Kessel became a busy studio musician in Los Angeles but was always in demand for jazz records. He toured with the Oscar Peterson Trio for one year (1952-53) and then, starting in 1953, led an impressive series of records for Contemporary that lasted until 1961 (including several with Ray Brown and Shelly Manne in a trio accurately called "The Poll Winners"). After touring Europe with George Wein's Newport All-Stars (1968) Kessel lived in London for a time (1969-70).
In 1973 he began touring and recording with the Great Guitars, a group also including Herb Ellis and Charlie Byrd. A serious stroke in 1992 put Barney Kessel permanently out of action but many of his records (which include dates for Onyx, Black Lion, Sonet and Concord in addition to many of the Contemporaries) are currently available along with several video collections put out by Vestapol.
In 2004, Kessel died of brain cancer in San Diego, California.
Moon River
Barney Kessel Lyrics
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I'm crossing you in style some day
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way
Two drifters, off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
We're after the same rainbow's end, waitin' 'round the bend
Moon river, wider than a mile
I'm crossin' you in style some day
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way
Two drifters, off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
We're after that same rainbow's end, waitin' 'round the Bend
My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me
The lyrics to "Moon River" by Barney Kessel describe a dreamer crossing a wide river in style one day, following the path of a heartbreaker and dream maker. The dreamer and another person or companion, referred to as "huckleberry friend," are both drifter, going on an adventure to see the world. They are both after the same end of a rainbow, waiting around the bend. The song has a melancholic and dreamy feel to it, and it paints a picture of two people on a journey of discovery, trusting each other as they cross the wide expanse of the "Moon River."
The symbolic "Moon River" represents a journey that is vast, uncertain, and full of possibilities. The dreamer's crossing of the river in style signifies a sense of confidence and determination to follow their aspirations. The dream maker mentioned in the song represents the uncertain yet hopeful nature of the journey. The song is about the longing for the unknown, the desire to explore, and the trust that one gives to a companion on a shared journey. The "huckleberry friend" adds an air of endearment to the song, depicting the bond between the two drifters and their unspoken trust in one another.
Line by Line Meaning
Moon river, wider than a mile
The river called Moon is vast and seemingly neverending.
I'm crossing you in style some day
I will cross Moon river in an impressive or stylish way one day.
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
The person being addressed has the power to create dreams, but also has the ability to shatter them.
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way
The artist is willing to follow the addressed person anywhere they are going.
Two drifters, off to see the world
Two aimless wanderers are setting off to explore and discover new places.
There's such a lot of world to see
The world is vast and full of possibilities for discovery and exploration.
We're after the same rainbow's end, waitin' 'round the bend
Both of the wanderers are searching for the same elusive goal, something that is just around the corner.
My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me
The artist considers Moon river their intimate companion and their close friend.
Lyrics © Tratore
Written by: Johnny Mercer, Henry Mancini
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind