Begin The Beguine

Bing Crosby · Other Songs - Bing Crosby

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 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

Begin The Beguine

Bing Crosby's 1936 recording of 'Begin The Beguine' stands as a pivotal moment in American music history, marking his first solo release and a rare instance where he performed a composition by Duke Ellington. The track blends Crosby's signature smooth vocal delivery with the sophisticated jazz instrumentation of Ellington's orchestra, creating a unique fusion that defied the typical pop standards of the era. Released during the height of the Swing Era, the song captures the transition from big band dance music to the more intimate, vocal-led style that would define Crosby's later career. Its enduring legacy lies in its demonstration of how a pop icon could collaborate with a jazz legend, influencing countless artists who sought to bridge the gap between popular and high art. The recording remains a testament to the cross-genre experimentation that characterized the mid-1930s and continues to be studied for its innovative approach to vocal jazz.