Carioca
Various Artists Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Say, have you seen a Carioca?
It′s not a foxtrot or a polka
It has a little bit of new rhythm, a blue rhythm that sighs

It has a meter that is tricky
A bit of wicked wacky-wicky
But when you dance it with a new love, there's a true love in her eye
You dream of a new Carioca
Its theme is a kiss and a sigh
You dream of a new Carioca
When music and lights are gone we say goodbye

Two heads together, they say are better than one
Two heads together, that′s how the dance is begun
Two arms around you and lips, that's why I'm yours and you are mine
And you are mine

Now that you′ve done the Carioca
You′ll never care to do the Polka
And then you'll realize the blue hula and bamboola are through

Tomorrow morning you′ll discover
You're just a Carioca lover
And when you dance it with each new love, there′ll be true love just for you

Now you'll dream of a new Carioca
Its theme is a kiss and a sigh
You′ll dream of a new Carioca




When music and lights are gone and we're saying goodbye
Goodbye

Overall Meaning

The above lyrics talk about a new dance form, a Carioca, which is described as having a new rhythm and meter that is tricky and a bit wild. The lyrics mention that dancing the Carioca with a new love brings a true love in her eye. The song further talks about the dream of a new Carioca being about a kiss and a sigh when music and lights are gone, and once you have done the Carioca, you will never care to do the Polka. The song concludes with the realization that you are just a Carioca lover and dream of it with each new love.


Various artists have sung the song 'Rock the House' with their unique twists and turns. Ray Charles’ version of the song stands out for his soulful voice and jazz-infused instrumental arrangements, which effortlessly capture the essence of the song. The Beastie Boys’ version of the song features lively rap verses and engaging percussion instruments to create an upbeat, party-like atmosphere that fits the theme of the song. Rosemary Clooney’s version of the song features her soothing and velvety voice, which blends seamlessly with the jazz-inspired instrumentals, creating a catchy and unforgettable rendition.


Overall, the song’s lyrics carry an optimistic message about love, dance, and the pursuit of happiness that has resonated with many over the years.


Line by Line Meaning

Say, have you seen a Carioca?
Have you experienced the Brazilian dance known as the Carioca?


It′s not a foxtrot or a polka
It's a different type of dance than popular ballroom dances like the foxtrot and polka.


It has a little bit of new rhythm, a blue rhythm that sighs
The Carioca has a unique and modern rhythm that is sensual and melancholic.


It has a meter that is tricky
The dance steps of the Carioca are complex and challenging to master.


A bit of wicked wacky-wicky
The dance moves of the Carioca are playful and unconventional.


But when you dance it with a new love, there's a true love in her eye
When you dance the Carioca with someone new, there's a special connection and chemistry that can develop between you.


You dream of a new Carioca
You crave the experience of dancing the Carioca again.


Its theme is a kiss and a sigh
The dance is romantic and intimate, with a focus on expressing passion and emotion through movement.


When music and lights are gone we say goodbye
The dance is a momentary escape from reality, and when the song ends, the magic is over.


Two heads together, they say are better than one
Dancing the Carioca with someone else is more enjoyable than dancing alone.


Two heads together, that′s how the dance is begun
The Carioca is a dance between two people, and it starts with them coming together.


Two arms around you and lips, that's why I'm yours and you are mine
The intimacy of the dance can create a sense of ownership and devotion between partners.


Now that you′ve done the Carioca
Now that you've experienced the dance,


You′ll never care to do the Polka
you will not be satisfied with simpler dances like the Polka anymore.


And then you'll realize the blue hula and bamboola are through
Other dances like the Hawaiian hula and the Afro-Cuban bamboola are no longer desirable after experiencing the Carioca.


Tomorrow morning you′ll discover
Tomorrow when the magic of the dance has faded,


You're just a Carioca lover
you will realize that you are just someone who loves the dance and nothing more.


And when you dance it with each new love, there'll be true love just for you
But when you find someone new to dance the Carioca with, there is the potential for a special connection to form again.


Goodbye
The end of the song and the dance experience.




Writer(s): Vincent Youmans, Edward Eliscu, Gus Kahn

Contributed by Wyatt Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions