The origins of the Nylons date back to 1978 when four experienced Toronto stage actors, Connors, Cooper, Morrison, and Simpson, used to get together in the back of a delicatessen to sing doo-wop together. They took their ensemble to parties and friend's houses and constant comments from people convinced them to take their unique a cappella act into the clubs. An acquaintence met at a party was about to open a new cabaret and invited them to debut there. They played there for six weeks, garnering rave critical and audience reviews. In 1979 Simpson retired from the group and Cole was brought on board. They very quickly established themselves as one of the area's classiest and most original ensembles and caught the attention of Attic Records. Their first album eventually went platinum in Canada (100,000 copies), and there followed four more releases on Attic that all sold at least gold in Canada (50,000 copies). They received the equivalent of a Dutch Grammy award and a gold disc for the One Size Fits All album and the Best Singer Award at 1986's Tokyo Music Festival. In 1987 Disney used their song That Kind Of Man in their feature The Tin Man, and their version of Up The Ladder To The Roof was used in the movie Made In Heaven. They also scored a second appearance on the Taft Broadcasting television show Throb after writing the theme song and a previous appearance on the program. In February 1991 founding member Connors left the group and in March of that year died of viral pneumonia. A new deal in 1991 with Scotti Brothers in the US and BMG in Canada saw the release of three more albums, and constant touring on either side of the border. Over the years various member changes have led to today's lineup of Morrison, Robinson, Mosbaugh, and Cassius. In 1997 they signed with Shoreline Records in the US, a label primarily devoted to vocal groups, and released the Fabric Of Life. Today they continue to tour the world to audience and critical acclaim.
Singles
1982 The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Attic) 1983 Silhouettes (Attic) 1983 That Kind Of Man (Attic) 1984 Take Me To Your Heart (Attic) 1984 Perpetual Emotion (Attic) 1984 Stepping Stone (Attic) 1984 Combat Zone (Attic) 1987 Kiss Him Goodbye (Attic) 1987 Happy Together (Attic) 1987 Chain Gang (Attic) 1989 Wild Fire (Attic) 1989 Drift Away (Attic) 1991 Call My Name (Attic) 1991 One Fine Day (Attic) 1992 Don't Look Any Further (Scotti Brothers)
Albums
1982 The Nylons (Attic) 1982 One Size Fits All (Attic) 1984 Seamless (Attic) 1987 Happy Together (Attic) 1989 Rockapella (Attic) 1991 Four On The Floor (Attic) 1992 Live To Love (BMG) 1993 Illustrious: A Collection Of Classic Hits (Attic) 1994 Harmony - The Christmas Songs (BMG) 1994 Because... (BMG) 1996 Run For Cover (BMG) 1997 Fabric Of Life (Shoreline) 1997 Perfect Fit (Windham Hill) [re-release of 1993's Illustrious]
Marc Connors (baritone; RIP 1991) Paul Cooper (tenor) Claude Morrison (tenor) Dennis Simpson (bass) Ralph Cole (bass; replaced Simpson 1979) Arnold Robinson (bass; replaced Cole 1981) Micah Barnes (tenor; replaced Cooper 1991) Billy Newton-Davis (baritone; replaced Connors 1992) Garth Mosbaugh (tenor; replaced Barnes 1994) Gavin Hope (baritone; replaced Newton-Davis 1994) Mark Cassius (baritone; replaced Hope 1997)
I Can't Go for That
The Nylons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't go for that
Easy ready willing all the time
Where does it stop where do you dare me to draw the line
You've got the body now you want my soul
Don't even think about it say no go
Oh I, I'll do anything that you want me to
I'll do almost anything that you want me to
But I can't go for that; no can do
I can't go for that; no can do
I can't go for that; no can do
I can't go for that; can't go for that
Can't go for that; can't go for that
I can't go for being twice as nice
I can't go for just repeating the same old lines
Use the body now you want my soul
Ooh forget about it say no go
Yeah I, I'll do anything that you want me to
I'll do almost anything that you want me to
But I can't go for that; no can do
I can't go for that; no can do
I can't go for that; no can do
I can't go for that; can't go for that
Can't go for that; can't go for that
Oh I, I'll do anything that you want me to
I'll do almost anything that you want me to
I can't go for that; no can do
I can't go for that; no can do
I can't go for that; can't go for that
Can't go for that
The song, "I Can't Go for That" by The Nylons, is a message about setting boundaries and not being willing to compromise one's values or sense of self for someone else. The lyrics present a scenario where someone is being pushed to give more of themselves than they are comfortable with, whether it be their body or soul, and the refusal to comply results in the repeated refrain "I can't go for that; no can do." The singer conveys a willingness to do almost anything, but emphasizes the importance of drawing a line and not crossing it.
The song's upbeat tempo and catchy chorus can mask the depth of its message, but upon closer analysis, the lyrics reveal a powerful statement about respect and self-preservation. The repetition of the phrase "no can do" highlights the singer's conviction and unwavering stance. The song can serve as an anthem for individuals who struggle with assertiveness or saying no, reminding them of their right to set boundaries and stand firm in their beliefs.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't go for that
I am unable to accept that request or proposition
Easy ready willing all the time
You are always ready and eager for anything, but it's becoming too predictable and monotonous
Where does it stop where do you dare me to draw the line
I need to know where to set boundaries and limitations on what I am willing to do for you
You've got the body now you want my soul
You have control over my physical desires, but now you want me to sacrifice my emotional and mental well-being
Don't even think about it say no go
I am warning you not to even consider making that request, the answer is a definite 'no'
I'll do anything that you want me to
I am willing to go to great lengths to please you and meet your needs
I can't go for that; no can do
However, I am unable to fulfill this particular request, it is beyond my limits
I can't go for being twice as nice
I am not willing to be taken advantage of or manipulated by excessive flattery or charm
I can't go for just repeating the same old lines
I am not interested in stale, unoriginal dialogue or actions, I need something new and exciting
Ooh forget about it say no go
I am reaffirming my rejection of your request, it is non-negotiable
Can't go for that; can't go for that
Again, I cannot accept this proposal, it goes against my personal values and limits
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Sara Allen, John Oates, Daryl Hall
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind