The Meaning Behind The Song: Nina by Noël Coward
The Meaning Behind The Song: “Nina” by Noël Coward
As a person who frequently immerses themselves in music, there are countless songs that have left a lasting impression on me. One such song that holds a special place in my heart is “Nina” by Noël Coward. I remember stumbling upon this song at a friend’s house during a late-night gathering, and from the moment the first note played, I was captivated.
The lyrics of “Nina” tell the story of a young woman named Nina, hailing from Argentina. She is depicted as a strong-willed individual who refuses to conform to societal expectations. Despite being surrounded by relatives and friends who excel in dancing, Nina adamantly declares that she will never dance, not even a single step, until the day she dies.
In the first verse, Nina expresses her disdain for the portrayal of South America in movies. She finds them idiotic, as they depict the region as exotic while she perceives it to be quite the opposite – boring. She goes on to voice her aversion to soft guitars, still lagoons, and the Southern moon. Nina’s refreshing candor emerges as she criticizes Carmen Miranda as subversive propaganda, boldly suggesting that she should be shot.
As the song progresses, we learn that Nina’s refusal to dance extends beyond mere personal preference. When eligible men propose to her through the medium of dance, she flatly rejects them, stating that syncopation and gyrations deter the act of procreation. She stands firm in her belief that love should be impulsive, but not convulsive.
Nina’s disapproval of her relatives’ affinity for the conga dance becomes more apparent in the next verse. She mocks their gyrations and condemns them for being unromantic and sycophantic. Nina’s frustration peaks as she envisions wringing their necks, displaying a fiery personality unafraid to speak her mind.
The chorus, where she declined to “Begin The Beguine,” becomes a recurring theme in the song. Despite constant beseeching from those around her, Nina refuses to engage in the dance. She even curses the man who taught her the dance, as well as the acclaimed composer Cole Porter.
Society’s resentment towards Nina grows until she decides it’s best to leave. She escapes the mounting hatred of her friends and embarks on a journey, where she meets a sailor with a wooden leg acquired in Venezuela. Despite her initial rejection of dancing, she marries him, perhaps indicating that love can indeed make us embrace the things we previously thought we despised.
The song reaches its conclusion with Coward playfully commenting on Nina’s character. He suggests that she is regarded as an irritating girl in Argentina, labeling her as a degenerate bambina. Yet, while her story fades in the memories of her compatriots, they never speak of how Nina found romance, even though she steadfastly refused to dance.
The lyrics of “Nina” by Noël Coward weave a tale of an unconventional woman who defies societal norms. It’s a playful and satirical commentary on the expectations placed upon individuals and the courage it takes to carve one’s path. Through Nina, Coward invites listeners to reflect on the nature of conformity, love, and the choices that shape our lives.
