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 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 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
Til clouds came along to disperse the joy 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
Til the stars that were there before return above you
Til 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