A Fine Romance

By Jerome Kern & Dorothy Fields
1936

An absolutely iconic standard if ever there was one, introduced as so many of them were, by the immortal Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. It was given to them by the legendary Kern/Fields songwriting team for their film Swing Time, and remains a high benchmark of musical grace and lyrical sophistication. You know how people say, they don't write them like this anymore? Well... they don't write them like this anymore. An infectious classic that epitomizes the precocious side of love.

Lyrics:

A fine romance with no kisses,
A fine romance, my friend, this is.
We should be like a couple of hot tomatoes,
But you're as cold as yesterday's mashed potatoes.

A fine romance, you won't nestle.
A fine romance, you won't even wrestle.
You've never mussed the crease in my blue serge pants,
You never take a chance, this is a fine romance.

A fine romance, my good fellow.
You take romance, I'll take Jello.
You're calmer than the seals in the Arctic Ocean,
At least they flap their fins to express emotion.

A fine romance, my dear Duchess,
Two old fogies, we really need crutches.
You're just as hard to land as the Ile de France!
I haven't got a chance, this is a fine romance.

A fine romance, my good woman,
My strong, aged-in-the-wood woman.
You never give those orchids I send a glance,
They're just like cactus plants,
This is a fine romance

Recorded By:

Billie Holiday
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
Frank Sinatra
Judi Dench
Lena Horne

Pick Yourself Up

By Jerome Kern & Dorothy Fields
1936

One of so many memorable standards written for Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers, this one comes from Swing Time, considered by most to be their finest musical film. Kern & Fields composed all the songs for the movie, including "A Fine Romance" and the Oscar-winning "The Way You Look Tonight".

Lyrics:

Nothing's impossible, I have found,
For when my chin is on the ground,
I pick myself up, dust myself off, start all over again.

Don't lose your confidence, if you slip.
Be grateful for a pleasant trip,
And pick yourself up, dust yourself off, start all over again.

Work like a soul inspired,
Till the battle of the day is won.
You may be sick and tired,
But you'll be a man, my son.

Don't you remember the famous men,
Who had to fall to rise again?
Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, start all over again.

Recorded By:

Anita O'Day
Frank Sinatra
Diana Krall
Nat King Cole
Benny Goodman