Polka Dots and Moonbeams
Frank Sinatra/Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra Lyrics
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I felt a bump and heard an "Oh, beg your pardon"
Suddenly I saw polka dots and moonbeams
All around a pug-nosed dream
The music started and was I the perplexed one
I held my breath and said "May I have the next one?"
In my frightened arms, polka dots and moonbeams
There were questions in the eyes of other dancers
As we floated over the floor
There were questions but my heart knew all the answers
And perhaps a few things more
Now in a cottage built of lilacs and laughter
I know the meaning of the words "Ever after"
And I'll always see polka dots and moonbeams
When I kiss the pug-nosed dream
The lyrics of Frank Sinatra & Tommy Dorsey's song, Polka Dots and Moonbeams, tell a story of falling in love unexpectedly at a country dance. The first verse describes the moment when the two protagonists first encounter each other, with the singer feeling a "bump" and hearing "Oh, beg your pardon." Suddenly, he sees "polka dots and moonbeams all around a pug-nosed dream," which is likely a reference to the girl's beauty and charm.
In the second verse, the music starts, and the singer is nervous about asking the girl to dance, but he plucks up the courage and holds her tightly as they glide across the floor. Despite other dancers looking at them with "questions in their eyes," the singer is sure of what he feels, saying that his "heart knew all the answers and perhaps a few things more."
The final verse finds the couple living in a "cottage built of lilacs and laughter," and the singer realizing the meaning of the words "ever after." He promises to always see "polka dots and moonbeams" when he kisses his "pug-nosed dream." Overall, the lyrics convey the joy of falling in love unexpectedly and the enduring nature of that love.
Line by Line Meaning
A country dance was being held in a garden
A social gathering was taking place in an outdoor space, where people were dancing in pairs to music
I felt a bump and heard an 'Oh, beg your pardon'
I accidentally collided with someone and heard them apologize immediately, likely embarrassed about the incident
Suddenly I saw polka dots and moonbeams
In that moment, I was overcome with a sense of wonder and joy, as if seeing something beautiful for the first time
All around a pug-nosed dream
The object of my admiration was a person with a distinctive physical feature, yet to me they were perfect in every way
The music started and was I the perplexed one
As the music began playing, I felt unsure and bewildered by the situation, not knowing how to approach the person I was drawn to
I held my breath and said 'May I have the next one?'
Summoning my courage, I asked the person to dance with me for the next song
In my frightened arms, polka dots and moonbeams
As we danced, I was filled with a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty of the person in my embrace
Sparkled on a pug-nosed dream
The person I was dancing with was like a dream to me, with their unique beauty shining like the stars
There were questions in the eyes of other dancers
Other people at the dance were wondering or curious about why I was dancing with this particular person
As we floated over the floor
As we danced, it felt like we were moving so gracefully and effortlessly that we were almost gliding across the floor
There were questions but my heart knew all the answers
Despite any doubts or skepticism from others, I felt completely sure in my heart that this was the person for me
And perhaps a few things more
In addition to my feelings of love and admiration, there may have been other deeper or unspoken reasons why I was drawn to this person
Now in a cottage built of lilacs and laughter
Years later, I am happily settled down with this person in a cozy home filled with joy and sweet memories
I know the meaning of the words 'Ever after'
Through all of life's ups and downs, I have come to understand what it means to be committed to someone 'forever' and to cherish them through thick and thin
And I'll always see polka dots and moonbeams
As I look back on my life with this person, I will always remember the magic and beauty that drew me to them in the first place
When I kiss the pug-nosed dream
Whenever I embrace or show affection to the person I fell in love with long ago, I am reminded of the passion and devotion that brought us together
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Broma 16, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAMES VAN HEUSEN, JIMMY VAN HEUSEN, JOHNNY BURKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind