The Dance

Take my hand,

Eternal partner,

tra-la-la de-da-de-da

Let’s join the dance,

For forever and ever.

tra-la-la de-da-de-da

As she reels with the sun,

Let’s dance with the moon.

tra-la-la de-da-de-da

When the dream seems done,

It’s only just begun.

tra-la-la de-da-de-da

After whispered vows

And hoops of gold,

tra-la-la de-da-de-da

We’ll twirl and spin

As we grow old.

tra-la-la de-da-de-da

Your ivory dress

So spotless and new,

tra-la-la de-da-de-da

Swishes rhythmically

Across my shoe.

tra-la-la de-da-de-da

Though coarse and ragged

Both may soon become,

tra-la-la de-da-de-da

Never forget this starlit night

When we two became one.

tra-la-la de-da-de-da

People around us

Chatter and drink.

tra-la-la de-da-de-da

Yet one song only

As anthem we’ll sing:

tra-la-la de-da-de-da

Inspired by Pierre-Auguste Renoir's Dance at Bougival, 1883