Begin The Beguine
View chords used in this chart
[Intro: ]
Gm9 D7sus(b9) Gm9 D7(#9)
Gm D7sus(b9) Gm7 D7sus(b9)
When they begin the beguine,
Bb(9) Cm/Bb D7sus D7
It brings back the sound of music so tender
Cm6 Bb Am7(b5)
It brings back the night of tropical splendour,
D7sus(b9) D7 Gm
It brings back a memory ever green.
Bb6 D7sus(b9) Gm7/D Cm7/D
I'm with you once more under the stars,
Gm/D Gm11/D D7sus(b9) D7
And down by the shore an orchestra's playing
Cm7/D D7(#5) Cm7 Am7(b5) D7sus(b9)
And even the palms seems to be swaying
D7sus(b9) D7 Gm7/D D7sus(b9)
When they begin the beguine.
Gm7 Cm9 F
To live it again is past all endeavour
Fm7 Bb7 Ebmaj7 Eb6
Except when that tune clutches my heart
Eb7 D
And there we are swearing to love forever,
Eb D Cm7 D7(b5) D7
And promising never, never to part.
Gm/D D7sus(b9) Gm7/D Cm/D
What moments divine, what raptures serene,
Gm/D Bbmaj7 Bb7 Am7(b5) D7
'Til clouds came along to disperse the joys we had tasted
Cm6 Cm7 Am7(b5) D7(b9)
And now when I hear people curse the chance that was wasted,
D7sus(b9) D7 Gm7/D
I know but too well what they mean.
F7/D Bb Cm7/Bb Bb Cm7/Bb
So, don't let them begin the beguine.
Bb F7/Bb F Ebmaj7 D7
Let the love that was once a fire remain an ember
Cm Am7(b5) Gm Ebmaj7
Let it sleep like the dead desire I only remember,
Am7(b5) Cm9 Bb F11
When they begin the beguine.
F7 Bb Cm7/Bb Bb Cm7/Bb
Oh yes, let them begin the beguine, make them play!
Bb F7/Bb F Ebmaj7 D7
'Til the stars that were there before return above you
Cm7 Am7(b5) Gm Ebmaj7
'Til you whisper to me once more, "Darling, I love you!"
Ebmaj7/A D7 Am7(b5)
And we suddenly know, what heaven we're in.
D7sus(b9) D7 Gm Cm/G
When they begin the beguine...
Cm6/G Cm6 D7sus(b9)
When they begin...
Gm7 D7sus(b9)
the beguine!
Bbmaj7 D7(#5)(b9) Gm11
How to play Begin The Beguine
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is Gm9. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.