Universally known as the King of the Mambo, Pérez Prado was the single most… Read Full Bio ↴Universally known as the King of the Mambo, Pérez Prado was the single most important musician involved in the hugely popular Latin dance craze. Whether he actually created the rhythm is somewhat disputed, but it's abundantly clear that Prado developed it into a bright, swinging style with massive appeal for dancers of all backgrounds and classes. Prado's mambo was filled with piercing high-register trumpets, undulating saxophone counterpoint, atmospheric organ (later on), and harmonic ideas borrowed from jazz. While his tight percussion arrangements allowed for little improvisation, they were dense and sharply focused, keeping the underlying syncopations easy for dancers to follow. Prado played the piano, but was often more in his element as the focal point of the audience's excitement; he leaped, kicked, danced, shouted, grunted, and exhorted his musicians with a dynamic stage presence that put many more sedate conductors and bandleaders to shame. With this blueprint, Prado brought mambo all the way into the pop mainstream, inspiring countless imitators and scoring two number one singles on the pop charts (albeit in a smoother vein than the fare that first made his name) as the fad snowballed. He was a star throughout most of the Western Hemisphere during the '50s, and even after his popularity waned in the United States, he remained a widely respected figure in many Latin countries, especially his adopted home of Mexico. Prado is often best remembered for his softer, more commercial work, which has an undeniable kitschiness that plays well with modern-day lounge-revival hipsters. Unfortunately, that has served to obscure his very real credentials in the realm of authentic, unadulterated Latin dance music, and to this day he remains somewhat underappreciated.

I Can't Get Started
Perez Prado and His Orchestra Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I've been around the world in a plane
Settled revolutions in Spain
The North Pole I have charted
But can't get started with you
And at the golf course I'm under par
Metro-Goldwyn wants me to star
I've got a house and a show place
But can't get no place with you

You're so supreme
The lyrics I write of you
Dream, dream, day and night of you
Scheme just for the sight of you
Baby, but what good does it do?
I've been consulted by Franklin D.
Even Gable had me to tea
But now I'm broken-hearted
Can't get started with you

You're so supreme
The lyrics I write of you
Dream, dream, day and night of you
Scheme just for the sight of you
But what good does it do?
I've been consulted by Franklin D.
Even Basic had me to tea

But now I'm broken-hearted
Can't get started with you

Overall Meaning

In "I Can't Get Started," the singer expresses his frustration and longing for a romantic connection with someone who seems to be unattainable. The lyrics convey a sense of accomplishment in various aspects of the singer's life, such as exploring the world by plane, taking part in revolutions in Spain, and even charting the North Pole. However, despite these achievements, the singer feels incomplete because he cannot establish a meaningful connection with the person he desires.

The lyrics also highlight the singer's achievements in the entertainment industry, mentioning being under par at the golf course and being wanted by Metro-Goldwyn to star in films. The mention of having a house and a show place suggests material success, but the singer still feels a sense of emptiness without the presence of the desired person.

The chorus emphasizes the singer's deep infatuation with the person, with dreams and thoughts of them consuming his mind day and night. However, despite longing for the sight of the person, the singer laments that these efforts seem to hold no significance or yield any positive outcome in securing their love.

The mention of being consulted by Franklin D. (referring to Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States) and even Gable (referring to Clark Gable, a renowned actor) adds to the singer's sense of accomplishment and recognition. However, the final line reveals the singer's broken-heartedness, as he remains unable to establish a meaningful connection with the person he desires.

Overall, "I Can't Get Started" reflects the frustration, longing, and yearning for love and connection, despite achieving success in various aspects of life.

Line by Line Meaning

I've been around the world in a plane
I have traveled extensively by plane to various destinations worldwide.

Settled revolutions in Spain
I have successfully resolved political uprisings in Spain.

The North Pole I have charted
I have carefully mapped and explored the North Pole.

But can't get started with you
However, I cannot establish a romantic connection or relationship with you.

And at the golf course I'm under par
I consistently perform better than the expected level in golf.

Metro-Goldwyn wants me to star
The prestigious film production company, Metro-Goldwyn, desires me to be a leading actor in their films.

I've got a house and a show place
I possess a magnificent residence and a magnificent venue for entertainment.

But can't get no place with you
Despite my accomplishments and possessions, I fail to gain your affection or attention.

You're so supreme
You are incredibly magnificent and unparalleled.

The lyrics I write of you
The words I write express my admiration and love for you.

Dream, dream, day and night of you
I constantly fantasize and yearn for you, both during the day and at night.

Scheme just for the sight of you
I fervently plan and devise strategies solely to catch a glimpse of you.

Baby, but what good does it do?
However, these efforts prove futile and do not yield any positive results.

I've been consulted by Franklin D.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought my advice and counsel.

Even Gable had me to tea
Even the famous actor Clark Gable invited me over for a friendly tea.

But now I'm broken-hearted
Yet, currently, I am deeply saddened and emotionally devastated.

Can't get started with you
I am unable to begin a romantic relationship or establish a connection with you.

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ira Gershwin, Vernon Duke

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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