carry a tune

Idioms  

1. Accurately sing a melody, as in Dean loves to listen to music but he can't carry a tune. [Early 1800s]

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Example Sentences

“We’d get together and sing. My mother pushed the arts. I watched opera at Hollywood Bowl at age 12. I like music, and I can carry a tune, but I don’t play any instruments.”

From Los Angeles Times

Then, one of the music people asked me if I could carry a tune.

From Los Angeles Times

Musical talent evaded them their whole life — their stepdad once told them they couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket — and yet, they beat on like a boat against the current.

From Seattle Times

Although I had played the role of Winthrop in “The Music Man” I told George, “If you need me to sing, I’m not your guy because I can’t carry a tune.”

From Los Angeles Times

Because I can’t carry a tune in a lunch box.

From Literature