Begin The Beguine [Live]
Johnny Mathis · Other Songs - Johnny Mathis
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
About Begin The Beguine [Live]
Johnny Mathis's rendition of "Begin The Beguine" stands as a definitive example of his mastery of the bossa nova and samba genres, blending the song's original jazz complexity with his signature smooth vocal style. Recorded during the 1960s, this live performance captures the intimate, rhythmic pulse characteristic of Mathis's discography, showcasing his ability to harmonize intricate melodies with understated emotion. The track exemplifies the era's cross-cultural musical exchange, bringing Brazilian rhythms to a global audience through his polished interpretation. As a staple of his catalog, the recording highlights his reputation for transforming complex compositions into accessible, romantic standards that defined the soft pop and easy listening landscape of the mid-century.

