I Can't Get Started

I Can't Get Started
music by Vernon Duke (left)
lyric by Ira Gershwin (right)

I'm a glum one; it's explainable:
I met someone unattainable; life's a bore,
The world is my oyster no more.
All the papers, where I led the news with my capers, now will spread the news:
"Superman Turns Out To Be Flash In The Pan."

I've flown around the world in a plane;
I won the race from Newport to Maine;
The North Pole I have charted, but can't get started with you.

Around a golf course I'm under par, the Theatre Guilders want me to star;
I've got a house--a showplace--but I get no place with you.

You're so supreme, lyrics I write of you;
Scheme just for the sight of you;
Dream both day and night of you, and what good does it do?

I've been consulted by Franklin D. and Greta Garbo's asked me to tea,
And yet I'm brokenhearted 'cause I can't get started with you.

I do a hundred yards in ten flat; the Duke of Kent has copied my hat;
With queens I've a la carted, but can't get started with you.
When Democrats are all in a mess, I hear Jim Farley's call of distress,
And I help him manuever, but I'm just like Hoover to you.

When we first met--how you elated me! Pet! You devastated me!
Yet, now you've deflated me till you're my Waterloo.

When J.P. Morgan bows, I just nod; Green Pastures wanted me to play God.
The Siamese Twins I've parted, but I can't get started with you.

The Himalaya Mountains I climb.
I'm written up in Fortune and Time.
New Yorker did my pro-feel but I've had no feel from you.

There's always, "Best Regards and much love" from Mr. Lehman--you know, the Gov;
I go to ev'ry state ball, but I'm just behind the eight ball with you.

O, tell me why am I no kick to you?
I, who'd always stick to you?
Fly through thin and thick to you?
Tell me why I'm taboo?

Oh, what a man you're keeping at bay;
I use a pound of Lifebuoy each day; but you've got me downhearted
'Cause I can't, I can't , I can't, I can't get started with you.

Why, Lucius Beebe quotes me on styles, and Pepsodent used one of my smiles.
The Vanderbilts I visit, but say, what is it with you?

Oh, tell me why am I no kick to you? I, who'd always stick to you?
Fly through thin and thick to you? Tell me why I'm taboo!

In 1929, I sold short; in England, I'm invited at court,
But you've got me downhearted, 'cause I can't, I can't, I can't, I can't, I can't,
I can't get started with you

[published version]
I've flown around the world in a plane; I've settled revolutions in Spain;
The North Pole I have charted, but can't get started with you.
Around a golf course I'm under par, and all the movies want me to star;
I've got a house, a showplace--but I can't get no place with you.

You're so supreme, lyrics I write of you; scheme just for a sight of you;
Dream both day and night of you, and what good does it do?

In 1929, I sold short; in England, I'm presented at court,
But you've got me downhearted 'cause I can't get started with you.

I do a hundred yards in ten flat, the Prince of Wales has copied my hat;
With queens I've a la carted, but can't get started with you.

The leading tailors follow my styles and toothpaste ads all feature my smiles.
The Astorbilts I visit, but say, what is it with you?

When first we met--how you elated me! Pet! You devastated me!
Yet, now you've deflated me till you're my Waterloo.

I've sold my kisses at a bazaar, and after me they've named a cigar.
But lately, how I've smarted--'cause I can't get started with you.