Let's Call the Whole Thing Off
Let's Call the Whole Thing Off

Ella Fitzgerald - Let's Call the Whole Thing Off Lyrics

Jazz
Aug 25, 1997
20
Let's Call the Whole Thing Off Music Video

Let's Call the Whole Thing Off Lyrics

Things have come to a pretty pass
Our romance is growing flat,
For you like this and the other
While I go for this and that,

Goodness knows what the end will be
Oh I don't know where I'm at
It looks as if we two will never be one
Something must be done:

You say either and I say either,
You say neither and I say neither
Either, either neither, neither
Let's call the whole thing off.

You like potato and I like potahto
You like tomato and I like tomahto
Potato, potahto, tomato, tomahto.
Let's call the whole thing off

But oh, if we call the whole thing off
Then we must part
And oh, if we ever part, then that might break my heart

So if you like pyjamas and I like pyjahmas,
I'll wear pyjamas and give up pyajahmas
For we know we need each other so we
Better call the whole thing off
Let's call the whole thing off.

You say laughter and I say larfter
You say after and I say arfter
Laughter, larfter after arfter
Let's call the whole thing off,

You like vanilla and I like vanella
You saspiralla, and I saspirella
Vanilla vanella chocolate strawberry
Let's call the whole thing off

But oh if we call the whole thing of then we must part
And oh, if we ever part, then that might break my heart

So if you go for oysters and I go for ersters
I'll order oysters and cancel the ersters
For we know we need each other so we
Better call the calling off off,
Let's call the whole thing off.

I say father, and you say pater,
I saw mother and you say mater
Pater, mater uncle, auntie let's call the whole thing off.

I like bananas and you like banahnahs
I say havana and I get havahnah
Bananas, banahnahs havana, havahnah
Go your way, I'll go mine

So if I go for scallops and you go for lobsters,
So all right no contest we'll order lobseter
For we know we need each other so we
Better call the calling off off,
Let's call the whole thing off.

Writer(s): IRA GERSHWIN, GEORGE GERSHWIN
Copyright(s): Lyrics © Raleigh Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who originally wrote 'Let's Call the Whole Thing Off'?

    The song 'Let's Call the Whole Thing Off' was written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 film Shall We Dance.

  2. Which famous duo introduced 'Let's Call the Whole Thing Off'?

    Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers introduced 'Let's Call the Whole Thing Off' as part of a dance duet on roller skates in the 1937 film Shall We Dance.

  3. What is notable about the pronunciations in the song?

    The song compares British and American English pronunciations, highlighting differences that identify class distinctions. Typical American pronunciations were once considered less refined by the upper-class, and these differences are often used in theatrical caricatures.

  4. Why is the tempo marking 'Brightly' significant for the song?

    The tempo marking 'Brightly' suggests a cheerful and lively pace, which complements the playful and humorous nature of the song's lyrics, emphasizing the amusing differences in pronunciation.

  5. What ranking did 'Let's Call the Whole Thing Off' receive from AFI?

    The American Film Institute (AFI) ranked 'Let's Call the Whole Thing Off' number 34 on its list of 100 Years...100 Songs, recognizing its significance in the history of American cinema.

  6. What are some examples of words with different pronunciations in the song?

    Some examples include 'either' vs. 'either', 'neither' vs. 'neither', 'potato' vs. 'potahto', and 'tomato' vs. 'tomahto'. These variations are central to the song's humorous exploration of pronunciation differences.

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