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

Fred Astaire - Let's Call the Whole Thing Off Lyrics

Vocal
Aug 19, 2003
197
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 ether,
You say neither and I say nether,
Either, ether, neither, nyther,
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 pajamas and I like pajahmas,
I'll wear pajamas and give up pajahmas.
For we know we need each other,
So we better call the calling off off.
Let's call the whole thing off!

You say laughter and I say lawfter,
You say after and I say awfter,
Laughter, lawfter, after, awfter,
Let's call the whole thing off!
You like vanilla and I like vanella,
You, sa's'parilla and I sa's'parella,
Vanilla, vanella, Choc'late, strawb'ry!
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 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

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 wrote the song 'Let's Call the Whole Thing Off'?

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

  2. In which film was 'Let's Call the Whole Thing Off' introduced?

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

  3. What is the tempo marking of 'Let's Call the Whole Thing Off'?

    The tempo marking of 'Let's Call the Whole Thing Off' is 'Brightly'. This indicates a lively and upbeat tempo suitable for the playful nature of the song.

  4. What are some examples of pronunciation differences mentioned in the song?

    The song mentions several pronunciation differences, such as 'to-may-to' vs. 'to-mah-to', 'ei-ther' vs. 'ei-ther', and 'po-tay-to' vs. 'po-tah-to'. These differences highlight variations in British and American English.

  5. What class distinctions does 'Let's Call the Whole Thing Off' reference?

    The song references class distinctions by noting pronunciation differences. In the 1930s, American pronunciations were considered less 'refined' by the upper class, which preferred the 'broader' a sound. This distinction is particularly evident in caricatures and theater.

  6. What ranking did the song achieve on AFI's 100 Years... 100 Songs list?

    'Let's Call the Whole Thing Off' was ranked No. 34 on AFI's 100 Years... 100 Songs list, which highlights some of the greatest songs in American cinema.

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