Moon River
Brad Mehldau Lyrics


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Moon River, wider than a mile:
I'm crossin' you in style someday.
Old 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,
My huckleberry friend,




Moon River and me.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Brad Mehldau’s rendition of the classic song “Moon River” convey a sense of wanderlust and companionship in the journey of life. The opening line, “Moon River, wider than a mile: I'm crossin' you in style someday,” establishes the grandeur of the journey ahead and the confidence of the singer in making that journey with a sense of style. The singer addresses the “Old dream maker, you heart breaker,” speaking to the unpredictable nature of life and how it can make or break dreams.


The following lines, “Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way” further underscore the sense of unpredictability and the willingness of the singer to navigate it with their companion, Moon River. The song then introduces the idea of two drifters, who are chasing a common goal, the “rainbow’s end.” The line, “My huckleberry friend,” is an endearing reference to the companion who is journeying alongside the singer, personifying Moon River as a loyal friend.


Overall, “Moon River” is a song about the journey of life and finding someone to share it with, no matter how unpredictable or challenging it may be. The lyrics capture the essence of wandering, the allure of the untold and undiscovered, and the importance of companionship in making that journey worthwhile.


Line by Line Meaning

Moon River, wider than a mile
The beautiful view of the serene river makes one wonder about the vastness of life that it symbolizes.


I'm crossin' you in style someday.
Someday, I will cross the river in a style that befits its grandeur.


Old dream maker, you heart breaker,
The river is like an old dream that once felt beautiful but broke many hearts along the way.


Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way.
No matter where the river flows, the person singing the song wants to be part of its journey.


Two drifters, off to see the world.
The reference to two drifters is an allusion to the transience of human life, where individuals are constantly moving, seeking to discover the world and its beauty.


There's such a lot of world to see.
The song acknowledges the magnificence of the world, with its multiple hues and mysteries that are waiting to be discovered and savored.


We're after the same rainbow's end,
The singer of the song is seeking the same pot of gold that others are after, which is the ultimate happiness or contentment in life.


Waitin' round the bend,
The singer knows that the ultimate goal is yet to be achieved and that everything depends on the twists and turns of life's path.


My huckleberry friend,
The reference to 'huckleberry friend' is symbolic of the singer's beloved person, who is always in their corner and supports them in their journey of life.


Moon River and me.
In the end, the singer seems to be content in their relationship with the Moon River, finding solace in its presence always.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Johnny Mercer, Henry Mancini

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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