BEGIN THE BEGUINE

When they begin the beguine
It brings back the sound of music so tender
It brings back a night of tropical splendor
It brings back a memory evergreen

I'm with you once more under the stars
And down by the shore an orchestra's playing
And even the palms seem to be swaying
When they begin the beguine

To live it again is past all endeavor
Except when that tune clutches my heart
And there we are swearing to love forever
And promising never, never to part

What moments divine, what rapture serene
Till clouds came along to disperse the joys we had tasted
And now when I hear people curse the chance that was wasted
I know but too well what they mean

So don't let them begin the beguine, let them play
Let the love that was once a fire remain an ember
Let it sleep like a dead desire, I only remember
When they begin the beguine

Oh yes, let them begin the beguine, make them play
Till the stars that were there before remain above you
Till you whisper to me once more, "Darling, I love you"
And we suddenly know what heaven we're in
When they begin the beguine

When they begin the beguine, oh
Oh, the beguine