Daryl Hall & John Oates – I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do) (1981)

About the song

Let’s explore the smooth sounds of Daryl Hall & John Oates with their timeless hit, “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do).” Released in 1981 as part of their album “Private Eyes,” this track quickly became one of the duo’s most iconic songs, blending elements of pop, R&B, and funk into a seamless groove that continues to captivate audiences to this day.

Written by Daryl Hall, John Oates, and Sara Allen, “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)” features a catchy bassline, funky synthesizers, and Hall’s soulful vocals, creating a sound that is both irresistibly groovy and undeniably cool. The song’s lyrics explore themes of independence and self-respect, with its iconic refrain serving as a defiant declaration of personal boundaries.

Upon its release, “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)” soared to the top of the charts, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and #1 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart. Its success solidified Daryl Hall & John Oates’ status as one of the premier acts of the 1980s and earned them widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike.

At its core, “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)” is a testament to the duo’s ability to seamlessly blend different musical genres while maintaining their distinctive sound. Its infectious groove and catchy hooks make it a timeless classic that continues to be celebrated by music lovers of all ages.

As you listen to “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do),” allow yourself to be transported back to the 1980s, where Daryl Hall & John Oates reigned supreme with their smooth melodies and undeniable charm. Whether you’re grooving on the dance floor or simply enjoying the infectious rhythm, this song is sure to put a smile on your face and a bounce in your step.

Video

Lyrics

Easy, ready, willing, overtime
Where does it stop
Where do you dare me
To draw the line
You’ve got the body
Now you want my soul
Don’t even think about it
Say no go

I, I ‘ll do anything
That you want me to do
And I’ll do almost anything
That you want me to, ooh

But I can’t go for that, no (no) no can do
No, I can’t go for that, no (no) no can do
I can’t go for that, no (no) no can do

I can’t go for that
Can’t go for that
Can’t go for that
Can’t go for that

I can go for being twice as nice
I can go for just repeating
The same old lines
Use the body
Now you want my soul
Ooh, forget about it
Now say no go

I, I’ll do anything
That you want me to do
I’ll do almost anything
That you want me to

But I can’t go for that, no (no) no can do
I can’t go for that, no (no) no can do
I can’t go for that, no (no) no can do

I can’t go for that
Can’t go for that
Can’t go for that
Can’t go for that

Yeah, I, I’ll do anything
That you want me to do
And I’ll do almost anything
That you want me to

But I can’t go for that, no (no) no can do
I can’t go for that, no (no) no can do
I can’t go for that, no (no) no can do

I can’t go for that
Can’t go for that
Can’t go for that
I can’t go for that

No I can’t go for that, no (no) no can do
I can’t go for that, no no, no can do
I can’t go for that, (no no no no) no I can’t go for that

I can’t go for that (no can do)
No can’t do
I can’t go for that (no no no no can’t do)
I can’t go for that
I can’t go for that, yeah (no can do)
No, no, no, no, no, no