Take Five
Carmen McRae; Dave Brubeck Quartet Lyrics


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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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Carmen Mc Rae's song "Take Five" tell the story of a person who is interested in someone they pass by every day, but they haven't spoken to each other yet. The singer is encouraging the person to take a break from their busy day and spend some time with them. They acknowledge the silent attraction between them, and the singer feels nervous and excited when they catch their eye. The singer suggests that it would be better to not be so formal and to start a conversation, even if it's just for five minutes. The song presents a tension between the desire to connect with someone and the fear of rejection or embarrassment. The repeated phrase "Just take five" emphasizes the importance of taking a break from the rush of life and taking the time to connect with others.


The song is set to the tune of the jazz standard "Take Five" by Dave Brubeck, which was originally an instrumental piece. The lyrics were written by Paul Desmond, the saxophonist in Brubeck's band, but they were not included in the original recording. The lyrics were added later and have been performed by many artists, including McRae. The song reflects the influence of bossa nova on jazz music in the early 1960s, with its relaxed, gentle rhythm and soft melody. The lyrics capture the mood of a romantic daydream, with their longing for connection and their bittersweet awareness of the distance between people.


Line by Line Meaning

Won't you stop and take
Can you take a break for a moment?


A little time out with me
Spend some time with me.


Just take five
Take a five-minute rest.


Stop your busy day
Take a break from your hectic schedule.


And take the time out
Spend some quality time.


To see if I'm alive
To find out if I matter to you.


Though I'm going out of my way
Putting extra effort into something.


Just so I can pass by each day
Trying to cross paths with someone daily.


Not a single word do we say
Silence between two people.


It's a pantomime and not a play
Going through the motions without substance.


Still, I know our eyes often meet
Constant eye contact.


I feel tingles down to my feet
A rush of emotions.


When you smile, that's much too discreet
A smile that goes unnoticed.


Sends me on my way
Feeling energized after seeing this person.


Wouldn't it be better
Considering a different approach.


Not to be so polite
Skip the formalities.


You could offer a light
Initiate conversation with a simple gesture.


Start a little conversation now
Engage in a dialogue.


It's alright, just take five
It's okay to take a break now.


Just take five
Take a moment to relax.




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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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!!

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