Carioca
Youmans Lyrics

Say, have you seen a Carioca?
Have you experienced the dance called Carioca?

It's not a foxtrot or a polka
It's a unique kind of dance, different from the foxtrot and polka.

It has a little bit of new rhythm, a blue rhythm that sighs
The dance has a new and unique rhythm with some sadness to it.

It has a meter that is tricky
The dance has a complicated and difficult rhythm to keep track of.

A bit of wicked wacky-wicky
The rhythm of the dance is playful and somewhat mischievous.

But when you dance it with a new love, there's a true love in her eye
The dance has a romantic quality to it, particularly when dancing with a new love interest.

You dream of a new Carioca
You long for the chance to dance the Carioca once again.

Its theme is a kiss and a sigh
The dance itself is a representation of a kiss and sadness.

When music and lights are gone, we say goodbye
The dance only comes to an end when the music and lights disappear, signifying the end of the dance night.

Two heads together, they say, are better than one
Dancing Carioca requires two people, and it is often better when both partners work together.

Two heads together: that's how the dance is begun
Carioca begins with both partners bringing their heads together before the start of the dance.

Two arms around you and lips: that's why I'm yours, and you are mine
The closeness required by the dance leads to the partners feeling a connection of ownership and loyalty towards each other.

Now that you've done the Carioca
After experiencing the dance, you will have a new attitude towards it and be more knowledgeable about Carioca.

You'll never care to do the Polka
Other dances, such as the Polka, will never be as appealing as the Carioca after experiencing it.

And then you'll realize the Blue Hula and Bamboola are through
Other dances, such as Blue Hula and Bamboola, will also lose their appeal to you after experiencing the Carioca.

Tomorrow morning you'll discover
Upon reflection, you will come to realize that the dance impacted you in significant ways.

You're just a Carioca lover
You will become a fan of the Carioca dance and will always wish to dance it.

And when you dance it with each new love, there'll be true love just for you
Each time you dance Carioca with someone new, the dance will inspire feelings of true love within you.

Goodbye
The end of the dance night and the end of the experience with the Carioca dance.