When they begin the beguine   It brings back the sound of music so tender   It brings back the 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 playin'   Even the palms seem to be swayin'   When they begin the beguine      To live it again is past all endeavor   Except when that tune clutches my heart   And there we are swearin' to love forever   And promising never, never to part      What moments divine, what raptures serene   'Til clouds came along to disperse the joys we had tasted   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   'Til the stars that were there before return above you   'Til you whisper to me once more, "Darling, I love you!"   And we suddenly know what heaven we're in   When they begin the beguine   When they begin the beguine