The Girl from Ipanema” lyrics tell the story of a beautiful, graceful girl who walks along the beach in Ipanema, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. As she passes by, she catches everyone’s attention with her charm and elegance. The song expresses both admiration and longing, as the narrator watches her but feels unseen.
Originally written in Portuguese, it later became a global hit with an English version. Its smooth bossa nova rhythm and poetic lyrics make it one of the most famous Brazilian songs of all time.
girl from ipanema lyrics
Song credit table for “The Girl from Ipanema”:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Song Title | The Girl from Ipanema |
| Original Title | Garota de Ipanema |
| Language | Portuguese (original), English |
| Genre | Bossa Nova, Jazz |
| Music Composer | Antônio Carlos Jobim |
| Lyricist | Vinícius de Moraes (Portuguese) |
| English Lyrics | Norman Gimbel |
| First Recording | Pery Ribeiro (1962) |
| Famous Version | Astrud Gilberto, João Gilberto & Stan Getz (1964) |
| Album | Getz/Gilberto (1964) |
| Awards | Grammy Award for Record of the Year (1965) |
Lyrics
Tall and tan and young and lovely
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
And when she passes
Each one she passes goes – ah
When she walks, she’s like a samba
That swings so cool and sways so gentle
That when she passes
Each one she passes goes – ooh
(Ooh) But I watch her so sadly
How can I tell her I love her
Yes I would give my heart gladly
But each day, when she walks to the sea
She looks straight ahead, not at me
Tall, (and) tan, (and) young, (and) lovely
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
And when she passes, I smile
But she doesn’t see (doesn’t see)
(She just doesn’t see, she never sees me…)
Summary
This excerpt from “The Girl from Ipanema” describes a stunning young woman who walks gracefully along the beach, captivating everyone around her. Her beauty and elegance are compared to a samba, moving smoothly and effortlessly.
The narrator admires her deeply but feels invisible, longing to express his love. Despite his silent admiration and hopeful smiles, she never notices him, emphasizing a bittersweet theme of unrequited love.
Conclusion
“The Girl from Ipanema” beautifully captures the feeling of admiration and unspoken love. Through its poetic lyrics and smooth bossa nova rhythm, the song portrays the contrast between the girl’s effortless charm and the narrator’s quiet longing.
Its timeless appeal lies in its universal theme—seeing someone perfect yet feeling unnoticed. This classic continues to enchant listeners, making it one of the most iconic songs in music history.
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