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 they 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 joy 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 amber
Let it sleep like a dead desire
I only remember
When they begin the beguine

Oh, yes, let them begin the beguine
Make them play
Till the stars that we met before
Return above you
Till you whisper to me once more
Darling, I love you
And we suddenly know what heaven we're in
Yes, when they begin the beguine
When they begin the beguine
When they begin the beguine

Let the love that was once a fire
Remain an amber
Let it sleep like a dead desire
I only remember
When they begin the beguine