The Man I Love
Roy Eldridge Sextet Lyrics


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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 lyrics to "The Man I Love" by the Roy Eldridge Sextet express the feelings of a person who is in love but unable to provide material things due to their financial situation. The song starts by portraying the struggle of being broke, with the singer condemning it as a curse. It is a situation that has gone from terrible to worse with time. However, the singer tries to look at the bright side and hopes that someday, they will come into good fortune and finally be able to reach their prime. But as for now, they can't offer much besides their love.


The second verse is an expression of the singer's desire for their partner to be happy, but they are acutely aware of their inability to provide for them financially. The singer recognizes that they cannot give their partner anything except their love, which is the one thing that they abundantly possess. They urge their partner to dream and scheme for a better future, assuring them that they will ultimately discover the fulfillment that comes with genuine happiness, which the singer believes is more than the riches they desire.


The final verse of the song expresses the singer's willingness to wait, while continuing to love their partner deeply. The singer assures their partner that there is enough time for them to enjoy the wealth that they both desire. Until then, the singer can't give them anything except love. That's the only guarantee that they can offer their partner for now.


Line by Line Meaning

Gee, but it's tough to be broke, kid.
It's really difficult to be poor.


It's not a joke, kid, it's a curse.
It's not funny, it's a terrible thing.


My luck is changing, it's gotten from simply rotten to something worse
Things are becoming worse despite a chance of good luck.


Who knows, some day I will win too.
There might be a day where I will win as well.


I'll begin to reach my prime.
I'll start my successful period.


Now though I see what our end is,
I understand our situation now,


All I can spend is just my time.
I have no more than time to offer.


I can't give you anything but love, baby.
I can only offer you love.


That's the only thing I've plenty of,baby.
Love is the only resource that I am wealthy in.


Dream awhile, scheme awhile
Let's dream and plan,


We're sure to find
We will certainly discover


Happiness and I guess
We will find happiness and perhaps


All those things you've always pined for.
Everything you've ever desired.


Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, baby.
I'd love to see you looking great.


Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby.
Even Woolworth can't sell a diamond bracelet as beautiful as you.


Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby.
Until that fortunate day,


Rome wasn't built in a day, kid.
Great things take time and patience.


You have to pay, kid, for what you get.
You have to give up something to gain anything.


But I am willing to wait, dear,
I am patient and willing


Your little mate, dear, will not forget.
I won't forget, my dear companion.


You have a lifetime before you.
You have your whole life ahead of you.


I'll adore you, come what may.
I will love you no matter what happens.


Please don't be blue for the present,
Don't be sad for now.


When it's so pleasant to hear you say
It's so good to hear you say


I can't give you anything but love, baby.
I can only offer you love.


That's the only thing I've plenty of, baby.
Love is the only resource that I am wealthy in.


Dream awhile, scheme awhile
Let's dream and plan,


We're sure to find
We will certainly discover.


Happiness and I guess
We will find happiness and perhaps


All those things you've always pined for.
Everything you've ever desired.


Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, baby.
I'd love to see you looking great.


Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby.
Even Woolworth can't sell a diamond bracelet as beautiful as you.


Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby.
Until that fortunate day,


I can't give you anything but love.
I can only offer you love.




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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