Polka Dots and Moonbeams
Jimmy Van Heusen 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 Jimmy Van Heusen's song "Polkadots And Moonbeams" tell the story of a magical moment at a country dance. The singer bumps into someone and apologizes, and then suddenly sees polka dots and moonbeams all around a "pug-nosed dream" (presumably the person they bumped into). The music starts, and the singer nervously asks the pug-nosed dream to dance. As they dance, the other dancers look questioningly at them, but the singer's heart knows all the answers. The song concludes with the singer in a cottage, living out their "ever after" with the pug-nosed dream, remembering that magical moment when they first saw polka dots and moonbeams.
The lyrics of "Polkadots And Moonbeams" are sometimes interpreted as a romantic love story, in which the singer falls in love at first sight with the pug-nosed dream. Others see the song as more broadly capturing the feeling of being swept away by an unexpected moment of beauty or joy. Whatever its intended meaning, the song has become a standard in the jazz and pop repertoires since its debut in the 1940s.
Line by Line Meaning
A country dance was being held in a garden
There was a social gathering where people were dancing and enjoying themselves in an outdoor setting
I felt a bump and heard an "Oh, beg your pardon"
I accidentally collided with someone and heard them apologize for the mishap
Suddenly I saw polka dots and moonbeams
I experienced a moment of wonder and amazement when I saw polka dots and moonbeams
All around a pug-nosed dream
These beautiful sights surrounded a person with a small, upturned nose
The music started and was I the perplexed one
The music started and I felt confused and unsure of myself
I held my breath and said "May I have the next one?"
I nervously asked for the opportunity to dance with someone else
In my frightened arms, polka dots and moonbeams
As I danced with my partner, I could see the beauty of polka dots and moonbeams in their presence
Sparkled on a pug-nosed dream
These beautiful sights shone on the face of the person with the upturned nose
There were questions in the eyes of other dancers
Other people looked at me with curiosity and confusion
As we floated over the floor
As we danced together, it felt like we were weightless and gliding across the floor
There were questions but my heart knew all the answers
Although others may have been uncertain about our relationship, I knew that my heart was fulfilled
And perhaps a few things more
There were likely deeper emotions and experiences beyond just the surface level
Now in a cottage built of lilacs and laughter
Currently, I live in a home made of fragrant flowers and happy memories
I know the meaning of the words "Ever after"
I understand what it means to have a love that lasts forever
And I'll always see polka dots and moonbeams
These beautiful sights will always be connected to my happy memories and emotions
When I kiss the pug-nosed dream
Whenever I show affection to my loved one with the upturned nose
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Spirit Music Group
Written by: JAMES VAN HEUSEN, JIMMY VAN HEUSEN, JOHNNY BURKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Yara Taha
A country dance was being held in a garden
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
Sparkled on a pug-nosed dream
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