One Dance
The Starlite Orchestra & Singers Lyrics
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By constantly refusing
To dance with me
You'd be the idol of France with me
And yet you stand there and shake your foolish head dramatically
While I wait here so ecstatically
You just look and say emphatically
I won't dance, don't ask me
I won't dance, don't ask me
I won't dance madame with you
My heart won't let my feet do things they should do
You know what, you're lovely
So what? I'm lovely
But oh, what you do to me
I'm like an ocean wave that's bumped on the shore
I feel so absolutely stumped on the floor
When you dance you're charming and you're gentle
Especially when you do the Continental
But this feeling isn't purely mental
For heaven rest us
I'm not asbestos
And that's why
I won't dance, why should I?
I won't dance, how could I?
I won't dance, merci beaucoup
I know that music leads the way to romance
And if I hold you in my arms, I won't dance
When you dance you're charming and you're gentle
Especially when you do the Continental
But this feeling isn't purely mental
For heaven rest us
I'm not asbestos
And that's why
I won't dance, why should I?
I won't dance, how could I?
I won't dance, merci beaucoup
I know that music leads the way to romance
So if I hold you in my arms, I won't dance
The lyrics to "One Dance" by The Starlite Orchestra & Singers speak of a persistent request for a dance that is continuously being rejected. The singer expresses their frustration and desire for their partner to join them on the dance floor. They emphasize the missed opportunities and potential they see in their partner if only they would dance together. The singer feels ecstatic and waits with anticipation for their partner's response, but instead, their partner emphatically refuses.
The partner provides reasons for not wanting to dance, stating that it is not the right season and that there is a valid reason why they won't dance. They further explain that their heart won't allow their feet to do what they should. Despite acknowledging the partner's beauty, the singer is deeply affected by their rejection. They metaphorically describe themselves as an ocean wave crashed on the shore and feeling completely stumped and unable to move on the dance floor. The partner's charm and grace when they do dance, particularly the Continental style, only intensifies the singer's feelings. Their emotions are not just superficial, they are real and affecting. The singer concludes by stating that they won't dance because they do not have the strength to resist the powerful impact that dancing with their partner would have on them.
Line by Line Meaning
Think of what you're losing
Consider the missed opportunities and experiences
By constantly refusing
By consistently declining
To dance with me
To engage in a dance with me
You'd be the idol of France with me
You would be highly esteemed and admired in France if you danced with me
And yet you stand there and shake your foolish head dramatically
Despite that, you remain static and express disbelief in an exaggerated manner
While I wait here so ecstatically
Meanwhile, I am eagerly and joyously anticipating
You just look and say emphatically
You simply gaze and declare with strong emphasis
Not this season, there's a reason
This is not the appropriate time, there is a justification
I won't dance, don't ask me
I refuse to dance, do not request it of me
I won't dance madame with you
I will not dance, my lady, with you
My heart won't let my feet do things they should do
My emotions prevent me from allowing my feet to perform the expected movements
You know what, you're lovely
You are aware that you are beautiful
So what? I'm lovely
So what? I am also charming
But oh, what you do to me
However, your actions have a profound effect on me
I'm like an ocean wave that's bumped on the shore
I feel disoriented and perplexed, like a wave crashing against the shore
I feel so absolutely stumped on the floor
I am completely bewildered and at a loss on the dance floor
When you dance you're charming and you're gentle
Your dance moves are captivating and graceful
Especially when you do the Continental
Especially when you perform the Continental dance style
But this feeling isn't purely mental
However, this sensation is not solely in my mind
For heaven rest us
May heaven protect us
I'm not asbestos
I am not fire-resistant
And that's why
And that is the reason
I won't dance, why should I?
I refuse to dance, what motivation do I have?
I won't dance, how could I?
I will not dance, it is not possible for me
I won't dance, merci beaucoup
I decline dancing, thank you very much
I know that music leads the way to romance
I understand that music paves the path for a romantic connection
And if I hold you in my arms, I won't dance
Even if I embrace you, I still refuse to dance
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jerome Kern, Jimmy Mc Hugh, Oscar Hammerstein Ii, Otto Harbach
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind