Girl from Ipanema
Big Mountain Lyrics


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Tall and tan and young and lovely
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
And when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah

When she walks, she's like a samba
That swings so cool and sways so gentle
That when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah
(Ooh) But he watch her so sadly
How can he tell her he loves her
Yes I would give my heart gladly
But each day, that she walks to the sea
She looks straight ahead, not at he

Tall, (and) tan, (and) young, (and) lovely
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
And when she passes, he smile - but she doesn't see

(Doesn't see)
(She just doesn't see, she never sees him)

Overall Meaning

The song "Girl from Ipanema" by Big Mountain is a rendition of the classic bossa nova song originally composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes in 1962. It describes a beautiful young woman from the coastal neighborhood of Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who walks by the beach every day and captures the attention of everyone who sees her. The lyrics depict her elegance and grace as she sways like a samba, leaving all those who pass her by in awe. The singer of the song also observes her longingly, but laments that he cannot express his feelings because she does not notice him.


The song showcases the beauty of Brazilian culture and the charm of Ipanema, a neighborhood famous for its beach and stunning landscapes. It also presents a universal theme of unrequited love, where the singer admires the girl's beauty from afar, but cannot declare his affection to her.


In conclusion, Big Mountain's version of "Girl from Ipanema" is a timeless classic that captures the essence of Brazilian music and culture while portraying a relatable story of love and longing.


Line by Line Meaning

Tall and tan and young and lovely
The girl from Ipanema has a physical appearance that is pleasing to the writer


The girl from Ipanema goes walking
The girl from Ipanema walks through the city, likely on a daily basis


And when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah
The girl from Ipanema is so striking that it causes people to react with excitement when she passes by


When she walks, she's like a samba
Her walk has a rhythm and energy similar to the Brazilian dance known as the samba


That swings so cool and sways so gentle
Her walk is relaxed and effortless, but also stylish and impressive


That when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah
Her walk is so amazing that it continues to create a stir with each person who sees her


(Ooh) But he watch her so sadly
The writer refers to himself in the third person and is sad when he sees her because he cannot be with her


How can he tell her he loves her
The writer wants to express his feelings for her but may not have the opportunity or courage to do so


Yes I would give my heart gladly
The writer is willing to give his all for her love


But each day, that she walks to the sea
The writer sees her walking towards the ocean every day, which may symbolize her departure from his life


She looks straight ahead, not at he
The girl from Ipanema does not notice the writer's presence and continues on her way


Tall, (and) tan, (and) young, (and) lovely
The writer repeats the adjectives used to describe the girl earlier in the song


The girl from Ipanema goes walking
The girl continues to walk through the city, perhaps unaware of the impact she has on others


And when she passes, he smile - but she doesn't see
The writer smiles when she walks by, but she does not acknowledge him


(Doesn't see)
The girl from Ipanema seems oblivious to the attention she receives as she walks through the city


(She just doesn't see, she never sees him)
The girl from Ipanema is never aware of the writer's presence, despite his love for her




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Tratore, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Norman Gimbel, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius De Moraes

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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