Change Partners

By Irving Berlin

1938

One of the many charming classics written for Fred Astaire by Irving Berlin. This one comes from the lesser-known Astaire-Rogers musical picture Carefree. A timeless tune with a clever, plaintive lyric that has survived adaptation to many styles by many performers.

Lyrics:

Must you dance

Every dance

With the same fortunate man?

You have danced with him since the music began.

Won't you change partners,

And dance with me?

Must you dance

Quite so close,

With your lips touching his face?

Can't you see I'm longing to be in his place?

Won't you change partners,

And dance with me?

Ask him to sit this on out,

And while you're alone,

I'll tell the waiter to tell him

He's wanted on the telephone.

You've been locked

In his arms

Ever since heaven knows when.

Won't you change partners, and then,

You may never want to change partners again.

Recorded By:

Frank Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim

Ella Fitzgerald

Harry Connick Jr.

Sammy Davis Jr.

Sonny Rollins