Begin the beguine
James Last And His Orchestra Lyrics


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When they begin the beguine
It brings back the sound of music so tender,
It brings back a night of tropical splendor,
It brings back a memory ever green.

I'm with you once more under the stars,
And down by the shore an orchestra's playing
And even the palms seem to be swaying
When they begin the beguine.

To live it again is past all endeavor,
Except when that tune clutches my heart,
And there we are, swearing to love forever,
And promising never, never to part.

What moments divine, what rapture serene,
Till clouds came along to disperse the joys we had tasted,
And now when I hear people curse the chance that was wasted,
I know but too well what they mean;

So don't let them begin the beguine
Let the love that was once a fire remain an ember;
Let it sleep like the dead desire I only remember
When they begin the beguine.

Oh yes, let them begin the beguine, make them play
Till the stars that were there before return above you,
Till you whisper to me once more,
"Darling, I love you!"




And we suddenly know, what heaven we're in,
When they begin the beguine

Overall Meaning

"Begin the Beguine" is a song that evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for a past love. The lyrics describe the transformative power of the music, specifically the beguine, a type of dance and music originating from the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe.


The song starts by highlighting the emotional impact of the beguine, as it brings back memories of tender moments and vivid experiences of a tropical paradise. It conveys the idea that the beguine has the ability to transport the listener to a specific time and place, creating a sense of longing for past happiness.


The lyrics also emphasize the setting and atmosphere of the moment, with imagery of being under the stars, by the shore, and surrounded by the music of an orchestra. The palm trees swaying represent the enchantment and allure of this particular experience.


The second verse reveals that the song holds a special significance for the singer, as it reminds them of a love they once shared. The tender moments and promises made under the beguine's spell are recalled, creating a sense of deep connection and everlasting love.


However, the lyrics take a bittersweet turn as they acknowledge that the joy of this past love was fleeting. The clouds metaphorically represent obstacles or challenges that disrupted the happiness they had experienced. The singer admits to understanding why others lament missed opportunities and lost chances when they hear the beguine, as they too have felt the pain of love slipping away.


In the final verse, the singer expresses conflicting emotions. On one hand, they urge others not to awaken the beguine, suggesting that the love that once burned so passionately should be allowed to rest peacefully, like a dying ember. On the other hand, they long for the beguine to begin again, hoping that it will bring back the intense love and connection they once shared.


The last lines imply that when the beguine starts, the singer and their lover will realize the heavenly bliss of being together once more. The repetition of "Darling, I love you!" suggests a profound affirmation of love. The song leaves the listener with a sense of longing, hoping for a reunion and the recapturing of lost love when the beguine begins again.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@olgafernandez5198

Lo digo sinceramente. JAMES LAST se apoderó del talento más portentoso y soberbio conocido. Magistral Maestro. Se me agota el rico vocabulario español. ABRAZOTES GENIO DE GENIOS. Gracias a You Tube, por deleitarme hasta hacerme estremecer

@111111noA

I don´t know why but my work gets more easy when listening to James Last. Thank you.

@jmrodas9

Very good instrumental version of this song. One of the best I have ever heard really. The music is so good in expressing the song a singer is not necessary really with musicians as good as these.

@jmrodas9

Excellent interpretation of this song. One that makes one enjoy real music not the noise that passes for music offered nowadays.  Not only is the trumpet very well played but the background is excellent too.  Simply beautiful and a joy to hear

@olgafernandez5198

Qué Begin the Beguine tan hermoso interpreta James Last, como todo lo suyo-Espectacular

@IsidroBellon

I've always loved this interpretation since the first time I listened to my parent's tape.
Thank you a lot!!!!

@olgafernandez5198

Con solo nombrar a JAMES LAST, se sabe que la interpretación es perfecta y tratándose de Begin the Beguine, ni hablar........

@mariethereseguillou8085

cha-cha ,samba rumba , quel pied , J'ADORE

@olgafernandez5198

Así se trabaja mi genio. Qué bella interpretación - Felicitaciones mi incomparable músico en todo el sentido de la palabra-

@olgafernandez5198

Es una bella y perfecta interpretación-gracias

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