Shall We Dance
Ella Fitzgerald · Other Songs - Ella Fitzgerald
Drop that long face
Come on have your fling
Why keep nursing the blues?
If you want this old world on a string
Put on your dancing shoes
Stop wasting time
Put on your dancing shoes
Watch your spirits climb
Shall we dance
Or keep on mopin'?
Shall we dance
And walk on air?
Shall we give in to despair?
Or shall we dance with never a care?
Life is short
We're growing older
Don't you be an also-ran
You'd better dance, little lady
Dance, little man
Dance whenever you can.
Come on have your fling
Why keep nursing the blues?
If you want this old world on a string
Put on your dancing shoes
Stop wasting time
Put on your dancing shoes
Watch your spirits climb
Shall we dance
Or keep on mopin'?
Shall we dance
And walk on air?
Shall we give in to despair?
Or shall we dance with never a care?
Life is short
We're growing older
Don't you be an also-ran
You'd better dance, little lady
Dance, little man
Dance whenever you can.
Shall We Dance - Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald's rendition of 'Shall We Dance' exemplifies her mastery of swing and vocal improvisation. Recorded in the classic era of jazz, the track showcases her unparalleled ability to navigate complex rhythms with effortless grace and emotional depth. As a defining figure in the genre, Fitzgerald transformed the song into a standard that highlights her technical precision and unique phrasing. The recording stands as a testament to her contribution to the Great American Songbook, capturing the vibrant spirit of mid-20th-century jazz performance. Her interpretation remains a benchmark for vocalists seeking to blend technical skill with authentic musical expression.