Take Five
LIVING ROOM - The Dave Brubeck Quartet Lyrics

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Won't you stop and take
A little time out with me
Just take five
Stop your busy day
And take the time out
To see if I'm alive

Though I'm going out of my way

Just so I can pass by each day
Not a single word do we say
It's a pantomime and not a play

Still, I know our eyes often meet
I feel tingles down to my feet
When you smile, that's much too discreet
Sends me on my way

Wouldn't it be better
Not to be so polite
You could offer a light
Start a little conversation now
It's alright, just take five
Just take five

Though I'm going out of my way
Just so I can pass by each day
Not a single word do we say
It's a pantomime and not a play

Still, I know our eyes often meet
I feel tingles down to my feet
When you smile, that's much too discreet
Sends me on my way

Wouldn't it be better
Not to be so polite
You could offer a light
Start a little conversation now
It's alright, just take five
Just take five
Just take five

Just take five
Just take five

Overall Meaning

The Dave Brubeck Quartet's song "Take Five" is a classic jazz instrumental with a catchy melody and a unique time signature of 5/4. However, the lyrics to "Take Five" add another layer to the song's meaning. The words suggest that the singer is infatuated with someone who they see every day but with whom they have never spoken. The singer wants to connect with this person but is too shy to initiate a conversation. Despite this, the singer feels a connection with their crush, as evidenced by the tingles they feel when their eyes meet and by the "pantomime" they enact with each other.

The lyrics suggest that the singer values taking a break from the busyness of everyday life to appreciate the small things, such as a passing smile or a moment of eye contact. The repeated refrain of "just take five" adds to this sentiment, encouraging the listener to pause and take a moment to appreciate the beauty in the world around them. Overall, the lyrics to "Take Five" elevate the song from a simple catchy tune to a thoughtful and introspective meditation on human connection and the importance of taking breaks in our busy lives.

Line by Line Meaning

Won't you stop and take
Can you please stop and spend some time with me?

A little time out with me
Spend some quality time with me.

Just take five
Let's take a brief break from our busy schedules.

Stop your busy day
Take a momentary pause from your daily routine.

And take the time out
Take the time out for yourself to relax and rejuvenate.

To see if I'm alive
Spend some time to observe me to know me better.

Though I'm going out of my way
I always go out of my way to meet you.

Just so I can pass by each day
I pass by every day to have a glimpse of you.

Not a single word do we say
We haven't spoken to each other yet.

It's a pantomime and not a play
It's like a silent play without any words.

Still, I know our eyes often meet
Our eyes always meet each other, despite not talking.