I'll Do Anything but Work
Ray Charles Lyrics


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I'll take you strolling, 'round, lover's lane
I'll come to see you, even in the rain
I'll do any, thing for you, but work

Sing your praises, hold your hand
Tell the world that I think you're grand
I'll do any, thing for you, (he-he) but slave
I'll take you, to dine and dance
Fill your ears with sweet romance
See baby, I know I'm handsome but what the heck
I'm all yours if you pay the check

I'm yours to have, yours to hold
But that word 'work' just leaves me cold
I'll do any, thing for you, but work

{solos}

I'll take you, out to dine and dance
Fill your ears with sweet romance
Baby, I'm so good lookin' it's a shame
But I'm all yours if you pay the check

Yours to have, yours to hold




That word 'work' just leaves me cold
I'll do any, thing for you, but work

Overall Meaning

The song I'll Do Anything but Work by Ray Charles is a testament to the lengths that the singer would go for his lover, except working. The first two lines of the song talk about how the singer would take his lover out for a stroll even when it's raining; this is an expression of his devotion to her, come rain or shine. The next lines state that he will sing her praises, hold her hand, and even tell the world how grand she is. The singer then takes it further by promising to take her out to dine and dance, fill her ears with sweet romance, and even be hers entirely so long as she pays the check.


Interestingly, the singer often emphasizes his good looks, stating that he is so good-looking that it is a shame. But despite this, the word "work" leaves him cold, implying that he does not want to work. The singer seems to suggest that love and pleasure are enough and that there is no need for him to work if he has the support of his lover. This song seems to be reflecting the sentiment amongst Americans at the time that they would do anything for their partners except work.


In summary, the lyrics of I'll Do Anything but Work reveal a lover who is ready to commit to anything and everything but work for his partner. Ray Charles's powerful and emotive voice brings these lyrics to life, making the song enjoyable and memorable.


Line by Line Meaning

I'll take you strolling, 'round lover's lane
I want to spend romantic time with you, taking a leisurely walk around lover's lane.


I'll come to see you, even in the rain
I am willing to go out of my way to be with you, even if the weather is bad.


I'll do anything for you, but work
I am happy to do anything for you, except work. I don't enjoy working and find it difficult.


Sing your praises, hold your hand
I want to express my admiration for you and hold your hand affectionately.


Tell the world that I think you're grand
I am proud of being with you and want everyone to know how amazing you are.


I'll do anything for you, (he-he) but slave
I am willing to do anything for you, except become a slave or do something that feels like too much work.


I'll take you to dine and dance
I would love to take you out for dinner and then dance with you.


Fill your ears with sweet romance
I will charm you with sweet words of love and affection.


See baby, I know I'm handsome but what the heck
I am confident in my looks and don't mind showing them off to you.


I'm all yours if you pay the check
I am willing to give my time and attention to you as long as you pay for our outings.


I'm yours to have, yours to hold
I am willing and available to be in a committed and romantic relationship with you.


But that word 'work' just leaves me cold
I have negative feelings about the idea of working and find it unappealing or boring.


I'll do anything for you, but work
I am saying again that I am happy to do anything for you, except work.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: RAY CHARLES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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