Girl From Ipanema
Kip Tyler Lyrics


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Tall and tan and young and lovely
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
(Ooh) But he watch her so sadly
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)

Overall Meaning

Kip Tyler's "Girl from Ipanema" is a classic tune about the beauty of a young woman from one of the most famous beaches in the world, Ipanema in Brazil. The opening lines describe her physical attributes as "tall and tan and young and lovely," emphasizing not only her looks but also her youth and vibrancy. As the girl walks along the beach, the people around her can't help but be drawn to her. The singer notes that "when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah," indicating the strong reaction she elicits from those around her.


The second verse continues with the metaphor of the girl being like a samba, a popular Brazilian dance known for its lively rhythm and smooth movements. Her walk is so graceful that it exudes the same effortless beauty and charm as a samba dance. However, while everyone is compelled by her presence, the singer reveals his own personal pain. He watches her "so sadly" and longs to tell her his feelings, but he knows that he can't. The girl is so focused on her own path that she doesn't even see him, despite his obvious admiration.


Line by Line Meaning

Tall and tan and young and lovely
The girl from Ipanema is tall, has a nice tan, is young, and is attractive.


The girl from Ipanema goes walking
The girl walks around Ipanema.


And when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah
People are amazed when they see her pass by.


When she walks, she's like a samba
She walks smoothly, and her walk is compared to a samba dance.


That swings so cool and sways so gentle
She walks in a relaxed and elegant manner.


That when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah
People are still amazed when they see her pass by.


(Ooh) But he watch her so sadly
The singer watches the girl with sadness.


How can he tell her he loves her
The singer doesn't know how to express his feelings of love to the girl.


Yes I would give my heart gladly
The singer is willing to give his heart to the girl.


But each day, that she walks to the sea
The girl walks towards the sea every day.


She looks straight ahead, not at he
The girl doesn't look at the singer even though he is watching her.


Tall, (and) tan, (and) young, (and) lovely
The girl from Ipanema is tall, has a nice tan, is young, and is attractive (repeated).


The girl from Ipanema goes walking
The girl walks around Ipanema (repeated).


And when she passes, he smile - but she doesn't see
The singer smiles when the girl passes by, but she doesn't notice him.


(Doesn't see)
The girl doesn't see the singer watching her.


(She just doesn't see, she never sees him)
The girl never notices when the singer is watching her.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Tratore
Written by: Norman Gimbel, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius De Moraes

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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