Timeless Allure: The Hypnotic Power of a Dance that Encapsulates the Ecstasy and Agony of Love
Johnny Mathis‘s velvety smooth and utterly captivating rendition of “Begin The Beguine” stands as a magnificent testament to his enduring artistry and his unparalleled ability to interpret classic standards with a refined elegance that makes them his own. While Cole Porter‘s original composition is a sophisticated marvel, Mathis‘s version brought a timeless charm and a lush orchestral sensibility that resonated deeply with a new generation of listeners. This iconic track was not a standalone single that prominently charted for Mathis, as it was a well-known standard by the time he recorded it. However, it was a featured gem on his highly successful 1974 album, “The Heart of a Woman” (which peaked at number 178 on the Billboard 200, showcasing his consistent presence on the album charts throughout his career). The album itself was a testament to Mathis‘s ability to maintain his appeal by delivering exquisitely performed, romantic material. “Begin The Beguine” quickly became a cherished track for fans who appreciated its romantic sweep, its complex yet fluid melody, and Mathis‘s incredibly smooth, emotive, and flawlessly controlled vocal performance. It further solidified Mathis‘s reputation as “The Voice of Romance,” appealing to millions who were captivated by his unparalleled vocal prowess and his ability to transport listeners to a world of sophisticated longing and elegant passion.
The story behind “Begin The Beguine” is as rich and intricate as the song’s own melody, a testament to the genius of its composer, Cole Porter. Written in 1935, Porter created this masterpiece while on a cruise, purportedly inspired by the rhythms of the beguine, a dance form originating in the French Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. The song was initially introduced in the Broadway musical “Jubilee”, but its initial reception was somewhat lukewarm due to its unusually long and complex structure, particularly for a pop song of its era. However, it gained immense popularity through instrumental versions by artists like Artie Shaw (whose 1938 big band recording was a massive hit) and later, vocal interpretations by legends such as Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. The song’s narrative is a profound and poignant exploration of the transformative power of dance, and by extension, of love and memory. It speaks to the hypnotic pull of a particular melody, a specific dance, that transports the singer back to a time of intense passion, bittersweet farewells, and lingering regrets. The lyrics are a beautiful articulation of nostalgia, using the cyclical nature of the beguine dance to represent the endless loop of memory and emotion. Johnny Mathis, known for his immaculate phrasing and his ability to convey deep sentiment with effortless grace, was the perfect artist to interpret this complex standard. His rendition embraces the song’s inherent sophistication, allowing the melody to unfold languidly while his voice glides over Porter’s intricate lyrical tapestry. Recorded during a period where Mathis continued to refine his interpretations of classic material, his “Begin The Beguine” was more than just a cover; it was a respectful, yet fresh, homage that highlighted his unique ability to imbue familiar melodies with a renewed sense of timeless romance, cementing his place as a vocal titan in the pantheon of popular music.
The meaning of “Begin The Beguine” is a profound and melancholic meditation on the enduring power of memory and the irresistible pull of a past love, brought vividly to life through the evocative metaphor of a captivating dance. It’s a song about the cyclical nature of nostalgia, where a particular melody or rhythm can transport one back to moments of intense passion, bittersweet farewells, and lingering regrets. The lyrics convey an overwhelming sense of wistful longing and a surrender to the hypnotic allure of a dance (the beguine) that embodies an entire romantic history. The repeated phrase “Begin the beguine” serves as an insistent command to re-enter this emotional past, to relive the highs and lows. Lines like “Oh yes, begin the beguine / Let the dance music start / I know that at the end of it / You’ll break my heart” perfectly capture this blend of compelling desire and inevitable sorrow. It speaks to the universal human experience of being haunted by a powerful memory, the intoxicating allure of revisiting past joys and pains, and the profound truth that some connections are so deeply etched in our hearts that they continue to exert their influence, even when long over, making it a timeless anthem for enduring passion and the bittersweet dance of remembrance.
Johnny Mathis‘s vocal performance on “Begin The Beguine” is simply sublime, a masterclass in conveying sophisticated emotion with effortless control and unparalleled vocal purity. His voice, famously smooth, warm, and impeccably modulated, navigates Cole Porter‘s intricate melody with a graceful precision that perfectly conveys the song’s profound romanticism and subtle melancholy. He sings with a palpable sense of longing and a dignified vulnerability, making the listener feel every nuance of the bittersweet memories evoked by the “beguine.” The instrumentation is lush and orchestral, characteristic of the classic easy-listening sound. Sweeping strings swell and recede, a rich piano provides a complex harmonic foundation, and a delicate rhythm section maintains a graceful, flowing tempo that perfectly mirrors the dance form itself. The arrangement is elegant and expansive, allowing Mathis‘s expressive voice and the song’s intricate structure to unfold beautifully, creating an atmosphere of profound and timeless romance. The production is pristine, amplifying the luxurious quality of the instrumentation and the breathtaking clarity of Mathis‘s vocal. This track, a beautiful highlight from “The Heart of a Woman”, beautifully showcased Mathis‘s enduring appeal as “The Voice of Romance” and his ability to interpret a classic with profound authenticity and lasting impact.
Listening to “Begin The Beguine” today, particularly Johnny Mathis‘s captivating rendition, evokes an immediate, profound wellspring of elegant nostalgia, transporting us back to a time when popular music celebrated intricate melodies and the timeless power of sophisticated romance. It reminds us of Mathis‘s unparalleled gift for embodying profound longing and conveying it with a subtle power that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever been swept away by a memory or a melody. For those of us who recall its pervasive presence on his albums or as a beloved staple of his live performances, this song remains an immortal masterpiece, a timeless anthem for the hypnotic pull of the past and the enduring, bittersweet allure of a love that continues to dance in our hearts. It’s a melody that, even after all these years, continues to resonate with its captivating truth, gently inviting us to “Begin The Beguine” once more, and lose ourselves in its eternal embrace.