Novel Soundtrack: Track 3

3) Change Partners by Fred Astaire

Event: I related this song to Joe coming into Janie’s life and asking her to leave Logan for him. Although this song is about a dance, you could interpret it metaphorically about a marriage. If you interpret it this way, you can see that it relates to Joe asking Janie to leave her marriage for him. The last line in the song is like Joe telling Janie that he will provide for her and be a “big voice” in Eatonville.

Lyrics:

Must you dance every dance with the same fortunate man?

You have danced with him since the music began.

Won't you change partners and dance with me?

Must you dance quite so close with your lips touching his face?

Can't you see

I'm longing to be in his place?

Won't you change partners and dance with me?

Ask him to sit this one out.

While you're alone,

I'll tell the waiter to tell

him he's wanted on the telephone.

You've been locked in his arms ever since heaven-knows-when.

Won't you change partners and then,

you may never want to change partners again.