“Take Five” is a jazz standard composed by Paul Desmond and originally recorded by the Dave Brubeck Quartet for their album “Time Out” at Columbia Records 30th Street Studio in New York City on July 1, 1959.
Two years later it became a surprise hit and the biggest-selling jazz single ever.
Won’t you stop and take
A little time out with me
Just take five
Stop your busy day
And take the time out
To see if I’m alive
Though I’m going out of my way
Just so I can pass by each day
Not a single word do we say
It’s a pantomime and not a play
Still, I know our eyes often meet
I feel tingles down to my feet
When you smile, that’s much too discreet
Sends me on my way
Wouldn’t it be better
Not to be so polite
You could offer a light
Start a little conversation now
It’s alright, just take five
Just take five
