Something's Gotta Give

Fred Astaire

About Something's Gotta Give

"Something's Gotta Give" is a popular song with words and music by Johnny Mercer in 1954. It was published in 1955. It was written for and first performed by Fred Astaire in the 1955 musical film Daddy Long Legs, and was nominated for an Academy Award in 1955 as Best Original Song, losing to "Love is a Many Splendored Thing". The song playfully uses the irresistible force paradox – which asks what happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object – as a metaphor for a relationship between a vivacious woman and an older, world-weary man. The man, it is implied, will give in to temptation and kiss the woman. The song's lyrics echo the plot of Daddy Long Legs, in which a reserved man in his 50s (Astaire) falls in love with a woman in her early 20s (Leslie Caron). 


Year:
1984
3:00
104 
#1

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When an irresistible force such as you
Meets an old immovable object like me
You can bet just as sure as you live

Something's gotta give
Something's gotta give
Something's gotta give

When an irrepressible smile such as yours
Warms an old implacable heart such as mine
Don't say no because I insist

Somewhere, somehow
Someone's gotta be kissed

So, en garde, who knows what the fates might have in store
From their vast mysterious sky
I'll try hard ignorin' those lips that I adore
But how long can anyone try?

Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight it with all of our might
Chances are some heavenly star-spangled night
We'll find out just as sure as we live

Something's gotta give
Something's gotta give
Something's gotta give

Fight, fight, fight it with all of your might
Chances are that some heavenly star-spangled night
We'll find out just as sure as we live

Something's gotta give
Something's gotta give
Something's gotta give

Something's gotta give
Something's gotta give

Aw, let's tear it up

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Fred Astaire

Fred Astaire (born Frederick Austerlitz; May 10, 1899 – June 22, 1987) was an American film and Broadway stage dancer, choreographer, singer, musician and actor. His stage and subsequent film career spanned a total of 76 years, during which he made 31 musical films. He was named the fifth Greatest Male Star of All Time by the American Film Institute. He is particularly associated with Ginger Rogers, with whom he made ten films. more »

3 fans

Written by: JOHNNY MERCER

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Something's Gotta Give" is a popular song with lyrics and music written by Johnny Mercer, who was a famous songwriter and singer of the 20th century.
Movie Context
The song was initially composed for and performed by Fred Astaire in the 1955 film, "Daddy Long Legs". Astaire is well-revered for his dancing talents and contributions to musical film and television.
Chart Performance
While Fred Astaire's version didn't chart, the song was covered by several artists and became a hit. For example, the rendition by The McGuire Sisters peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Top 100 in 1955.
Awards
Although many songs by Johnny Mercer were nominated for or won Academy Awards, "Something's Gotta Give" was not among them.
Cover Versions
The tune has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Ella Fitzgerald. These interpretations have varied widely, demonstrating the song's enduring appeal and versatility.
Influence
The lyric "Something's Gotta Give" has become a popular phrase in English, often used to express that a situation cannot continue as it is and that change must occur.
Song Theme
The song talks about an irresistible force meeting an immovable object, a classic scenario of romantic tension and resolution.
Mercer’s Versatility
Johnny Mercer was known for writing both the lyrics and music for his songs, a rare talent in the era when "Something's Gotta Give" was created. This song highlights his talents as a lyricist and composer.
Astaire's Performance
Fred Astaire's performance of "Something's Gotta Give" in "Daddy Long Legs" remains one of his memorable musical scenes, wonderfully showcasing his abilities as a singer and dancer.
Memorable Song Line
One of the most memorable lines of the song is: "When an irresistible force such as you / Meets an old immovable object like me / You can bet as sure as you live..." followed by the title line "...Something's gotta give." This has become an iconic line in the annals of American songwriting.

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