Change Partners
Stills & Nash Crosby Lyrics
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Are requested to gaze in the faces
Found on the dance cards
Please then remember
And don't get to close
To one special one
He will take your defenses and run.
Time to change partners
You must change partners
Again
This is how most of our ladies grew up
At the country club dances
They learned how to handle the boys
Gently but firmly
They learned to say no
There were four more young men
Who were waiting in the color and the noise.
So we change partners
Time to change partners
You must change partners
Again
All of the ladies attending the ball
Are requested to gaze in the faces
Found on the dance cards
Please then remember
And follow your list
'Cause the dear things get hurt
And the broken hearts make you feel.
So we change partners
Time to change partners
You must change partners
Again
The song "Change Partners" by Stills & Nash Crosby is a reflection on the dance culture in the country clubs of the past. In the first verse, the song speaks directly to the women attending the ball, requesting them to be cautious in choosing a dance partner from the dance cards. The lyrics caution against getting too close to any one partner, as it could lead to being hurt or let down. The chorus then encourages the women to change partners, reminding them of the many other young men waiting to dance.
The second verse further delves into the idea of the country club dance culture, stating that the women learned how to handle boys and say no gently but firmly. The lyrics then reference the fact that there were more young men waiting in the crowd, again emphasizing the abundance of potential dance partners. The song closes with a final refrain of the chorus, repeating the idea that it's time to change partners, and that the women must keep to their list to avoid getting hurt.
Overall, the song serves as a commentary on the societal expectations placed on women in the past, particularly in the context of the country club dances. The lyrics suggest that the women were expected to navigate the dance hall with grace and poise, carefully selecting their partners and avoiding heartbreak.
Line by Line Meaning
All of the ladies attending the ball
Every woman present at the ball
Are requested to gaze in the faces
Are asked to look at the gentlemen's faces
Found on the dance cards
Whose names were written on the dance cards
Please then remember
Remember to follow the list of partners
And don't get to close
Don't get too attached
To one special one
To a particular man
He will take your defenses and run.
He will take advantage of you and leave.
So we change partners
That's why we switch dance partners.
Time to change partners
It's time to find a new partner.
You must change partners
It's necessary to switch partners
Again
Once more
This is how most of our ladies grew up
This is how many women were taught to behave.
At the country club dances
At dances held at the country club
They learned how to handle the boys
They learned how to deal with male suitors
Gently but firmly
With both kindness and firmness
They learned to say no
They learned to refuse advances
There were four more young men
There were many other available men
Who were waiting in the color and the noise.
Who were waiting amid the lively and colorful scene
And follow your list
And stick to your dance card
'Cause the dear things get hurt
Because women often get hurt from becoming too attached.
And the broken hearts make you feel.
Heartbreak is a very painful feeling.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
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