Bing Crosby’s iconic rendition of I Can’t Get Started is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences decades after its initial release. Originally written by Vernon Duke and Ira Gershwin for the 1936 musical Ziegfeld Follies, Crosby’s interpretation of the song on his album Songs I Wish I Had Sung the First Time Around in 1956 remains one of his most beloved performances. With its melancholic melody and poignant lyrics, the song explores themes of longing, unrequited love, and the struggle to find purpose in life. Dive deeper into the profound meaning behind this haunting ballad by reading on for a comprehensive analysis of the lyrics, themes, and influences that have contributed to its enduring legacy.
Verse-by-Verse Analysis
Verse 1
I’ve flown around the world in a plane, I’ve settled revolutions in Spain
The main theme of this verse revolves around the idea of achieving great accomplishments, but being unable to find meaning or satisfaction in them. The use of flying around the world and settling revolutions signifies significant achievements, but the juxtaposition with the title phrase I Can’t Get Started suggests a sense of ennui or disconnection from these accomplishments. The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the artist’s feelings of being stuck or unable to move forward, despite past successes.
Verse 2
And the North Pole I have charted, still I can’t get started with you
In this verse, the artist continues to list impressive feats, such as charting the North Pole, but the overriding sentiment remains one of dissatisfaction or unfulfillment. The metaphor of charting the North Pole represents a sense of exploration and discovery, but the inability to get started with someone suggests a lack of emotional connection or fulfillment in relationships.
Overall Meaning
Through these verses, the artist paints a picture of someone who has achieved great things in life but still feels a sense of emptiness or longing. Despite all their accomplishments, they are unable to find meaning or purpose without a meaningful connection to another person. The repetition of the title phrase I Can’t Get Started reinforces this theme of stagnation and unfulfillment. The overall message of the song seems to be about the importance of love and emotional connection in finding true happiness and fulfillment in life.
Chorus Analysis
Introduce the chorus
The chorus of I Can’t Get Started by Bing Crosby is the recurring refrain in the song that highlights the singer’s struggle with getting a romantic relationship off the ground. The chorus lyrics significantly differ from the verses in terms of structure and melody, providing a catchy and memorable element to the song.
Analyze the central theme or message
The primary emotion conveyed in the chorus lyrics is frustration and longing for a successful start in a romantic relationship. The repetition of the refrain I can’t get started emphasizes the central theme of feeling stuck or unable to make progress in love.
Explore the relationship between the chorus and verses
The chorus serves as a bridge between the verses, highlighting the singer’s struggle with love while also providing a resolution to the ongoing narrative. The contrast between the chorus’s repetitive nature and the verses’ storytelling adds depth to the overall message of the song.
Interpret the overall significance of the chorus
The chorus plays a crucial role in conveying the song’s central theme of love and frustration, making it memorable and impactful for listeners. The emotional resonance of the chorus lyrics can evoke empathy in those who have experienced similar struggles in their own relationships, making it relatable and powerful.
Cultural Context and Influences
Understanding the cultural, historical, and personal influences behind a song can provide deeper insights into its meaning and significance. In the case of I Can’t Get Started by Bing Crosby, several influences contribute to the overall message and impact of the song.
Cultural Influences
The song was released during a time when the Great Depression had a significant impact on American society. The themes of longing, frustration, and perseverance reflected in the lyrics resonated with listeners who were experiencing hardship during this period. The jazzy, big band style of the song also captured the energy and optimism of the swing era, offering a sense of escapism and joy to its audience.
Historical Influences
Bing Crosby’s smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery in I Can’t Get Started were influenced by the crooning style popular in the 1930s and 1940s. The song’s lyrics, which express a sense of yearning and desire, may have been inspired by the romanticism prevalent in popular culture at the time. Additionally, the song’s release during World War II may have provided comfort to listeners separated from loved ones or facing uncertainty.
Personal Influences
The songwriter’s personal experiences and emotions likely played a role in shaping the sentiment of I Can’t Get Started. Bing Crosby’s own struggles and triumphs may have informed the vulnerability and authenticity in his performance, enhancing the emotional impact of the song.
By synthesizing these cultural, historical, and personal influences, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the song’s meaning and significance. Appreciating the context and influences behind I Can’t Get Started enriches our interpretation and allows us to connect more deeply with the music.
Understanding these influences can enhance our appreciation of other songs as well, encouraging us to delve deeper into the stories and emotions behind the music we love.
Exploring the Meaning of ‘I Can’t Get Started’ by Bing Crosby
In conclusion, the song ‘I Can’t Get Started’ by Bing Crosby holds a timeless message of longing, frustration, and unrequited love. Through its lyrics and haunting melody, the song captures the bittersweet feeling of being unable to move forward in a relationship despite deep feelings of affection. It conveys a sense of yearning and melancholy that is relatable to anyone who has experienced the pain of unreciprocated love. Bing Crosby’s soulful rendition of the song further enhances its emotional impact, making it a classic that continues to resonate with listeners to this day. ‘I Can’t Get Started’ serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of love and the persistent desire to break through emotional barriers to find true connection.