Some Enchanted Evening
R. Rodgers Lyrics
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You may see a stranger across a crowded room
And somehow you know, you'll know even then
That somewhere you'll see her again and again
Some enchanted evening, someone may be laughing
You may hear her laughing across a crowded room
And night after night, as strange as it seems
Who can explain it, who can tell you why?
Fools give you reasons, wise men never try
Some enchanted evening, when you find your true love
When you hear her call you across a crowded room
Then fly to her side and make her your own
Or all through your life, you may dream all alone
Once you have found her, never let her go
Once you have found her, never let her go
The song "Some Enchanted Evening" is a classic tune from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, South Pacific. The song talks about the idea of fate, love at first sight and the magic that can happen in finding someone special. The lyrics describe a situation where a person sees a stranger from across the room and they know that somehow they'll see that person again. The phrase "enchanted evening" implies a sense of magic and wonder, as if the moment is charmed in some way.
The second verse continues with the idea of hearing someone's laughter across the room and how that sound can stay with you even after the night is over. The description creates a sense of intimacy and connection, even if the two people have not yet met. The chorus asks the question "who can explain it, who can tell you why?" suggesting that some things in life simply cannot be explained or rationalized. The line "fools give you reasons, wise men never try" implies that some people try to explain love, but only a wise person recognizes that it is a mystery that cannot be fully understood.
The final verse paints a picture of hearing your true love calling your name and rushing to be by their side. The urgency in the words "fly to her side and make her your own" emphasizes the idea that once you have found love, you must grab onto it and never let go. The idea of dreaming alone for the rest of your life if you let go of that love gives a sense of finality and loss. The last line is a repetition of the idea that once you've found love, you must hold onto it tight.
Line by Line Meaning
Some enchanted evening, you may see a stranger,
In certain special moments, you might come across an unknown person,
You may see a stranger across a crowded room,
Even though the place is full of people, you spot a stranger standing out of the crowd,
And somehow you know, you know even then,
Somehow you feel a conviction, a certainty at that moment,
That somehow you'll see her again and again.
That you will encounter her frequently in your life, and that there is a deeper connection between you two.
Some enchanted evening, someone may be laughing,
At particular enchanted times, you might hear someone's laughter ringing in the air,
You may hear her laughing across a crowded room,
Even amidst the noisy crowd, her laughter might sound clear to you.
And night after night, as strange as it seems,
Unbelievable as it may appear, night after night, you will find yourself hearing that same laughter in your dreams.
The sound of her laughter will sing in your dreams.
That particular laughter will resonate in your subconscious mind and accompany you in your sleep.
Who can explain it, who can tell you why?
It is indefinable, inexplicable, a mystery that no one can explain with reasons and logic
Fools give you reasons, wise men never try.
Only foolish people attempt to find reasons, wise men understand it is beyond reason.
Some enchanted evening, when you find your true love,
At a special moment, the moment you find your real love,
When you hear her call you across a crowded room,
As she calls out to you, from across the packed hall,
Then fly to her side and make her your own,
It is then that you should rush to her, claim her for yourself, and never let go,
Or all through your life you may dream all alone.
Or else, you will continue to fantasize about her all through your life without ever being with her.
Once you have found her, never let her go,
Once you have acquired the person, never let anything take them away,
Once you have found her, never let her go.
Hold on to her and never let her slip away from your grasp.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Oscar Hammerstein II, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind