THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

376-Jack Jones-Wives and Lovers.

1963-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 1.44. This is probably the most controversial song in the world ever (especially if your female.) There will be people out there who’s blood will be boiling at the very mention of it.

‘Wives and Lovers’ is a song of advice to married women, to stay attractive to their husband’s (‘wives should always be lovers too,’) to avoid their husband’s straying with girls at the office. In defence of the song, I suppose it can always be sang by the wife to the husband. It can also be seen as a warning not to take each other for granted.’Wives and Lovers’ was written by the legendary song writing team of Burt Bacharach (music) and Hal David (1921-2012) (lyrics.) The song was written for the the 1963 comedy film ‘Wives and Lovers,’ the song doesn’t appear in the film but was written to promote it, this was known as an ‘exploitation song,’ Bacharach and David had done the same the previous year with the song ‘The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.’

Jack Jones was born on January 14th, 1938, in Hollywood, California, United States, his father Allan Jones (1907-1992) was an actor, and tenor, and his mother Irene Hervey (1909-1998) was a film and television actress. Jones who has been married six times is probably thought of an an ‘easy listening’ singer, he has released 61 Albums between 1959-2002, and 41 singles between 1962-1980, with five of them reaching the Billboard top 40. As well as his recording career as a singer Jones has also made appearances as an actor, and singer in films, he made his first appearance in 1959 in ‘Juke Box Rhythm.’ In the 1960’s he became a regular on American television variety shows Including ‘The Ed Sullivan Show,’ and ‘The Dean Martin Show.’

Like many other Bacharach and David compositions (see also best songs 902-832-815-740-644 and 224) ‘Wives and Lovers’ has been recorded over the years by dozens of other artists. The song was also the title track of Jack Jones eighth studio Album released in 1963, and gave Jones his first top 40 hit on the Billboard top 40 singles chart when reaching Number 14. In 1979 when Jones moved to ‘MGM’ records he recorded the Album ‘Nobody Does It Better’ which featured a ‘Disco’ re-make of ‘Wives and Lovers,’ as well as ‘The Love Boat,’ the theme from the television series of the same name, which is perhaps his most famous song.

‘Hey, little girl comb your hair, fix your makeup soon he will open the door. Don’t think because there’s a ring on your finger you needn’t try anymore.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

377-Arthur Conley-Sweet Soul Music.

1967-Number 7 single.

Best Bit-At 0.06. The song name checks The Miracles, Lou Rawls, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, and James Brown. If all of these artists don’t appear in this countdown at some point, then I need to have a serious word with myself.

Arthur Lee Conley was born on January 4th, 1946, in McIntosh County, Georgia, United States, he died from intestinal cancer on November 17th, 2003, at the age of 57. Conley recorded his first song ‘Poor Girl’ in 1963, as ‘Arthur & the Corvets. In 1964 he came to the attention of Otis Redding who signed him to his recently set up record label ‘Jotis Records.’ In total Conley achieved three American Billboard Hot 100 singles, while in the UK this was his only charting song.

Arthur Conley was gay, and many music critics have said that his homosexuality was a barrier to him achieving greater success in the United States. In 1975 he relocated to England, before moving to Belgium, and then Holland. In 1980 he legally changed his name to Lee Roberts, using his middle name, and his mothers maiden name, and he would perform as ‘Lee Roberts and the Sweaters.’ In 2014 the Rock and Roll historian Ed Ward (1948-2021) wrote,’Nobody knew Lee Roberts, and at last Conley was able to live in peace with a secret he had hidden, or thought he had, for his entire career he was gay, but nobody in The Netherlands cared.’

‘Sweet Soul Music’ was co-written by Arthur Conley and Otis Redding, (1941-1967) (see also best songs 712) it was heavily based on the Sam Cooke (1931-1964) (see also best songs 156) song ‘Yeah Man’ from his posthumous Album ‘Shake.’ Cooke’s business partner James Woodie Alexander (1916-1996) successfully sued Conley and Redding, to which a settlement was reached where Cooke had his name added to the songwriting credits, and Redding agreed to record some songs in the future for ‘Kags Music,’ which was a Cooke and Alexander enterprise.’Sweet Soul Music’ has sold over one million copies, and pays homage to some of the great Soul singers, and songs of the day, including Wilson Pickett’s ‘Mustang Sally,’ and Redding’s own ‘Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa.’ Also mentioned is James Brown who is describes as ‘The king of them all.’

‘Do you like good music, that sweet soul music. Just as long as it’s swingin’ oh yeah, oh yeah. We are here on the floor now, we’re going to a go go, dancin’ to the music, oh yeah ,oh yeah.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

378-Pet Shop Boys-Suburbia.

1986-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 0.15. For a period in the 1980’s Neil Tennant was the assistant editor at ‘Smash Hits’ magazine, artists would complain about their song revues if they were not favourable, some saying, ‘Let’s see if you can do better,’ so he did.

The Pet Shop Boys (see also best songs 871) met by chance in 1981 on King’s Road, Chelsea, London, where Neil Tennant had just purchased a synthesizer, this sparked a conversation with Chris Lowe. They discovered a mutual interest in Electronic Music, and soon began working together.They eventually settled on the name Pet Shop Boys, as they had friends who owned a pet shop. The Pet Shop Boys are one of the world’s best selling artists with sales in excess of 100 million, and are the UK’s best ever selling duo. To date they have released 14 studio Albums between 1986-2020, and 70 singles, they have also appeared on another five singles as the featured artist. They have achieved 44 UK 40 top 40 singles, four of which have reached Number 1. In America on Billboard six of their songs have made the top 40, with ‘West End Girls’ reaching Number 1 in 1985.

‘Suburbia’ was the fourth and final single released from The Pet Sop Boys debut studio Album ‘Please’ from 1986. All 14 of The Pet Shop Boys studio Albums have one word titles. They chose the title so that when customers went in to a record shop they would have to ask for the ‘Pet Shop Boys album please’. The original version of ‘Suburbia’ that appears on ‘Please’ is different to this remixed track, which includes sound effects such as dogs barking, and glass smashing.’Suburbia’ was co-written by Neil Tennant, and Chris Lowe, and was inspired by the 1984 American film ‘Suburbia,’ which was written and directed by Penelope Spheeris. Another inspiration was the Brixton riots of 1981, and 1985, which got Tennant and Lowe thinking about the boredom of suburbia, and the struggles of working class youths.

‘Lost in the high street, where the dogs run, roaming suburban boys. Mother’s got a hairdo to be done, she say’s they’re too old for toys.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

379-Slipknot-Psychosocial.

2008-Number 67 single.

Best Bit-At 0.23. It was Frank Sinatra (see also best songs 877-567-469-120 and 73) who once said,’Rock ‘N Roll’ is the most brutal, ugly, desperate, vicious form of expression it has been my misfortune to hear.’ I wonder what he would have made of this lot.

Slipknot are an Alternative Heavy Metal group who were formed in 1995 in Des Moines, Iowa, United States by Shawn Crahan, (percussionist) Joey Jordison, (1975-2021) (drums) and Paul Grey (1972-2010) (bass.) In the early 1990’s there were several Rock bands performing in the surrounding areas of Des Moines, and it was an eventual coming together of like minded musicians that led to the formation of Slipknot, as they settled on nine members who stayed together throughout their first decade. In total 17 members have come and gone for various reasons, with the only constant being founding member Shawn Crahan.

Slipknot who took their name from one of their early recordings have released six studio Albums to date between 1999-2019, there are also two live Albums, and one compilation Album. They have also released 25 singles, of which none have ever made the Billboard Hot 100, although in the UK six have reached the top 40, with ‘Duality’ being the most successful, when making Number 15 in 2004.

Slipknot are known for their energetic, and chaotic live performances, which have included headbanging, stage diving, and fighting each other. They also always perform wearing unique individual face masks, and matching uniforms, normally jumpsuits. Slipknot have cited fellow contemporary bands Korn, and Limp Bizkit (see also best songs 583) as influences, as well as the American Rock band ‘Kiss,’ who were a major influence on the bands stage act, and look. However the band state they are most indebted to Mike Patton (see also best songs 335) the lead singer of ‘Faith No More’ for their image and music.

‘Psychosocial’ was released as the second single from Slipknot’s fourth studio Album ‘All Hope Is Gone’ released in 2008, the song was written by Corey Taylor, Joey Jordison, and Paul Grey. ‘Psychosocial’ is open to interpretation, but is probably an anti war song. It warns us not to be materialistic, and if we don’t look after each other, one day we will face terrible consequences. Shawn Crahan the bands one constant has said of the recording,’That song has got a lot of, I would say, social anxiety. It’s got a real good tempo, it’s really fun, and it’s different’.

‘Go drill your deserts, go dig your graves. Then fill your mouth with all the money you will save. Sinking in, getting smaller again, I’m done, it has begun, I’m not the only one.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

380-Tina Charles-I Love to Love (But My Baby Loves to Dance.)

1976-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 2.29. The dilemma is, she loves to love, but he just loves to dance. If only she could multitask.

‘I Love to Love (But My Baby Loves to Dance’) was the breakthrough hit for Tina Charles, taken from her second studio Album ‘I Love to Love’ from 1976. The song was co-written by Jack Robinson (lyrics) and James Bolden (1948-1997) (music,) and was produced by Biddu Appaiah.

Tina Charles was born Tina Hoskins on March 10th, 1954, in Whitechapel, London, England. Prior to her international success with this song she had recorded her debut studio Album ‘Tina Sings’ in 1973, and released nine singles, none of which had made the UK chart. Her 1969 debut single ‘Nothing in the World’ featured a then unknown Elton John on the piano. During the early 1970’s she supplied vocals for the ‘Top of the Pops’ series of Albums which featured cover versions of contemporary hits. In 1975 she was the unaccredited lead vocalist on the UK Number 4 hit ‘I’m on Fire’ by the British Disco act ‘5000 Volts,’ and also in that year she provided backing vocals on the UK Number 1 single ‘Make Me Smile’ (Come Up and See Me’) for Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel. In total Tina Charles has released six studio Albums to date between 1973-2007, and 41 singles between 1969-2011, seven of which have made the UK top 40.

‘I Love to Love (But My Baby Loves to Dance’) was co-written by Jack Robinson, and James Bolden. Robinson is also a music producer as well as a songwriter. Among his best known productions is the original version of ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ by the Rock band King Harvest, which reached Number 13 on Billboard in 1972, he was also involved with other hits recorded by Tina Charles. The songs other writer was James Bolden who was born Jacques Pepino, in Tarare, France, on January 1st, 1948. As well as being a songwriter he also was a performer, using the stage name ‘David Christie, releasing seven studio Albums, and 21 singles, his biggest success came in 1982 when his song ‘Saddle Up’ co-written with Robinson reached Number 9 in the UK.

‘I Love to Love (But My Baby Loves to Dance’) was produced by Biddu Appaiah, who is considered to be one of the pioneers of Disco Music. Biddu was born in 1945 in Bangalore, Karnataka, India, he arrived in England in the early 1960’s. His major international breakthrough came in 1974 when producing the Carl Douglas hit ‘Kung Fu Fighting,’ which went to Number 1 in the UK, and also in America. Biddu has also released 12 studio Albums as the ‘Biddu Orchestra’, and scored 10 movie soundtracks. He has always embraced the latest technology, moving in to Electronic music after the decline of Disco. In the 1980’s he became heavily involved in ‘Bollywood,’ producing soundtracks, and in the 1990’s he was very influential in popularising ‘Indian Pop’ music.

‘The minute the band begins to swing it, he’s on his feet to dig it, and dance the night away. Stop, I’m spinnin’ like a top, we’ll dance until we drop, but if I have my way.’IF YOU LIKE THIS PLEASE SHARE.The countdown continues tomorrow at 1.0.pm.For a list of all the best 1000 songs click on the blog at www.barryphilipsdiscos.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

381-Bo Diddley-Bo Diddley.

1955-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.01. If the songs in this countdown were evaluated on their influence on future generations, then this would be in the top 20.

Bo Diddley was born Ellas Otha Bates on December 30th, 1928, in McComb, Mississippi, United States. He was adopted and raised by his mother’s cousin Gussie McDaniel, taking her surname. Diddley had a history of hypertension, and diabetes, and in May 2007 he suffered a stroke, the stroke was later followed by a heart attack, and he died on June 2nd, 2008, at the age of 79.

Bo Diddley is considered to be one of the most important artists in the transition of the ‘Blues,’ to ‘Rock ‘N Roll,’ and was an influence on some of the all time greats including the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Buddy Holly. Mick Jagger (see also best songs 933-662-452-160 and 77) has said,’He was a wonderful, original musician who was an enormous force in music, and was a big influence on The Rolling Stones. He was very generous to us in our early years, and we learnt a lot from him.’ Jagger also added,’We will never see his like again.’ Bo Diddley released 24 studio Albums between 1958-1996, there are also 24 compilation Albums, and six live Albums available. His only charting single in America on Billboard was ‘Say Man’ in 1959, which reached Number 20, while in the UK he has had two top 40 hits, ‘Pretty Thing,’ originally recorded in 1956, made Number 34 in 1963, and ‘Hey Good Lookin” reached Number 39 in 1965.

Perhaps the biggest compliment you can pay to the song ‘Bo Diddley’ is that nothing else in 1955, or before that sounded anything like that track. The songs lyrics are based on the traditional Southern American Folk song ‘Hush Little Baby’, another well known Pop hit to borrow from ‘Hush Little Bay’ is the 1963 song ‘Mockingbird’ by Charlie and Inez Foxx. Bo Diddley originally wanted to call the song ‘Uncle John’ but the owners of ‘Chess Records’ rejected the idea, and also the songs original lyrics, saying they were too dirty for the white American record buying public. In response Diddley re-wrote the lyrics, and named the song after himself.

The song ‘Bo Diddley’ was the first recording by Bo Diddley, and introduced African rhythms in to Rock ‘N Roll. The song is rhythmically similar to the ‘Juba dance,’ or ‘Hambone,’ originally known as ‘Pattin’ Juba,’ which is an African/American style of dancing that involves stomping, as well as slapping, and patting the arms, legs, chest, and cheeks. The Juba dance was originally brought by Kongo slaves to Charleston, South Carolina, in the early 19th Century. This ‘new’ sound introduced by Bo Diddley was so influential that it became known as the ‘Bo Diddley Beat.’ Many songs recorded through the subsequent decades have incorporated the ‘Bo Diddley Beat,’ including ‘Willie and the Hand Jive’ by Johnny Otis, from 1958, ‘Panic in Detroit’ by David Bowie,’ from 1973, ‘Faith’ by George Michael, from 1987, and countless others.

‘Bo Diddley bought his babe a diamond ring. If that diamond ring don’t shine, he gonna take it to a private eye. If that private eye can’t see, he’d better not take the ring from me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

382-Isley Brothers-That Lady- Parts 1 & 2.

1973-Number 14 single.

Best Bit-At 2.20. The Isley Brothers (see also best songs 823-681-508 and 176) are the only act to have achieved a hit single on the American Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in six separate decades from the 1950’s through to the 2000’s, hitting the top 50 at least once on each occasion.

The original version of ‘That Lady’ was written by Rudolph, Ronald, and O’Kelly Isley Jr. (1937-1986) and first released on United Artists records in 1964. The song was very different to this remake, recorded in a classic R&B contemporary style of the day, which had been inspired by the American group ‘The Impressions.’

In 1973 the Isley Brothers officially expanded to six with the inclusion of Ernie Isley, Marvin Isley (1953-2010) and their brother-in-law Chris Jasper, although all three had already worked on some of the groups previous Albums. This led to the title given to the 11th Isley Brothers studio Album, ‘3 + 3,’ from where the remake of ‘That Lady’ was taken.Back in 1964 a pre fame Jimi Hendrix (see also best songs 983 and 492) had supported the Isley Brothers on tour, and was a long lasting influence on a young Ernie Isley (born 1951.) In 1973 the Isley Brothers decided to re-record ‘That Lady,’ rearranging the song into a Funk Rock record, with major input from Chris Jasper, and a guitar solo from Ernie Isley, which is critically acclaimed as one of the best of all time. Ernie has said,’It was a magical moment when it happened. When I finished the solo to ‘That Lady,’ O’Kelly looked at me for 15 minutes straight without blinking. I felt like I had one foot on the ground, one on Mount Olympus. I went from a black and white world to Technicolor.’

‘Hear me calling out to you, ’cause that’s all that I can do. Your eyes tell me to pursue, but you say ‘Look yeah, but don’t touch baby.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

383-Keane-Bedshaped.

2004-Number 10 single.

Best Bit-At 3.35. The band are named after a family friend of Tom Chaplin’s family called Cherry Keane who looked after Rice-Oxley and Chaplin when they were children, she would tell them to ‘Go after their dreams’. At her death from cancer she left money to the Chaplin family, of which some was used by Tom, ‘To see me through the harder times with the music.’

Keane were formed in Battle, East Sussex, England, in 1995 by Tim Rice-Oxley, Richard Hughes, and Dominic Scott, originally calling themselves ‘Lotus Eaters,’ (not to be confused with the 1980’s Liverpool band of the same name) they performed as a covers band playing songs by their favourite bands including U2, and the Beatles. Tom Chaplin joined the group in 1997, and Scott left in 2001, and in 2011, after being a touring musician with the group since 2007, Jesse Quin became an official member. To date Keane have released five studio Albums between 2004-2019, they have also released two live Albums, 10 extended plays, and 28 singles, 10 of which have reached the UK top 40.

‘Bedshaped’ was initially composed in 2001 by Tim Rice-Oxley, but it is also credited to fellow band members Richard Hughes and Thomas Chaplin, also credited is James Sanger. ‘Bedshaped’ was the third single released from Keane’s debut studio Album ‘Hopes and Fears’ from 2004, Rice-Oxley has explained the songs meaning,’It’s about feeling that you’ve been left behind by an old friend or lover, and about hoping that you’ll be reunited one day so that you can live out the end of your lives together, the way you started them. It’s a sad, and angry song, but also full of hope. I think I am right in saying that in hospital when someone is ill and has to spend a lot of time in bed they can become ‘bedshaped.”

‘Many’s the time I ran with you down the rainy roads of our old town. Many the lives we lived in each day, and buried altogether. Don’t laugh at me, don’t look away.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

384-Cat Stevens-Matthew and Son.

1967-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 2.24. A lot of people have commented that this songs verse sounds very similar to the 1982 song ‘Mad World’ by Tears For Fears. Cat Stevens made a reference to this at a concert in 2016 while playing Matthew and Son, inserting the lyrics, I think it’s kind of funny, I think it’s kind of strange, yes I think it’s kind of funny, that this sounds the same!’

Yusuf Islam commonly known by his stage name Cat Stevens was born Steven Demetre Georgiou on July 21st, 1948, in Marylebone, London, England. Thinking that his birth name might be difficult to remember, he chose the name Cat Stevens, partly because a girlfriend had said that he had eyes like a cat, and partly because he thought that a potential future American fan base were animal lovers. Stevens initial success was in the UK with the release of his debut Studio Album also called ‘Matthew and Son’ in 1967, but it wasn’t until 1970 with the release of ‘Tea for the Tillerman,’ his fourth studio Album, that he made his breakthrough in America, and becoming even more successful than he was in the UK.

Cat Stevens has been very close to death on two occasions. In 1969 he contracted tuberculosis, and during his recuperation he took up meditation, yoga, and metaphysics, he read about many religions beliefs, and also became a vegetarian. In 1976 he nearly drowned off the coast of Malibu, California, and said he shouted,’Oh God!, if you save me I will work for you.’ He stated that immediately afterwards a wave appeared and took him back to the shore. Stevens then spent time looking in to many religions, and it was after his brother David brought him a copy of the Qur’an as a birthday gift, that he then decided to become a Muslim. He converted to the Muslim faith in 1977,changing his name to Yusuf Islam and then abandoning his musical career for nearly two decades. Yusuf gradually resumed his musical career in the 1990’s, and released his first new Album ‘The Life of the Last Prophet’ as Yusuf Islam in 1995, his first new material in 17 years. His most recent two releases in 2017 (‘The Laughing Apple’) and 2020’s ‘Tea for the Tillerman 2’ were both released as ‘Yusuf/Cat Stevens.’ In total he has released 29 studio Albums between 1967-2020, and 51 singles, of which 10 have reached the UK top 40, and 11 have charted on the Billboard top 40 in America.

‘Matthew and Son’ was the second single written and released by Cat Stevens from his debut Album of the same name from 1967. Two of the notable session musicians who played on the track were the future co-founder of Led Zeppelin John Paul Jones, who played bass, and Nicky Hopkins (1944-1994) who also was a studio session player for artists including The Rolling Stones, and The Who, and appears on this countdown on other occasions, played keyboards.

According to Stevens ‘Matthew and Son’ took it’s name from ‘Henry Matthews’ which was a shop from where he had bought a suit. Stevens has said,’I had a girlfriend and she was working for a big firm, and I didn’t like the way she had to spend so much of her time working.’ The song is about a business where some of the workers who have been there all of their lives are working for poor wages. They can hardly make ends meet, but dare not ask for a wage rise for fear of being dismissed. There working conditions are also inadequate, with short breaks, and poor food provided.

‘Matthew and Son, the work’s never done, there’s always something new. The files in your head, you take them to bed, you’re never ever through.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

385-Fred Astaire with Johnny Greene’s Orchestra-Let’s Face the Music and Dance.

1936-Has never charted in the UK. There was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 0.50. Fred Astaire died of pneumonia on June 22nd, 1987, at the age of 88. Shortly before his death Astaire said,’ I didn’t want to leave this world without knowing who my descendant was, thank you Michael,’ referring to Michael Jackson (see also best songs (812-511-249-191 and 137.)

‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’ is another classic from the pen of Irving Berlin (1888-1989) (see also best songs 731-457 and 100) who some have called the greatest songwriter of all time. Berlin wrote the song for the 1936 American musical comedy ‘Follow the Fleet’ starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in the fifth of their nine film collaborations as dance partners. Other songs written for the movie by Berlin, and recorded by Fred Astaire which also became hits were ‘Let Yourself Go,’ and ‘I’m Putting All My Eggs In One Basket.’

‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’ has been recorded by many artists over the years, the first recording just ahead of Fred Astaire in January 1936 was by Vincent Lopez (1895-1975) and His Orchestra, while perhaps the most famous recording was made by Nat King Cole (1919-1965) (see also best songs 988-327-226 and 161) for his Album ‘Let’s Face the Music’ in 1964, whose version after being used in a 1994 television commercial reached Number 30 in the UK.

Fred Astaire was born Frederick Austerlitz on May 10th, 1899, in Omaha, Nebraska, United States, he is widely considered the greatest dancer in film history. It was Astaire’s mother who first pushed Fred and his sister Adele in to show business as a singing and dancing double act, she changed the family name from Austerlitz as she felt ‘Austerlitz’ was reminiscent of the ‘Battle of Austerlitz,’ Family legend attributes the name to an uncle with the surname ‘L’Astaire.’ Fred Astaire appeared in 34 film musicals, and eight films non musical, he also made many television appearances, including ‘The Fred Astaire Show’ in 1968.

Irving Berlin was born Israel Beilin on May 11th, 1888, in Tolochin, Russian Empire, which is now Belarus, he died in his sleep on September 22, 1989, of a heart attack, and natural causes at the age of 101. Berlin was held in the highest esteem by his peers, the American composer George Gershwin (1898-1937) (see also best songs 286 and 231) said,’ I frankly believe that Irving Berlin is the greatest songwriter that has ever lived. He has had a greater influence upon American music than any other man. It was Irving Berlin who was the very first to have created a real, inherent American music. Irving Berlin was the first to free the American song from the nauseating sentimentality which had previously characterised it.’

‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’ has a message, it tells the listener to enjoy yourself while you can, because trouble could be just around the corner, which was apt, as it was written in 1936.

‘There may be trouble ahead, but while there’s moonlight and music and love and romance, let’s face the music and dance.’