Nice Work If You Can Get It
Sonny Stitt Quartet Lyrics
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Lives a life that isn't necessarily sunny
Likewise the man who works for fame
There's no guarantee that time won't erase his name
The fact is, the only work that really brings enjoyment
Is the kind that is for girl and boy meant
Fall in love and you won't regret it
Holding hands at midnight
'Neath a starry sky
Nice work if you can get it
And you can get it if you try
Strolling with the one girl
Sighing sigh after sigh
Nice work if you can get it
And you can get it if you try
Just imagine someone
Waiting at the cottage door
Where two hearts become one
Who could ask for anything more?
Loving one who loves you
And then taking that vow
It's nice work if you can get it
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?"
Just imagine someone
Waiting at the cottage door
Where two hearts become one
Who could ask for anything more?
Loving one who loves you
And then taking that vow
Nice work if you can get it
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?"
In "Nice Work If You Can Get It," Sonny Stitt reflects on the importance of finding fulfilling work. He acknowledges that those who live solely for the pursuit of money or fame may not necessarily live happy lives, as those things are not guaranteed and can be fleeting. Instead, Stitt suggests that the only type of work that truly brings enjoyment is that which is meant for both girls and boys — falling in love.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of romantic love as the ultimate form of rewarding work. Holding hands at midnight under a starry sky and strolling with a loved one are both depicted as "nice work" if you can get it. The chorus repeats the sentiment that love is indeed the best work of all, and that it is only attainable if one tries.
The final lines of the song encourage the listener to imagine finding someone waiting at the cottage door, where "two hearts become one." Stitt emphasizes that finding someone who loves you and taking that vow is "nice work" if you can get it — a sentiment that is both romantic and poignant.
Overall, "Nice Work If You Can Get It" is a testament to the idea that finding fulfilling work is all about finding something that resonates with your heart and soul. Whether that means pursuing a career you're passionate about or finding that special someone to share your life with, the message is clear: work can only truly be rewarding if it resonates with what you truly desire.
Line by Line Meaning
The man who only lives for making money
Living only to make money isn't always a bright path
Lives a life that isn't necessarily sunny
Being consumed with one's work doesn't guarantee happiness
Likewise the man who works for fame
Similarly, those who work for fame face an uncertain future
There's no guarantee that time won't erase his name
Their name and accomplishments may eventually be forgotten
The fact is, the only work that really brings enjoyment
The truth is that only work that brings happiness
Is the kind that is for girl and boy meant
Is the kind of work that is meant for love
Fall in love and you won't regret it
If you fall in love, it will be worthwhile
That's the best work of all, if you can get it
That's the most fulfilling work, if you can find it
Holding hands at midnight
Romantic moments like holding hands at midnight
'Neath a starry sky
Underneath the countless stars
Nice work if you can get it
It's an amazing feeling if you can achieve it
And you can get it if you try
It's possible to achieve this kind of love if you put in the effort
Strolling with the one girl
Walks, hand in hand with a special girl
Sighing sigh after sigh
Losing oneself in deep, heartfelt sighs
Just imagine someone
Picture someone in your heart
Waiting at the cottage door
Waiting for you at the cozy cottage door
Where two hearts become one
Where two hearts blend into one
Who could ask for anything more?
What meaningful thing could anyone ask for?
Loving one who loves you
Being loved by someone you also love
And then taking that vow
Together making a pledge of eternal love
It's nice work if you can get it
It's a beautiful thing to experience
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?
If you experience it, please show me how to get there too!
Lyrics © SONGS MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind