The Lamp Is Low
Bill Henderson/Oscar Peterson Lyrics

The lyrics to Bill Henderson and Oscar Peterson's song, The Lamp Is Low, describe a romantic atmosphere with the singer inviting their lover to dream and watch the shadows while nestled together in the candlelight of a dimly lit lamp. The slow, intimate tempo and soft melody adds to the dreamlike setting, while the lyrics themselves depict a moment in time that is both troubling and serene. The first stanza beckons the listener to dream beside the singer while shadows come and go, suggesting that the moment is fleeting and therefore something to be cherished.

The second stanza delves into the passionate love that the singer feels for their companion, with their lips "sighing "I love you so"". The dreamlike nature of the moment is emphasized further by the repeated chorus' urging to "dream the sweetest dream we'll ever know", an expression of the desire to create the perfect, idyllic world that is often found only in dreams. The phrase "tonight the moon is high, the lamp is low" also adds to the mood, with the fullness of the moon reflecting the intensity of the moment and the low lamp implying both secrecy and romance.

Overall, the song's lyrics paint a picture of a dreamlike state where the outside world fades away and all that exists is the love shared between two people. It's a perfect depiction of a romantic relationship that feels intimate, secret, and beautiful, all at once.