The Girl from Ipanema
Guitar Duo Lyrics
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The girl from Ipanema goes walking
And when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah
When she walks, she's like a samba
That swings so cool and sways so gentle
That when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah
How can he tell her he loves her
Yes I would give my heart gladly
But each day, that she walks to the sea
She looks straight ahead, not at he
Tall, (and) tan, (and) young, (and) lovely
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
And when she passes, he smile - but she doesn't see
(Doesn't see)
(She just doesn't see, she never sees him)
The Girl from Ipanema is a legendary Bossa Nova song written by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes, with the English lyrics translated by Norman Gimbel. Sung by João Gilberto and his wife, Astrud Gilberto, the song became a global hit in 1964 and has been covered by more than 400 artists. The lyrics of the song describe a beautiful girl from the neighborhood of Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who walks by every day. Her arrival is perceived by everyone as a celebration of life as her presence illuminates the surroundings, with every step she takes sounding like music. Her effortless beauty, combined with a lack of self-awareness, makes her irresistible to everyone around her, yet she remains unaware of the attention she receives.
The song's opening lines - "Tall and tan and young and lovely, the girl from Ipanema goes walking" - are iconic, and it sets up the song's story. The girl's walk and aura are so charming that they resemble the rhythm of samba. The lyrics indicate that the singer is smitten with the girl, but he watches her pass by, aware that he will never be able to tell her how he feels about her. The chorus suggests that she does not necessarily have any feelings towards him, or at least not in the way he might hope, as she continues to look straight ahead and does not notice him smile as she goes by.
In conclusion, the song is an alluring portrayal of a man who is captivated by a woman he can never have. The track's melody and rhythm are hypnotic and engaging, while its lyrics deliver a love story that is melancholic and wistful. It's no wonder that The Girl from Ipanema became one of the most recognizable Bossa Nova songs of all time.
Line by Line Meaning
Tall and tan and young and lovely
Her physical attributes are stunning, radiant with youth and beauty.
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
The girl, characterized by her alluring appearance, regularly takes walks in Ipanema.
And when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah
As she walks, her presence evokes a feeling of admiration from everyone who sees her.
When she walks, she's like a samba
Her walk is as graceful and hypnotic as the samba dance which is famous in Brazil.
That swings so cool and sways so gentle
Her movement is effortless yet captivating, reflecting a cool and serene demeanor.
That when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah
As she walks by, those who witness it can't help but express a sense of admiration and longing.
But he watch her so sadly
However, one observer in particular watches her with a sense of sadness, as he's unable to convey his affection towards her.
How can he tell her he loves her
He longs to tell her how he feels but is unsure how to express it and fearful of the possible outcome.
Yes I would give my heart gladly
If given a chance, he would readily offer his heart to her.
But each day, that she walks to the sea
Every day she walks by the sea, and every day he encounters the same feelings of sadness and longing.
She looks straight ahead, not at he
Despite his yearning, she does not even acknowledge his presence.
Tall, (and) tan, (and) young, (and) lovely
The girl's physical characteristics are repeated, emphasizing the impact of her appearance.
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
The song concludes by reiterating the line from the beginning, suggesting that the cycle of admiration and longing continues.
And when she passes, he smile - but she doesn't see
He still smiles upon seeing her, but the girl remains indifferent to his affection.
(Doesn't see)
This additional line emphasizes her lack of awareness of his feelings.
(She just doesn't see, she never sees him)
This final line underscores his unrequited love as it ends with his realization that she does not even see him.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Tratore
Written by: Norman Gimbel, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius De Moraes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Umut Yıldız
Cool!
Mark Schirripa
Talent.