She is noted for her elegant interpretations of standards, ballads, and blues. Her characteristic inflections have sometimes prompted comparisons to stylistic devices employed by Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Jones' recordings, particularly her debut record (Don't Go To Strangers, 1960), have earned wide admiration in a new generation of listeners.
She had three Grammy nominations, for the Don't Go to Strangers LP in 1960, Save Your Love for Me in 1981, and My Buddy in 1999.
Jones had a musical partnership of more than thirty years with tenor sax player Houston Person, who received equal billing with her. He also produced her albums and served as her manager.
Jones was born in Aiken, South Carolina, and raised in Harlem. She died at the age of 72 from cancer. She was survived by her husband, John Medlock, and a granddaughter.
If I Had You
Etta Jones Lyrics
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I could be glad all of the while
I could change the grey skies to blues
If I had you
I could leave the old days behind
Leave all my pals, I'd never mind
I could start my life all a new
If I had you
I could climb the snow capped mountains
Sail the mighty ocean wide
I could cross the burning desert
If I had you by my side
I could be a king, dear, uncrowned
Humble or poor, rich or renowned
There is nothing I couldn't do
If I had you
I could show the world how to smile
I could be glad all of the while
I could change the grey skies to blues
If I had you
I could leave the old days behind
Leave all my pals, I'd never mind
I could start my life all a new
If I had you
I could climb the snow capped mountains
Sail the mighty ocean wide
I could cross the burning desert
If I had you by my side
I could be a king, dear, uncrowned
Humble or poor, rich or renowned
There is nothing I couldn't do
The lyrics of Etta Jones's song "If I Had You" explore the limitless possibilities that come with the presence of the one you love. The singer expresses that with her lover by her side, she could accomplish anything she sets her mind to. The first verse states that she could "show the world how to smile" and "change the grey skies to blues" if she had her loved one by her side. In the second verse, she mentions that she could start her life anew and leave her past behind if she had her lover with her. She goes on to say that she could climb mountains, sail oceans, and cross deserts if she were able to share these experiences with her significant other.
The lyrics of "If I Had You" are a testament to the power of love and how it allows an individual to conquer anything they face. The song paints a picture of a world where anything is possible with the presence of the one you love.
Line by Line Meaning
I could show the world how to smile
I could spread joy to everyone around me
I could be glad all of the while
I could always be happy and content
I could change the grey skies to blues
I could turn bad situations into good ones
If I had you
If I had your love and support
I could leave the old days behind
I could move on from my past
Leave all my pals, I'd never mind
I wouldn't care about leaving my friends behind if it meant being with you
I could start my life all a new
I could begin a fresh new chapter in my life
If I had you
If I had your love and support
I could climb the snow capped mountains
I could achieve anything, no matter how difficult
Sail the mighty ocean wide
I could explore and discover new things
I could cross the burning desert
I could overcome any obstacle or challenge
If I had you by my side
If I had your love and support
I could be a king, dear, uncrowned
I could feel like royalty and have everything I need
Humble or poor, rich or renowned
No matter my status or wealth, I would be content with your love
There is nothing I couldn't do
With your love and support, there is no limit to what I can accomplish
If I had you
If I had your love and support
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: GORDON MILLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind