Begin The Beguine

Cole Porter's 'Begin The Beguine' is a poignant exploration of nostalgia and lost love, wrapped in the evocative imagery of a tropical night. The song begins with the phrase 'When they begin the beguine,' referring to a dance that triggers a flood of memories for the narrator. The beguine, a dance of Caribbean origin, serves as a metaphor for a time of romantic bliss and emotional intensity. The music and setting bring back memories of a night filled with tender music, tropical splendor, and a love that felt eternal.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a romantic evening under the stars, with an orchestra playing and even the palm trees swaying to the rhythm. This idyllic scene is contrasted with the present, where the narrator acknowledges that reliving those moments is impossible except through the power of the beguine. The song captures the bittersweet nature of nostalgia, where the joy of past experiences is tinged with the pain of their loss. The narrator recalls swearing eternal love and the divine moments they shared, only to have those joys dispersed by the clouds of reality.

As the song progresses, the narrator grapples with the desire to relive those moments and the wisdom of letting them remain in the past. The plea 'don't let them begin the beguine' reflects a wish to keep the past undisturbed, to let the once fiery love remain a gentle ember. Yet, there is also a yearning for the beguine to play again, to bring back the stars and the whispered declarations of love. This duality captures the essence of human emotion, where the past is both a cherished memory and a source of longing. 'Begin The Beguine' is a masterful blend of lyrical beauty and emotional depth, making it a timeless piece that resonates with anyone who has experienced the pangs of lost love.