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 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 joys we had tasted
And now when I hear people curse the chance that we wasted
I know but too well what they mean

So don't let them begin the beguine
Let the love that once was a fire remain an ember
Let it sleep like the dead desire I only remember
Oh, 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 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 once was a fire remain an ember
Let it sleep like the dead desire I only remember
Remain an ember, oh, memory ever green
When they begin, begin the beguine

Let the love that once was a fire remain an ember
Memory, remain an ember