Fox was born in Denver but brought up in Hollywood, California. He began playing cornet when he was eleven years old, and by age 13 was performing in the Los Angeles Examiner's newsboys' band. Soon after he played bugle for a studio owned by Cecil B. DeMille. His first major association came at age 16, when he joined Abe Lyman's orchestra at the Sunset Inn in Santa Monica, where he played alongside Miff Mole, Gussie Miller, and Gus Arnheim. He developed a soft style of playing there which earned him the nickname "The Whispering Cornetist". In 1920 he put together his own band, with whom he recorded in 1925. That same year he also scored a gig on radio broadcasting with Art Hickman's orchestra; this ensemble toured the U.S., then did an extended residency in Florida. After some time in New York City, Fox and Arnheim reconvened in Hollywood, working at the Ambassador Hotel, and Fox continued to broadcast with his own bands. During this time he also did a number of film soundtracks.
In 1930 Fox was invited to perform in London, which he did first on September 29 of that year. He recorded on the BBC that year, and when his band returned to the U.S. the following spring, Fox remained behind, recording with a new group for Decca Records and accepting an engagement at the Monseigneur restaurant in Piccadilly. He lost this contract in November 1931 when he fell ill with pleurisy and traveled to Switzerland for a stay at a sanatorium. Upon his return he put together yet another group comprised of entirely new members aside from trumpeter/vocalist Sid Buckman, and performed in Belgium as well as the UK. He made the films On the Air and Big Ben Calling in 1933-34, recorded for HMV in 1936, and toured Europe until 1938, when he fell ill again.
Fox moved to Australia, where he led the Jay Whidden Orchestra and visited the U.S. for a few tours with small groups. He led a band in England in 1946-47, with appearances at the Isle of Man and London's Potomac Club. He went into semi-retirement after 1952, when he opened his own booking agency, and died in London in 1982.
A Fine Romance
Roy Fox & His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A fine romance, my friend, this is
We should be like a couple of hot tomatoes (to-mah-toes, dear)
But you're as cold as yesterday's mashed po-tah-toes (potatoes)
A fine romance, you won't nestle
A fine romance, you won't even wrestle
You've never mussed the crease in my blue serge pants
A fine romance, my good fellow
You take romance, I'll take Jello
You're calmer than the seals in the Arctic Ocean
At least they flap their fins to express emotion
A fine romance, my dear Duchess
Two old fogies, we really need crutches
You're just as hard to land as the Ile de France! (Fronce)
I haven't got a chonce (chance), this is a fine romance
A fine romance, my good woman
My strong, aged-in-the-wood woman
You never give those orchids I send a glance
They're just like cactus plants, (oh boy)
This is a fine romance!
In "A Fine Romance," the singer describes the relationship in a rather humorous and sarcastic manner. He describes the relationship as a "fine romance" with no kisses, where they should be like "hot tomatoes" but his partner is as "cold as yesterday's mashed potatoes." Despite his efforts, his partner is not ready to make a move or show affection. The singer continues to mock their lack of intimacy and passion, stating that he will take Jello (a dessert) instead of romance, and his partner is as calm as the seals in the Arctic Ocean. He ends the song by saying that his partner is just as hard to land as the Ile de France, a French ocean liner, and compares the orchids he sends to her with cactus plants - both equally ignored.
The lyrics are reminiscent of the 1920s and 1930s, a time when humor and irony were often used in songs. The song was written by Jerome Kern (music) and Dorothy Fields (lyrics) and was featured in the 1936 film "Swing Time", starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The song was performed by Astaire and Rogers and later became a popular jazz standard.
Line by Line Meaning
A fine romance with no kisses
A relationship that appears to be a romance but without any physical intimacy
A fine romance, my friend, this is
Despite the lack of intimate connection, this relationship continues to be characterized as a romantic one
We should be like a couple of hot tomatoes (to-mah-toes, dear)
We should behave with the passion and energy of two lively individuals
But you're as cold as yesterday's mashed po-tah-toes (potatoes)
However, you are emotionally distant and unresponsive
A fine romance, you won't nestle
Even a simple act of physical closeness, like snuggling, is missing from this relationship
A fine romance, you won't even wrestle
There's no zest or playfulness in this relationship
You've never mussed the crease in my blue serge pants
You've never been close enough to cause any dishevelment or disruption to my routine
You never take a chance, this is a fine romance
You're always cautious and reluctant to take risks, and this is what you consider a romantic relationship
A fine romance, my good fellow
This relationship, even if lacking in several aspects, is still something I cherish
You take romance, I'll take Jello
While you may be content with a passionless romance, I crave something more exciting and fulfilling
You're calmer than the seals in the Arctic Ocean
You are incredibly calm and composed, to a fault
At least they flap their fins to express emotion
Seals may be more expressive than you are, and that's saying something
A fine romance, my dear Duchess
This relationship feels like a genteel one, which demands a higher degree of refinement and propriety
Two old fogies, we really need crutches
We are both past our prime and may require external support to carry on with our lives
You're just as hard to land as the Ile de France! (Fronce)
You are as difficult to attract and retain as a notoriously reticent luxury liner
I haven't got a chonce (chance), this is a fine romance
Despite my many attempts to change the situation, this is the only kind of romantic relationship you're willing to have
A fine romance, my good woman
I must insist that this is, indeed, a romantic relationship
My strong, aged-in-the-wood woman
You are a wise and seasoned woman who's seen it all
You never give those orchids I send a glance
Even gifts of affection, like flowers, go unnoticed and unappreciated by you
They're just like cactus plants, (oh boy)
To you, even delicate and beautiful gifts seem as ordinary and dry as a plant known for its thorns and resilience
This is a fine romance!
Despite its many challenges and shortcomings, this is still something I value and hold dear
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: JEROME KERN, DOROTHY FIELDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind