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Standard Jazz Session Song No. 265: Take Five by Paul Desmond, Dave Brubeck

2026年4月14日 12:51

A standard jazz session song. Everyone loves this 5/4 time song. There are also vocal versions with lyrics. It is also interesting that many covers/arrangements are done by people outside the jazz field.
(Lyrics are posted at the bottom)

Since Japanese translations are posted on various websites, I will only explain the key points here.

Point 1: The Dave Brubeck Quartet

Recorded in 1959. This odd time signature has a groove similar to folk music from Eastern Europe or Turkey, an arrangement that makes your body move naturally. A sense of rhythm that seems to keep moving forward endlessly. If this had been written with a head-heavy, logical approach, I don't think it would have become such a universally popular song. If you listen without prejudice, you'll find that folk music from all over the world is full of odd time signatures, and everyone dances to them naturally.

The point of this song is also that it is something you can hum along to. It has a unique structure where the drum solo, which takes center stage, begins unexpectedly after Paul Desmond's light saxophone. It sounds like a declaration: "This isn't just some pop song trying to be quirky; this is Jazz."

Point 2: Carmen McRae

A vocal version was recorded as early as 1961. It's not a novelty act; she sings crisply and stays right on the rhythm. This is unique to English lyrics with fewer syllables; you wouldn't get this kind of sharpness if you sang it in Japanese.

This version is also popular, so there are surprisingly many women who sing it at jazz sessions. When singing it, boldness is important.

It seems Dave Brubeck's wife wrote the lyrics.

Point 3: Just Take Five

"Let's Take Five" is an expression meaning "let's take a short break (about 5 minutes)," and the lyrics cleverly expand on that.

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

"Forget about being busy for a moment and look at me."
She is inviting him. It's a pretty good opening. She must be confident that she can make him turn his head.

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

Even though I go out of my way to create chances to meet by pretending it's a coincidence,
we can't exchange a single word.
This is like a pantomime, with no trigger for a drama to begin.

She's quite proactive, but it seems she's in a state where she can't quite seal the deal.

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

But we do meet eyes quite often.
When that happens, I feel tingles all the way to my toes.
Sometimes you smile at me, but it feels a bit subtle.
But it's definitely getting through.

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

Stop being so formal
Why don't you offer me a light for my cigarette
Let's exchange a few words
Just for a little while is fine

It's hard to get a clear picture of the person being addressed. They seem to notice your interest but won't let their guard down. The song ends while you're still left feeling frustrated. Will the other person actually turn around in response to this call?

I think it's fine to sing it casually to express "adult romantic maneuvering", or to sing it with a bit of persistence to hint at a slightly "obsessive love" feeling.

Point 4: Song Structure

Since the ad-lib/scat section is often played over two chords, you can expand freely forever. The B section is wordy, so check the phrasing carefully, pay attention to where you place the accents, and sing along with the rhythm. Being a little ahead of the beat might be just right.

Point 5: A Song in 5/4 Time

It's characterized by a feeling of constantly moving forward, yet never quite stabilizing or landing. If used well, it really brings out an atmosphere of "facing forward while still feeling anxious".

Rhythm Explanation Video