Emeen Zarookian wrote most songs and he now plays in The Sterns - http://www.myspace.com/thesterns
Girl
Sgt. Peterson Lyrics
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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
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)
The song "The Girl from Ipanema" by Sgt. Peterson is a classic bossa nova tune about a beautiful girl from the Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro. The lyrics describe the girl's grace and beauty as she walks by, captivating the attention of everyone she passes, except one particular person who watches her longingly but cannot tell her of his love for her. The song speaks to the bittersweet nature of unrequited love.
The song's melody is light and breezy, reflecting the carefree atmosphere of the seaside. The lyrics, written in both English and Portuguese, add to the song's exotic flair. The samba-inspired beat and instrumentation, including percussion and guitar, create a rhythm that makes it difficult not to sway along.
The song's popularity has led to numerous covers and adaptations over the years by artists ranging from Frank Sinatra to Amy Winehouse. It is considered one of the most recorded and recognizable songs in history.
Line by Line Meaning
Tall and tan and young and lovely
The girl from Ipanema is tall and tanned and young and charming.
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
This girl regularly walks the streets of Ipanema.
And when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah
Whenever she walks by anyone, they can't help but be awestruck by her beauty.
When she walks, she's like a samba
Her walking style is reminiscent of the samba dance; smooth and graceful.
That swings so cool and sways so gentle
Her movements are effortlessly cool and full of grace.
That when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah
Everyone who sees her cannot help but be entranced by her beauty.
(Ooh) But he watch her so sadly
The singer closely observes her but feels a sense of sadness, perhaps because of his unrequited love.
How can he tell her he loves her
He wonders how he can express his feelings of love towards this girl.
Yes I would give my heart gladly
He is very much in love with this girl and is willing to give all of himself to her.
But each day, that she walks to the sea
This girl habitually walks to the sea every day.
She looks straight ahead, not at he
She does not even notice the singer while walking as she just stares ahead.
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
The girl continues to walk along the streets of Ipanema.
And when she passes, he smile - but she doesn't see
The singer can't help but smile when he sees her, but sadly, she doesn't even notice him.
(Doesn't see)
She is completely oblivious to the singer's presence.
(She just doesn't see, she never sees him)
No matter how much he longs for her attention, she remains indifferent and never notices him.
Lyrics © GRACEFUL SAMBA MUSIC
Written by: BOLA SETE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind