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 stars
And down by the shore an orchestra's playing
And ever 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 here we are, swearing to love forever
And promising never to part
What moments divine and what rapture serene
Till clouds come 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 tell me once more
"Darling, I love you"
And we suddenly know what heaven we're in
When they begin the beguine