The Continental
Oscar Peterson Lyrics


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Beautiful music
Dangerous rhythm

It's something daring, the Continental
A way of dancing that's really ultra-new
It's very subtle, the Continental
Because it does what you want it to do
It has a passion, the Continental
An invitation to moonlight and romance
It's quite the fashion, the Continental
Because you tell of your love while you dance

You kiss while you're dancing
It's continental, oh, it's continental
You sing while you're dancing
Your voice is gentle and so sentimental

You'll know before the dance is through
That you're in love with her and she's in love with you
You'll find while you're dancin'
That there's a rhythm in your heart and soul
A certain rhythm that you can't control
And you will do the Continental all the time

You'll find while you're dancin'
That there's a rhythm in your heart and soul
A certain rhythm that you can't control
And you will do the Continental all the time

Beautiful music
Dangerous rhythm





The Continental

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of Oscar Peterson's "The Continental" are intriguing and set the tone for the rest of the song. "Beautiful music, dangerous rhythm" suggests that this is a song about the power of music and dancing to be both seductive and thrilling. The song describes a new way of dancing, the Continental, which is both subtle and passionate. The lyrics suggest that the Continental is a dance that allows you to do what you want and express your feelings through movement. The invitation to moonlight and romance is a common theme in many love songs, but the lyrics of "The Continental" take it further by suggesting that the dance itself is a way of communicating one's love for another.


The use of the word "ultra-new" is interesting, as it suggests that this song was written at a time when new dances were emerging and people were looking for ways to express themselves through movement. The lyrics describe the Continental as a way of telling someone you love them while you dance, a way of kissing and singing as you move together to the rhythm. The final lines of the song suggest that the Continental is not just a dance but a way of life, a rhythm that you can't control and that will stay with you always.


Overall, "The Continental" is a love song that uses music and dance to express its themes. The Continental itself is a metaphor for love and the power of movement to express deep emotions.


Line by Line Meaning

Beautiful music
The music for the Continental is so pleasant to listen to and sets the perfect mood.


Dangerous rhythm
The rhythm for the Continental is slick and daring.


It's something daring, the Continental
The Continental is a bold, new form of dance.


A way of dancing that's really ultra-new
The Continental is a cutting-edge form of dance.


It's very subtle, the Continental
The Continental is a dance that is not showy, but rather understated.


Because it does what you want it to do
The Continental allows you to move how you feel and express yourself as you want.


It has a passion, the Continental
The Continental is a dance filled with ardor and romanticism.


An invitation to moonlight and romance
The Continental is perfect for a moonlit night and for passionate, romantic relationships.


It's quite the fashion, the Continental
The Continental is a trendsetting dance.


Because you tell of your love while you dance
The Continental is a dance that is the perfect way to express your feelings of love.


You kiss while you're dancing
The Continental dance is so intimate that kissing is a natural part of it.


It's continental, oh, it's continental
The Continental is a dance style that is recognized around the world.


You sing while you're dancing
The Continental dance is so expressive that many people can't help singing while they dance.


Your voice is gentle and so sentimental
The music and mood of the Continental dance inspires soft, romantic, and sentimental vocals.


You'll know before the dance is through
By the end of the Continental dance, you will realize that you and your partner love each other.


That you're in love with her and she's in love with you
The Continental dance has a way of bringing people together and cultivating deep feelings of love.


And you will do the Continental all the time
Once you experience the wonder of the Continental dance, you will want to keep doing it over and over again.


And you will do the Continental all the time
The Continental dance is so compelling and moving that you will crave doing it regularly.




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CON CONRAD, HERBERT MAGIDSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

avant1277

Amazing version, loved this in The Gay Divorcée with Fred and Ginger. Peterson's recording here is so delicate and wonderful.

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