Begin The Beguine

When they begin the beguine

It brings back the sound of music so tender,

It brings back a night of tropical splendour,

It brings back a memory evergreen.

I’m with you once more under the stars,

And down by the shore an orchestra’s playing

And even the palms seem to be swaying

When they begin the beguine.

To live it again is past all endeavour,

Except when that tune clutches my heart,

And there we are, swearing to love forever,

And promising never, never to part.

What moments divine, what rapture serene,

Till clouds came along to disperse the joys we had

tasted,

And now when I hear people curse the chance that was

wasted,

I know but too well what they mean;

So don’t let them begin the beguine

Let the love that was once a fire remain an ember;

Let it sleep like the dead desire I only remember

When they begin the beguine.

Oh yes, let them begin the beguine, make them play

Till the stars that were there before return above you,

Till you whisper to me once more,

"Darling, I love you!"

And we suddenly know, what heaven we’re in,

When they begin the beguine.

From the musical "Jubilee"

(Cole Porter)