Takes Two To Tango

Louis Armstrong · Other Songs - Louis Armstrong

Hey, baby, how about this dance?

Why? 'Cause it takes two to do this dance

Takes two to tango, two to tango

Two to really get the feeling of romance

Let's do the tango, do the tango

Do the dance of love

You can sail on a ship by yourself

Take a nap or a nip by yourself

You can get into debt on your own

There's a lot of things that you can do alone

But

Takes two to tango, two to tango

Two to really get the feeling of romance

Let's do the tango, do the tango

Do the dance of love

You can stare at the moon by yourself

Take a laugh like a loon by yourself

Spend a lot, go to pot on your own

There's a lot of things that you can do alone

But, listen here

Takes two to tango, two to tango

Two to really get the feeling of romance

Let's do the tango, do the tango

Do the dance of love

Oh, see

Takes Two To Tango - Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong's 'Takes Two To Tango' stands as a quintessential example of his mastery of swing and scat singing. Recorded in the mid-1920s, the track showcases Armstrong's unique vocal improvisation, where he treats his voice as an instrument, weaving complex rhythmic patterns and melodic lines over a lively jazz ensemble. The song exemplifies the era's transition from traditional big band arrangements to the more fluid, individualistic style that would define the swing era. Armstrong's ability to blend humor, technical skill, and emotional depth in this recording cemented his status as a pioneer of jazz vocal performance. It remains a staple in the repertoire of jazz enthusiasts, illustrating the playful and innovative spirit of his early career.