They Can't Take That Away from Me — Tony Bennett Lyrics

Song Details and Overview

• Producer: Howard A. Roberts


• Writers: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin


• Release Date: December 1, 1967


• Label: CBS Records


• Genre: Jazz, Easy Listening, Traditional Pop


• Instrumentation: Piano, Strings, Brass


• Album: Sixty Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett


• Track #: 93


• Language: English


• Mood: Nostalgic, Romantic, Reflective

Exploring the meaning of "They Can’t Take That Away from Me"

"They Can’t Take That Away from Me," performed by Tony Bennett, is a timeless ballad that beautifully captures the enduring nature of cherished memories. Written by George and Ira Gershwin, the song originally appeared in the 1937 Fred Astaire film *Shall We Dance*, cementing its place as one of the greatest compositions of the American Songbook.

Bennett’s interpretation elevates the piece with his smooth vocals and impeccable phrasing, transforming it into an intimate and reflective ode to love and loss. The lyrics list small, personal details about a loved one—their habits, quirks, and mannerisms—that linger in memory long after their absence. Bennett's performance highlights the bittersweet realization that while relationships may end, the memories remain untouchable and eternal.

Verse 1: Cherished Details

The opening lines—"The way you wear your hat / The way you sip your tea"—showcase the tender specificity of the speaker’s affection. These seemingly trivial moments symbolize deeper emotional connections, proving that love often resides in life’s simplest details.

Verse 2: Preserved Memories

When Bennett sings "The memory of all that / No, no, they can’t take that away from me," he emphasizes the invincibility of memories. Regardless of external circumstances, these moments are preserved in the speaker’s heart.

Verse 3: Fleeting Love

The verse "We may never, never meet again, on the bumpy road to love" reflects the reality of separation. Life’s unpredictability may prevent reconnection, yet the speaker clings to these memories as a form of solace.

Verse 4: Lasting Change

The final lines, "The way you’ve changed my life / No, they can’t take that away from me," reveal how love shapes and transforms us. While the relationship may fade, its impact remains profound and everlasting.

Songs similar to They Can’t Take That Away from Me

1. The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra: Both songs share themes of love’s enduring beauty and are built on jazz-inspired melodies. Sinatra’s performance similarly focuses on cherishing fleeting yet memorable moments, delivered with an elegant, timeless quality.


2. Unforgettable by Nat King Cole: This romantic ballad celebrates the timeless nature of love, echoing Bennett’s sentiments about treasured memories that cannot be erased. Cole’s velvety voice and lush orchestration evoke nostalgia and reverence.


3. Moon River by Andy Williams: Sharing a wistful and reflective tone, this classic explores themes of love, memory, and dreams. Its gentle melody and poetic lyrics align with the emotional warmth of Bennett’s performance.


4. My Funny Valentine by Chet Baker: Chet Baker’s rendition conveys love’s imperfect yet unforgettable beauty. Like Bennett’s track, it captures how intimate quirks make relationships unique and enduring.


5. What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong: Armstrong’s uplifting ballad celebrates life’s simple pleasures and enduring beauty. Both songs encourage listeners to appreciate fleeting moments and cherish them deeply.


6. Someone to Watch Over Me by Ella Fitzgerald: Another Gershwin masterpiece, Ella’s soulful delivery mirrors the emotional tenderness of Bennett’s song. It highlights longing and the lasting impact of love.


7. Embraceable You by Billie Holiday: This jazz standard shares a romantic, nostalgic essence with Bennett’s track. Holiday’s unique phrasing and emotional depth emphasize love’s timelessness.


8. I Left My Heart in San Francisco by Tony Bennett: A signature song of Bennett’s, this track explores longing and memory in a deeply personal way. Both songs highlight how places, people, and experiences leave indelible marks on the heart.

Chart Performance and Legacy

• The song, originally performed by Fred Astaire in 1937, has been covered by numerous iconic artists, including Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra.


• Bennett’s rendition solidified its place as a jazz and pop standard, further showcasing his ability to reimagine timeless classics.


• The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, celebrating its cultural and musical significance.

"It’s the kind of song that stays with you forever. Every note is perfect."

Tony Bennett, reflecting on Gershwin’s masterpiece.