Hernando
Doris Day Lyrics


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I know a dark secluded place
A place where no one knows your face
A glass of wine, a fast embrace
It's called Hernando's Hideaway
Ole

All you see are silhouettes
And all you hear are castanets
And no one cares how late it gets
Not at Hernando's Hideaway
Ole

At the golden finger bowl or anyplace you go
You'll meet your uncle Max and everyone you know
But if we go to the spot that I am thinking of
You will be free
To gaze at me
And talk of love

Just knock three times and whisper low
That you and I were sent by Joe
Then strike a match and you will know
You're in Hernando's Hideaway
Ole

Oh, it's dark in here, Res
Who's there?
Poopsie, where are you?
Poopsie, Poopsie
Hey buddy, this ain't Poopsie

I know a dark secluded place
A place where no one knows your face
A glass of wine, a fast embrace
It's called Hernando's Hideaway
Ole

Joe sent us
Shh
Poopsie, Poopsie

At the golden finger bowl or anyplace you go
You'll meet your uncle Max and everyone you know
But if we go to the spot that I am thinking of
You will be free
To gaze at me
And talk of love

Just knock three times and whisper low
That you and I were sent by Joe
Then strike a match and you will know




You're in Hernando's Hideaway
Ole

Overall Meaning

The song "Hernando's Hideaway" as sung by Doris Day is about a secret, hidden place called Hernando's Hideaway. The location is meant to be a place where people can escape to and let loose without the fear of being seen by anyone who knows them. The lyrics paint a picture of a place that is dark and secluded, where no one knows your face. The mood of the song is sensual, with references to wine and fast embraces.


The chorus of the song encourages the listener to follow a set of instructions in order to gain access to Hernando's Hideaway. The instructions are to knock three times and whisper low, that you and I were sent by Joe. Once these instructions are followed, a match is to be struck and the mystery of Hernando's Hideaway will be revealed. The song ends on a humorous note, with the reference to the mistaken identity of Poopsie.


In summary, "Hernando's Hideaway" is a song about a secret place where people can go to escape and be themselves without fear of being recognized. The mood is sensual and the lyrics paint a picture of a place that is dark and secluded, with references to wine and fast embraces. The chorus encourages the listener to follow a set of instructions to gain access to the hideaway.


Line by Line Meaning

I know a dark secluded place
I am aware of a shadowy and private spot


A place where no one knows your face
A venue where you can remain anonymous and unrecognized


A glass of wine, a fast embrace
Toast to a luscious liquor and an intimate hug


It's called Hernando's Hideaway
It is named Hernando's Hideaway


All you see are silhouettes
Merely shadows can be perceived


And all you hear are castanets
The only sound you hear are the clapping of castanets


And no one cares how late it gets
No one bothers about the lateness of the night


Not at Hernando's Hideaway
But in Hernando's Hideaway


At the golden finger bowl or anyplace you go
Whether it is the lavish restaurant or anywhere else


You'll meet your uncle Max and everyone you know
You will come across your kinfolk and acquaintances


But if we go to the spot that I am thinking of
However, if we head towards the destination I have in mind


You will be free
We will be unencumbered


To gaze at me
To admire me


And talk of love
And express our passionate feelings


Just knock three times and whisper low
Rap thrice and murmur softly


That you and I were sent by Joe
Inform that we obtained a message from Joe


Then strike a match and you will know
Light a match and you will comprehend


You're in Hernando's Hideaway
You are indeed in Hernando's Hideaway


Oh, it's dark in here, Res
Wow, it is gloomy in here, Res


Who's there?
Who is present?


Poopsie, where are you?
Poopsie, where have you disappeared?


Poopsie, Poopsie
Waiting for Poopsie


Hey buddy, this ain't Poopsie
Listen buddy, Poopsie is not here


Joe sent us
Joe dispatched us


Shh
Quiet


Poopsie, Poopsie
Poopsie, Poopsie




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jerry Ross, Richard Adler

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

@MissKatieJaneRigglar

I know a dark secluded place
A place where no one knows your face.
A glass of wine, a fast embrace.
It's called Hernando's Hideaway. Ole!
All you see are silhouettes
And all you hear are castanets
And no one cares how late it gets
Not at Hernando's Hideaway. Ole!
At the golden finger bowl or anyplace you go
You'll meet your uncle Max and everyone you know
But if you are sitting close and making love to me
you may take my heart, you may take my soul, but not my key
Just knock three times and whisper low
That you and I were sent by Joe
Then strike a match and you will know
You're in Hernando's Hideaway. Ole!



All comments from YouTube:

@ficus3877

Definitely the best song in the whole musical! It’s so out there compared to everything else in the film. And she’s so awesome!

@markr.devereux3385

I can't get past this type of show after SOUTH PACIFIC. MY FAIR LADY GIGI stuff that leaves you speechless with the music the performances and stories.

@YeOldeTowneCryer

That woman dancing had an amazing voice. From a soft whisper to a growl in seconds. This routine cracks me up.

@eottoe2001

I was born 1957. Most musicals even now don't have this level of sophistication. Seeing this on stage would have been terrific. Carol Haney was an amazing dancer/actor/choreographer. They talk about Fosse but she was genius, too. Too bad she died so young.

@christinedaniels3669

I enjoyed this so much. I was born in 1958 and never saw this movie. I don't know why. It seems like all the female singers have a little bit of Doris Day in them. Costumes are great scenery was wonderful and it depicts 1950s as the All-American dream.

@janepiepes2243

Fantastic ! I taught this song to all my music students. It was always an absolute favorite. ( I saw this movie in 1957. My mother took us.)

@stantwiceorelse362

How old are you now??

@VinDcator

A real shame that Carol Haney spent such a short time with us. So wonderful and talented.

@AndrewRudin

Carol Haney was a treasure... known primarily through her stage work and her dancing. Loved her.

@MuzzyVanH

Yes, and it was the innovative way Bob Fosse had of moving folks around on stage as well as on screen, that lead to the "Steam Heat" number from this show garnering him his real first serious notice. Love the way he underplays the choreography on "I'm Not At All In Love", treating the 'co-workers' almost as seperate instruments of an orchestra in their attitudes and motions. He always impresses me, usually by NOT resorting to the old tried and true, cliche or kick-line stuff. Fosse is the best.

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