"Just Like Fred Astaire" is a song by the band James, released in 1999. The song is written from the perspective of the narrator talking to a doctor, describing the various symptoms he is experiencing due to being in love. The narrator begins by mentioning palpitations and a diseased mind, indicating the intense emotional impact love has on him. He also notes impaired vision and losing hair, possibly indicating feelings of confusion and stress caused by love. However, when the narrator holds the person he loves in his arms, he feels like Fred Astaire, a famous American dancer and actor known for his grace and charm. This comparison suggests that the narrator feels an overwhelming sense of happiness and confidence when he is with his lover. Despite the doctor's skepticism about love being a disease, the narrator firmly believes in happiness, love, and the idea that his lover is a special person who came from a higher place. The mentions of Hollywood and disbelief in love causing despair further emphasize the narrator's optimism and belief in the power of love. The song takes on a more uplifting tone in the later verses, expressing the narrator's excitement and joy in being with his lover. Despite worldly calamities like meteors striking the earth and nations rising and falling, the narrator feels like a fortunate person who has found love. The mention of crossing the race divide and bridging nonexistent gaps suggests the unifying and transformative power of love. Overall, "Just Like Fred Astaire" is a song about the overwhelming effects of love and the transformative nature it can have on individuals. The song emphasizes the joy and happiness that love brings, dismissing skepticism and embracing the idea that love can make someone feel like they can achieve anything.
