, including "Wang Wang Blues", "Mississippi Mud", "Rhapsody in Blue", "Wonderful One", "Hot Lips", "Mississippi Suite", and "Grand Canyon Suite". His popularity faded in the swing music era of the 1930s, and by the 1940s Whiteman was semi-retired from music.
Whiteman's place in the history of early jazz is somewhat controversial.[1] Detractors suggest that Whiteman's ornately-orchestrated music was jazz in name only (lacking the genre's improvisational and emotional depth), and co-opted the innovations of black musicians.[1] Defenders note that Whiteman's fondness for jazz was genuine (he worked with black musicians as much as was feasible during an era of racial segregation),[1] that his bands included many of the era's most esteemed white jazz musicians, and argue that Whiteman's groups handled jazz admirably as part of a larger repertoire.[2] In his autobiography, Duke Ellington[3] declared, "Paul Whiteman was known as the King of Jazz, and no one as yet has come near carrying that title with more certainty and dignity."
I Get A Kick Out Of You
Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mere alcohol,
Doesn't thrill me at all,
So tell me, why should it be true,
That I get a kick out of you.
Some get a kick from cocaine,
I'm sure that if,
It would bore me terrifically,too,
Yet I get a kick out of you.
I get a kick every time I see you,
Standing there before me,
I get a kick though it's clear to see,
You obviously don't adore me.
Some get a kick in a plane,
Flying too high,
With some gal in the sky,
Is my idea of nothing to do,
But I get a kick out of you.
I get a kick...out of you.
The song "I Get A Kick Out Of You" by Cole Porter, as performed by Paul Whiteman and featuring the vocals of Ramona, is a lighthearted tune that explores the complexity of human attraction. The opening lines of the song set the tone for the remainder of the lyrics, with the singer confessing that they don't find pleasure in Champagne or alcohol, although others might. Instead, the singer admits to finding pleasure in being around the object of their desires, even though it is obvious that the feeling is not reciprocated.
The second verse of the song delves even deeper into the singer's psyche, with them admitting that they wouldn't find pleasure in things like cocaine or flying in a plane with a companion. However, despite all of these potential distractions, the singer still finds themselves drawn to the person in question. The chorus of the song reinforces this theme, with the singer confessing that they get a kick out of the person despite the fact that they don't feel the same way.
Overall, "I Get A Kick Out Of You" is a fun, upbeat tune that speaks to the complicated nature of attraction and desire. It hints at a one-sided infatuation while still retaining a sense of humor and playfulness.
Line by Line Meaning
I get no kick from champagne,
Champagne doesn't excite me.
Mere alcohol,
Just plain alcohol,
Doesn't thrill me at all,
Doesn't excite me in the least.
So tell me, why should it be true,
Why is there an exception,
That I get a kick out of you.
That I find joy from your presence.
Some get a kick from cocaine,
Some are excited by cocaine,
I'm sure that if,
I think that if,
I took even one sniff,
I tried even once,
It would bore me terrifically,too,
It would also bore me terribly,
Yet I get a kick out of you.
Nevertheless, your presence excites me.
I get a kick every time I see you,
I get excited each time I see you,
Standing there before me,
Just being there in front of me,
I get a kick though it's clear to see,
It's obvious that,
You obviously don't adore me.
You clearly don't love me back.
Some get a kick in a plane,
Some are excited by flying,
Flying too high,
Flying up high,
With some gal in the sky,
With a woman up in the air,
Is my idea of nothing to do,
Is not my idea of fun,
But I get a kick out of you.
But you still excite me.
I get a kick...out of you.
I find happiness in you.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jimthompson606
I think the Whiteman played Cole Porter's music better than just about anybody and I love that period sound that matches the era when the songs were written.
@robertwilson123
An absolutely excellent quality 78 recording in every aspect.
@robertwilson123
I totally agree with Mr Thompson's comment... Listening to these works by the original period artists on 78 surfaces and good transfers gives a very special feel.... And what marvelous vibrant renditions they were.
@edwardgunyo3638
I danced that in the early 70's and the person who was the best dancer has Fred Astaire, he came here for the dance group. He was in his 80's and could still dance pretty well. What a memory.
@HMinot
Such a great-sounding transfer!
@khussein6409
Beautiful!
@fredherbert7920
Welcome back, sir!
@alonzochurch3194
Who knew that the Latin beat was the perfect way to play this?
@joycepino9749
Frank Sinatra did a version of this song later on. (2023)