Let's Face the Music and Dance

By Irving Berlin
1936

Berlin had a long-standing relationship with Fred Astaire, and wrote many of his songs specifically for him. In Follow the Fleet, Astaire introduced this Berlin classic, along with others such as "I'm Putting All My Eggs in One Basket". A very sophisticated number for the often more populist Berlin, this one has really stood the test of time. It's been a favorite of cabaret singers for decades, and the Astaire version was even used in the film Pennies from Heaven, in which it was lip-synched by Steve Martin.

Lyrics:

There may be trouble ahead
But while there's moonlight and music
And love and romance
Let's face the music and dance

Before the fiddlers have fled
Before they ask us to pay the bill
And while we still
Have the chance
Let's face the music and dance

Soon
We'll be without the moon
Humming a diff'rent tune
And then

There may be teardrops to shed
So while there's moonlight and music
And love and romance
Let's face the music and dance
Dance
Let's face the music and dance!

Recorded By:

Mel Torme
Frank Sinatra
Diana Krall
Doris Day
Nat King Cole

I'm Putting All My Eggs in One Basket

By Irving Berlin
1936

Irving Berlin and Fred Astaire. Perhaps never was there a more fortuitous working relationship in the history of popular music. Berlin composed this ode to monogamy for Astaire and Ginger Roger's 1936 musical Follow the Fleet, the very same movie that also gave us "Let Yourself Go" and "Let's Face the Music and Dance".

Lyrics:

I've been a roaming Romeo,
My Juliets have been many.
But now my roaming days have gone.
Too many irons in the fire
Is worse than not having any.
I've had my share, and from now on...

I'm putting all my eggs in one basket,
I'm betting everything I've got on you.

I'm giving all my love to one baby,
Heaven help me if my baby don't come through.

I've got a great big amount
Saved up in my love account,
Honey, and Ive decided
Love divided in two
Won't do.

So I'm putting all my eggs in one basket,
I'm betting everything I've got on you.

Recorded By:

Stacey Kent
Ella Fitzgerald
Louis Armstrong
Carmen McRae
John Pizzarelli