Begin The Beguine

Doc Severinsen · Other Songs - Doc Severinsen

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

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, please make them play

Till the stars that were there before return above you

Till you whisper to me once more, "Darling, I love you"

Then we suddenly know what heaven we're in

When they begin the, begin the, begin the beguine



When they begin the, begin the, begin the beguine

When they begin the beguine

Begin The Beguine

Doc Severinsen's rendition of 'Begin The Beguine' showcases his mastery of the big band and orchestral jazz traditions. As a celebrated trumpeter and bandleader, Severinsen brought a distinctive clarity and swing to this classic composition, originally written by Cole Porter. The track exemplifies his ability to navigate complex arrangements with precision, highlighting the lush harmonies and sophisticated rhythms that define the genre. Severinsen's career, marked by his long tenure as the musical director for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, cemented his reputation as a versatile performer capable of elevating standard repertoire. This recording stands as a testament to his enduring influence on American popular music, offering listeners a polished interpretation that balances technical proficiency with emotional resonance. It remains a significant song in his extensive discography of instrumental and vocal jazz recordings.