"3 AM" with commentary

This song began life as an instrumental titled “Joe Beam,” because I thought it sounded like something Jobim might have written. It was to be the centerpiece song of an album of bossa nova songs called “Bossa Nouveau.” I still think that idea could work.

3 AM

© 1996/1998 Brian Hutzell

Come hear the sound you're about to meet

Come to the lounge that’s swinging to a bossa nova beat

Everyone’s dancing on their feet

Come to the lounge that’s grooving with a bossa nova beat

It gets underway sometime past 10

And goes on till at least 3 AM

They’re dressed up to the nines in all the hep designs

Come to the lounge that’s moving to a bossa nova beat

I will be there and I hope to see

You waiting with a cocktail made especially for me

We belong there, you and I

Dining al fresco

While the bossa rhythm fills the sky

Hear the music play

Each song a gem

And it won’t stop before 3 AM

I haven't been so happy since I don’t know when

And we’ll be just beginning when the clock hits 3 AM

3 in the morning

That’s my time of day

The kids are all sleeping

So it’s time for us to play

Here comes the sun

Must be getting late

Call it an evening, darling

Thank you for a perfect date

We’d better get some sleep, so we can start again

Next time we hear that bossa nova calling 3 AM!