Take Five
Dave Brubeck Carmen McRae Lyrics
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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
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
The song "Take Five" by Dave Brubeck and Carmen McRae is a tale of unspoken love and missed connection. The lyrics urge the singer's love interest to "stop and take a little time out" to notice the singer and "see if I'm alive." Despite the fact that the two see each other every day, they never speak or interact beyond brief eye contact. The singer wishes that they could break the silence and have a conversation, but instead they remain in a "pantomime" of unspoken attraction.
The lyrics convey a sense of longing and regret as the singer reflects on missed opportunities for connection. The reference to "take five" also implies that the singer wants the love interest to take a break from their busy life and focus on the moment. The soft, melancholy melody underscores the wistful lyrics, creating a sense of emotional depth and complexity.
Overall, "Take Five" is a poignant reflection on the complexity of human relationships and the missed connections that can leave us feeling isolated and alone, even when surrounded by people.
Line by Line Meaning
Won't you stop and take
Can you please pause and pay attention to me?
A little time out with me
Just take a brief moment to spend with me
Just take five
Take a break for five minutes
Stop your busy day
Pause your hectic routine
And take the time out
Spend some time to relax and unwind
To see if I'm alive
Notice and acknowledge my existence
Though I'm going out of my way
Despite the extra effort I make
Just so I can pass by each day
To have a chance to see you every day
Not a single word do we say
We don't speak to each other
It's a pantomime and not a play
Our interaction is like an act but not a real conversation
Still, I know our eyes often meet
Even though we don't talk, we often make eye contact
I feel tingles down to my feet
I have a physical reaction to seeing you
When you smile, that's much too discreet
Your subtle smile is hard to notice
Sends me on my way
Your smile is enough to make me happy for the rest of the day
Wouldn't it be better
Isn't it possible to improve this situation?
Not to be so polite
Maybe we should be more direct with each other
You could offer a light
Perhaps you could start a conversation with a small gesture
Start a little conversation now
Let's talk a bit and get to know each other
It's alright, just take five
It's not a big commitment, just a short break to chat
Just take five
Let's just take a short break and interact for a bit
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Paul Desmond
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@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
@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
@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
@elisasmith3766
I have dreamt of hearing a vocal version for ages. Thankfully they played this in a coffee place and now my life is complete
@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.
@Sparkina
I never even thought this song had words!
@catnipcanoodle
my mind is blown
@TJSol
I absolutely love this, and Carmen McRae's voice is splendid!!!