This new lineup, widely considered the "true" golden age of the group, released several singles with King on lead that became chart hits. "There Goes My Baby", the first commercial rock-and-roll recording to include a string orchestra, was a Top 10 hit, and number 193 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. "Dance with Me" followed, and then "This Magic Moment" (number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960). "Save the Last Dance for Me" reached # 1 on the U.S. pop charts and #2 in the UK. This was followed by "I Count The Tears." This version of The Drifters was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2000 as Ben E. King and the Drifters. The writeup indicates an award primarily as a tribute to Ben E. King with a nod to his time in The Drifters, with only one of five paragraphs exclusively devoted to The Drifters, though Charlie Thomas was also cited by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame's induction of the original Drifters, which technically was only through 1958).
With this brief golden age lasting only two years, personnel changes quickly followed. Lover Patterson (now the Drifters' road manager) got into a fight with George Treadwell. Since Patterson had King under personal contract, he refused to let him tour with the group. Thus King was only able to record with the group for about a year. Johnny Lee Williams, who sang lead on "True Love, True Love", the flipside of "Dance with Me", handled the vocals on tour along with Charlie Thomas. When the group passed through Williams' hometown of Mobile, Alabama, Williams left the group. (Williams died on December 19, 2004, at age 64. When King asked Treadwell for a raise and a fair share of royalties, a request that wasn't honored, he left and began a successful solo career. Williams left at the same time
Moon River
Ben E. King & The Drifters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 song Moon River by Ben E. King and The Drifters captures a sense of longing, optimism and wanderlust. Widening as it flows, Moon River is perhaps a metaphor for the journey of life, with all its twists and turns. The singer speaks of crossing the river in style someday, suggesting that they have big dreams and are determined to achieve them. The dream maker and heart breaker adds another layer of complexity, perhaps referring to the ups and downs of life, and the struggles that come with pursuing one’s dreams.
The second half of the song introduces the concept of two drifters who are off to see the world. They share a common goal - chasing after the end of a rainbow - and are joined by their friendship with Moon River. The use of the word "huckleberry" adds an endearing quality to the friendship, and makes the song feel more intimate. Throughout the song, there is a sense that the singer is determined to make the most of life, to travel, to experience new things, and to share it all with those they care about.
Line by Line Meaning
Moon river, wider than a mile
The vast and open path ahead, which is greater than a mile, is the depiction of the journey that is to be undertaken
I'm crossing you in style some day
Someday, I'm going to cross the river with grandeur and elegance, leaving a remarkable impression
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Addressing the unknown forces that create and destroy dreams
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way
I'm willing to follow your path, no matter where it leads
Two drifters, off to see the world
Two aimless wanderers, exploring the vast and diverse world
There's such a lot of world to see
The world is an enormous place, full of wonders and beauty
We're after the same rainbow's end, waitin' 'round the bend
Both of us seek the ultimate goal that is elusive, like the end of the rainbow which is never static or reachable
My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me
Moon River, the journey and the elusive goal are my only companions, with whom I share a connection and an adventure
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Johnny Mercer, Henry Mancini
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
gamer room
Moon river,
Wider than a mile
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
And We're after the same rainbow's end,
Ah-waitin' round the bend
My huckleberry friend,
Moon river,
And…
Live Life
He adds SOUL to this version . Plain and simple.
Analyse
His voice is so charming🥰
Temistocles Antonio Perez Mendoza
Hermoso recuerdo ❤️
LoneWolf78
I like Ben E. Kings version best
Fernando Casas
Linda canción . La mejor versión.
Imani M
I know for sure that I like this version best 💞🎶
Jennifer Rose
Such emotions, can truly sing !
JORGE HERNANDEZ - 7 7 7 -
Adios Maestro BEN E KING por siempre lo recordaré cada ves que escucho este maravilloso tema suyo , por ahora descanse en paz ....
James Sorreda
This is the best version of moon river for me.
gamer room
Moon river,
Wider than a mile
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
And We're after the same rainbow's end,
Ah-waitin' round the bend
My huckleberry friend,
Moon river,
And…