Doris Day – Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps

About the Song

Doris Day, the quintessential girl-next-door with the voice of an angel, captivated audiences for decades with her sunny disposition and charming vocals. But beneath that seemingly carefree exterior, Day possessed a talent for conveying a range of emotions, a quality perfectly embodied in her delightful song, “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps.”
Released in 1964 on her album “Latin for Lovers,” “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps” is a playful and flirtatious mambo number that showcases Day’s versatility as a vocalist. The song, originally a Spanish-language hit titled “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás,” was given a playful English adaptation that perfectly suits Day’s signature style.

The song’s charm lies in its playful back-and-forth. Day sings of a love interest who remains coy, offering only a string of “perhaps” in response to her declarations of affection. Her voice, clear and bright, perfectly captures the frustration and amusement of a woman caught in the delightful game of love’s courtship.
However, Day’s delivery isn’t simply playful. There’s a subtle undercurrent of longing in her voice, particularly when she sings, “If you don’t wanna wind up being parted, broken-hearted.” This hint of vulnerability adds depth to the song, reminding us that beneath the playful exterior lies a woman yearning for a genuine connection.

The song’s arrangement is a delightful blend of Latin rhythms and classic pop sensibilities. The mambo beat provides a lively backdrop for Day’s vocals, while the tasteful use of brass and strings adds a touch of sophistication. The melody itself is infectious, a catchy tune that lingers long after the last note fades.
“Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps” became a signature song for Day, a testament to her ability to deliver a playful pop song with genuine depth. The song’s enduring popularity speaks to its universal appeal. It’s a song for anyone who has ever navigated the sometimes confusing dance of love’s early stages, a time of playful teasing and yearning for connection.

So, the next time you hear “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps,” take a moment to appreciate Doris Day’s captivating voice and the playful charm of this timeless classic. It’s a song that reminds us that the journey of love, with all its uncertainties, can be a delightful adventure.

Video

Lyrics: Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps 

Ba da, ba da, ba da da da
Ba da, ba da, ba da da da
You won’t admit you love me
And so how am I ever to know?
You always tell me
Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps
A million times I’ve asked you,
And then I ask you over again
You only answer
Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps
If you can’t make your mind up
We’ll never get started
And I don’t wanna wind up
Being parted, broken-hearted
So if you really love me
Say yes, but if you don’t dear, confess
And please don’t tell me
Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps
Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps
If you can’t make your mind up
We’ll never get started
And I don’t wanna wind up
Being parted, broken-hearted
So if you really love me
Say yes, but if you don’t dear, confess
And please don’t tell me
Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps
Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps
Perhaps, perhaps, [giggle] perhaps
[giggle]

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