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, 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