WHEN THEY BEGIN THE BEGUINE

Cole Porter  1891-1964

When they begin the beguine,

It brings back the sound of music so tender,

It brings back a night of tropical splendour,

It brings back a memory ever green.

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 endeavour

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 the love that was once a fire remain an ember,

Let it sleep like the 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 return 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.

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