No one captured the savoir faire of the Jazz Age like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, who sang (and danced) this in 1936’s Follow the Fleet. The tune was considered Irving Berlin’s answer to Cole Porter, and (sometimes) singer-songwriter Clive Goodinson lends it the right touch of jaded sophistication, with Dave Liebman’s fiery soprano sax cutting defiantly through Simon Kendall’s cool, tango-inspired accordion.

Lyrics

 

There may be trouble ahead, But while there's moonlight and music
And love and romance, Let's face the music and dance

Before the fiddlers have fled. Before they ask us to pay the bill
And while we still have the chance
Let's face the music and dance

Soon, We'll be without the moon. Humming a diff'rent tune, And then…

There may be teardrops to shed, So while there's moonlight and music
And love and romance, Let's face the music and dance
Let's face the music and dance