Say, have you seen a Carioca?
It's not a foxtrot or a polka
It has a little bit of new rhythm, a blue rhythm that sighs

It has a meter that is tricky
A bit of wicked wacky-wicky
But when you dance it with a new love, there's a true love in her eye

You dream of a new Carioca
Its theme is a kiss and a sigh
You dream of a new Carioca
When music and lights are gone, we say goodbye

Two heads together, they say, are better than one
Two heads together: that's how the dance is begun
Two arms around you and lips: that's why I'm yours, and you are mine
And you are mine

Now that you've done the Carioca
You'll never care to do the Polka
And then you'll realize the Blue Hula and Bamboola are through

Tomorrow morning you'll discover
You're just a Carioca lover
And when you dance it with each new love, there'll be true love just for you

Now you'll dream of a new Carioca
Its theme is a kiss and a sigh
You'll dream of a new Carioca
When music and lights are gone, and we're saying goodbye
Goodbye