Throughout the years, and changing line-ups, the group maintained a strong fan-base among jazz fans of all ages.
Mam'selle
The Dave Brubeck Quartet Lyrics
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It was midnight Come to think of it
It was spring
There was music I was listening
Then in the room somewhere someone began to sing
This serenade made for remembering
A small cafe, Mam'selle
The violins were warm and sweet
And so were you, Mam'selle
And as the night danced by
A kiss became a sigh
Your lovely eyes seemed to sparkle
Just like wine does
No heart ever yearned the way mine does for you
And yet I know too well
Some day you'll say goodbye
Then violins will cry
And so will I, Mam'selle
A small cafe, Mam'selle
Our rendezvous, Mam'selle
The violins were warm and sweet
And so were you, Mam'selle
And as the night danced by
A kiss became a sigh
Your lovely eyes seemed to sparkle
Just like wine does
No heart ever yearned the way mine does for you
And yet I know too well
Some day you'll say goodbye
Then violins will cry
And so will I, Mam'selle
The Dave Brubeck Quartet's song "Mam'selle" describes a romantic rendezvous at a small cafe in Montmartre. As the singer reminisces, he recalls the warm violins playing in the background, the sweet atmosphere of the evening, and the beauty of his companion, Mam'selle. The phrase "the violins were warm and sweet" conveys the music's soothing and captivating quality while the simile, "your lovely eyes seemed to sparkle just like wine does," likens her sparkling eyes to the beauty of wine - arguably the most romantic of beverages.
Throughout the song, there is an underlying sense of sadness and melancholy. The singer knows that their time together is fleeting, and he is aware that this magical moment will soon come to an end. As the night draws on and their kiss becomes a sigh, he knows that they will eventually say their goodbyes. The final lines of the song express this sorrow beautifully with "then violins will cry, and so will I, Mam'selle." The violins that once roused his passion will now weep tears of sorrow as he bids farewell to his lover, and he too will feel overcome with sadness.
Line by Line Meaning
It was Montmartre
The setting of the song was in the famous Montmartre district in Paris.
It was midnight
The events in the song took place during the late hours of the night.
Come to think of it
The singer recognized the significance of the moment only after reflecting on it.
It was spring
The season when the events in the song took place.
There was music I was listening
The singer was enjoying the music in the background.
Then in the room somewhere someone began to sing
A singer started to perform in the room.
This serenade made for remembering
The song (serenade) was memorable.
A small cafe, Mam'selle
The location of the rendezvous between the singer and Mam'selle was a small cafe.
Our rendezvous, Mam'selle
The singer's meeting with Mam'selle was referred to as their rendezvous.
The violins were warm and sweet
The music played by the violins was warm and soothing.
And so were you, Mam'selle
Mam'selle was as delightful as the music.
And as the night danced by
The night became memorable as it progressed.
A kiss became a sigh
A single kiss became a long, heartfelt sigh.
Your lovely eyes seemed to sparkle
Mam'selle's eyes were expressive and lively.
Just like wine does
The liveliness of her eyes was compared to that of sparkling wine.
No heart ever yearned the way mine does for you
The singer's heart longed for Mam'selle like none other.
And yet I know too well
Despite his longing for Mam'selle, the singer knew she would eventually leave him.
Some day you'll say goodbye
Mam'selle would eventually end their relationship.
Then violins will cry
When Mam'selle left, even the violins would mourn.
And so will I, Mam'selle
The singer would mourn for Mam'selle when she left.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Edmund Goulding, Mack Gordon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind