Take 5
Carmen McRae;Dave Brubeck Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Won't you stop and take
A little time out with me
Just take five
Stop your busy day
And take the time out
To see if I'm alive

Though I'm going out of my way
Just so I can pass by each day
Not a single word do we say
It's a pantomime and not a play

Still, I know our eyes often meet
I feel tingles down to my feet
When you smile, that's much too discreet
Sends me on my way

Wouldn't it be better
Not to be so polite
You could offer a light
Start a little conversation now
It's alright, just take five
Just take five

Though I'm going out of my way
Just so I can pass by each day
Not a single word do we say
It's a pantomime and not a play

Still, I know our eyes often meet
I feel tingles down to my feet
When you smile, that's much too discreet
Sends me on my way

Wouldn't it be better
Not to be so polite
You could offer a light
Start a little conversation now
It's alright, just take five
Just take five
Just take five




Just take five
Just take five

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Take 5 delve into the longing of the singer to connect with the subject of the song, who seems so focused on their busy life that they fail to recognize the singer's presence. The song opens with an invitation to the subject to pause their hectic schedule and spend some time with the singer, to see if they are truly alive. The singer acknowledges that they often cross paths with the subject, but no words are exchanged, leading to a pantomime instead of a real conversation. The song poignantly captures the feeling of unrequited love and the frustration of wanting to connect with someone who seems distant and uninterested.


Despite this emotional depth, the song is primarily instrumental and is known for its distinctive 5/4 time signature. The melody was written by saxophonist Paul Desmond, and the song became a huge hit in 1959 when it was released by the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Take 5 remains one of the most recognizable jazz songs of all time, with its memorable saxophone and drum solos.


Line by Line Meaning

Won't you stop and take
Can you pause and spend some quality time with me?


A little time out with me
A short break in your busy schedule for spending some time with me.


Just take five
Take just five minutes out of your hectic day to spend with me.


Still, I know our eyes often meet
I frequently make eye contact with you while we pass each other.


I feel tingles down to my feet
It gives me a pleasant sensation that fills my whole body when I see you.


When you smile, that's much too discreet
I admire your subtle smile when we pass each other, yet it is too elusive.


Sends me on my way
This passing interaction is enough to make me walk away, but I want it to be more.


Wouldn't it be better
Don't you think it would be less formal?


Not to be so polite
We don't need to keep our interactions constrained within societal norms.


You could offer a light
How about offering me something like a lighter just to start a conversation?


Start a little conversation now
Let's take this opportunity to engage in a little chit-chat.


It's alright, just take five
It is completely fine to take a small break in your busy day.


Though I'm going out of my way
I go out of my routine path to see you.


Not a single word do we say
We pretentiously put on a wordless act.


It's a pantomime and not a play
We are performing more like mime actors than real players.


Just take five
For whatever it's worth, let's take this five-minute meeting to another level.


Just take five
Why don't we dedicate a little time to ourselves by taking a few minutes together?


Just take five
For once, let's take a break from our hectic schedules and spend a few moments together.


Just take five
A tiny break at this moment seems like the best idea.


Just take five
Let's pass beyond just brushing shoulders and spend some time together instead.




Lyrics © Soundreef Ltd.
Written by: Paul Desmond

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@oooq4900

Won't you stop and take
A little time out with me
Just take five
Stop your busy day
And take the time out
To see if I'm alive
Though I'm going out of my way
Just so I can pass by each day
Not a single word do we say
It's a pantomime and not a play
Still, I know our eyes often meet
I feel tingles down to my feet
When you smile, that's much too discreet
Sends me on my way
Wouldn't it be better
Not to be so polite
You could offer a light
Start a little conversation now
It's alright, just take five
Just take five
Though I'm going out of my way
Just so I can pass by each day
Not a single word do we say
It's a pantomime and not a play
Still, I know our eyes often meet
I feel tingles down to my feet
When you smile, that's much too discreet
Sends me on my way
Wouldn't it be better
Not to be so polite
You could offer a light
Start a little conversation now
It's alright, just take five
Just take five



@dannyelmeza9130

Won't you stop and take
A little time out with me
Just take five
Stop your busy day
And take the time out
To see if I'm alive
Though I'm going out of my way

Though I'm going out of my way

Just so I can pass by each day

Not a single word do we say It's a pantomime and not a play
Still, I know our eyes often meet I feel tingles down to my feet When you smile, that's much too discreet Sends me on my way

Wouldn't it be better Not to be so polite You could offer a light Start a little conversation now It's alright, just take five Just take five Though I'm going out of my way Just so I can pass by each day Not a single word do we say It's a pantomime and not a play Still, I know our eyes often meet I feel tingles down to my feet When you smile, that's much too discreet Sends me on my way Wouldn't it be better Not to be so polite You could offer a light Start a little conversation now It's alright, just take five Just take five



@user-pv1cz1ej5e

Won't you stop and take
A little time out with me
Just take five
Stop your busy day
And take the time out
To see if I'm alive

Though I'm going out of my way
Just so I can pass by each day
Not a single word do we say
It's a pantomime and not a play

Still, I know our eyes often meet
I feel tingles down to my feet
When you smile, that's much too discreet
Sends me on my way

Wouldn't it be better
Not to be so polite
You could offer a light
Start a little conversation now
It's alright, just take five
Just take five

Though I'm going out of my way
Just so I can pass by each day
Not a single word do we say
It's a pantomime and not a play

Still, I know our eyes often meet
I feel tingles down to my feet
When you smile, that's much too discreet
Sends me on my way

Wouldn't it be better
Not to be so polite
You could offer a light
Start a little conversation now
It's alright, just take five
Just take five



All comments from YouTube:

@ericsalomonsson4098

S-o-o-o-o Hip-Cool. Never heard a vocal version before. This is just wonderful.

@claudinewarner1728

)111! ppl

@yvetterenee8256

Al Jareau has a vocal version. Not sure if it's the same words.

@thesoultwins72

@Eric Salomonsson......Yes, I used to mix this in on the original Dave Brubeck instrumental version - always sent the audience wild! [released in the UK in 1962 - Fontana Records H.379]

@rmelin13231

My understanding is that Iola Brubeck, Dave's wife, composed the lyrics.

@ivanbueno4153

Me too, was the first time. Vocal version.

6 More Replies...

@TJSol

I absolutely love this, and Carmen McRae's voice is splendid!!!

@Bradyvilleboy

What a strong clear voice. Wow.

@jdixonhearne4559

Wow! It doesn't get any better than Carmen's rendition.

@rhondarobinson8443

Except for Al Jarreau's!!

More Comments

More Versions