Where or When
Dave Brubeck Lyrics


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It seems we stood and talked like this before
We looked at each other in the same way then
But I can't remember where or when

The clothes you're wearing are the clothes you wore
The smile you are smiling you were smiling then
But I can't remember where or when
Some things that happened for the first time
Seem to be happening again

And so it seems that we have met before




And laughed before, and loved before
But who knows where or when

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Dave Brubeck's song "Where or When" describe a sense of deja vu and a feeling of familiarity. The singer recognizes the person they're speaking to and remembers their clothing and smile, but can't recall the time or place they first met. The song suggests that these two individuals may have met and loved before, and that certain events and feelings may be repeating themselves.


The song's lyrics capture the universal experience of feeling as though we've experienced something before, but can't quite put our finger on when or where. This feeling of familiarity can be both comforting and disorienting, as we attempt to reconcile our memories with our present reality. The song's simple, elegant melody complements the lyrics, showcasing Brubeck's skill as a composer and bandleader.


Line by Line Meaning

It seems we stood and talked like this before
It feels as if we've had this exact conversation before


We looked at each other in the same way then
Our gazes were just as intense and familiar as they are now


But I can't remember where or when
Despite the sense of familiarity, I can't recall the time or place of our previous encounter


The clothes you're wearing are the clothes you wore
You're dressed in the same outfit you wore during our last meeting


The smile you are smiling you were smiling then
The same joyful expression is on your face that I saw last time


But I can't remember where or when
Once again, I'm unable to place our previous encounter


Some things that happened for the first time
Certain events that were once new experiences


Seem to be happening again
Feel like they're repeating themselves


And so it seems that we have met before
It's as if our paths have crossed at some point


And laughed before, and loved before
And we've shared joy and affection in the past


But who knows where or when
Yet the time and place of those interactions eludes us both




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@eight50

@virajs Don’t really know that much, but you could try Bill Evans Trio https://youtu.be/uco5FNbjqv0

Or maybe John Coltrane with Stan Getz is very cool:
https://youtu.be/pc6CWfBgIt8

Or for something a little later maybe Kieth Jarrett:
https://youtu.be/gJOPahb8TkE
Jack is sensational drummer.

Hope you enjoy



All comments from YouTube:

@waltsnow1762

Bought this album when I was 19, I'm 77 now. My girl friend and I loved jazz and now she has been my wife for the last 54 years! We still love jazz !

@habibelhassani8656

Long happy life still ahead

@marcushartmann4545

Music saves the World

@MrNess2911

Congrats!😃

@acceptinglife6491

I heard this song in 2012, sang it as a jazz vocalist group in high school

@LunaAmyOchoa

We all love you. 💞

36 More Replies...

@user-mr2bk7ku9x

I swear Joe Morello was a metronome in his past life. Dude did NOT miss A SINGLE BEAT. Perfect timing through and through. Holy shit.

@williebrooks5085

I get the feeling of the commentors just it's just give me a feeling rush and passion magnetic!!!!

@michaelcharlong5645

It's arguably one of the best live recordings of all time.

@CorePathway

Ann Wilson covering Stairway to Heaven at the Kennedy Center honors, at age 64 would like a word with you. If you’ve not seen it, go there now and thank me later.

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