Wilson's repertoire includes both jazz and blues standards and renditions of pop and rock songs. Her contralto voice has been described as bluesy and sultry, and the style of her music ranges from swing to funk to bossa nova. Many of the songs she covers are by artists who usually record in other genres.
Wilson counts the late Miles Davis as one of her greatest influences. In 1989 she performed as the opening act for Davis at the JVC Jazz Festival in Chicago. In 1999 she produced Traveling Miles as a tribute to Davis. The album developed from a series of jazz concerts that she performed at Lincoln Center in November 1997 in Davis's honor and includes three selections based on Davis's own compositions, in which Wilson adapted the original themes.
A Brief Discography
Point of View (1986, JMT)
Days Aweigh (1987, JMT)
Blue Skies (1988, JMT)
Jumpworld (1989, JMT)
She Who Weeps (1990, JMT)
Live (1991, JMT)
After the Beginning Again (1992, JMT)
Dance to the Drums Again (1992, DIW/Columbia)
Blue Light 'til Dawn (1993, Blue Note)
New Moon Daughter (1995, Blue Note)
Rendezvous (with Jacky Terrasson) (1998, Blue Note)
Traveling Miles (1999, Blue Note)
Belly of the Sun (2002, Blue Note)
Glamoured (2003, Blue Note)
Thunderbird (2006, Blue Note)
Loverly (2008, Blue Note)
Silver Pony (2010, Blue Note)
Another Country (2012, eOne)
Official website: www.cassandrawilson.com
Polka Dots And Moonbeams
Cassandra Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I felt a bump and heard an "oh, beg your pardon,"
Suddenly I saw polka dots and moonbeams
All around a pug-nosed dream
the music started and was I the perplexed one
I held my breath and said "may I have the next one?"
In my frightened arms, polka dots and moonbeams
there were questions in the eyes of other dancers
As we floated over the floor
There were questions, but my heart knew all the answers
And perhaps a few things more
now in a cottage built of lilacs and laughter
I know the meaning of the words "ever after"
And I'll always see polka dots and moonbeams
When I kiss that pug-nosed dream
The song "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" by Cassandra Wilson talks about a moment of magic at a country dance. The singer felt a bump and heard an apology, and suddenly she saw polka dots and moonbeams all around a pug-nosed dream. The music started, and despite feeling perplexed, she asked for the next dance. As they danced, the polka dots and moonbeams sparkled on the pug-nosed dream. Despite the other dancers' questions, the singer's heart knew all the answers, and perhaps a few more. The song concludes by describing a cottage built of lilacs and laughter, where the singer knows the meaning of "ever after" and always sees polka dots and moonbeams when kissing the pug-nosed dream.
Line by Line Meaning
A country dance was being held in a garden
The scene was set: a dance under the stars, surrounded by floral arrangements under the open sky
I felt a bump and heard an "oh, beg your pardon,"
A stranger accidentally collided with me and apologized.
Suddenly I saw polka dots and moonbeams
Suddenly, I became transfixed by the dazzling sight of multicolored circles and the light of the moon.
All around a pug-nosed dream
All of this was happening around a person with a distinctive nose, who seemed like a dream come true.
the music started and was I the perplexed one
As the music began, I felt confused and bewildered in the midst of the crowd.
I held my breath and said "may I have the next one?"
Despite my nerves, I mustered up the courage to ask for the next dance with my pug-nosed dream.
In my frightened arms, polka dots and moonbeams
I held my partner, and watched their face sparkle in the moonlight and amidst the dots that followed them.
Sparkled on a pug-nosed dream
I couldn't resist the beauty of that dreamy nose, which continued to shine in the light of the night.
there were questions in the eyes of other dancers
Other dancers wondered about our pairing, wondering what made us so attracted to one another.
As we floated over the floor
As we twirled and spun over the dance floor, I didn't have any doubts about what we shared.
There were questions, but my heart knew all the answers
Even though others may have had questions, my heart already recognized the feelings that our pairing creates.
And perhaps a few things more
In such intimate moments, we might have even recognized some things deeper than our individual feelings.
now in a cottage built of lilacs and laughter
Fast forward to today, after seasons of life have passed, I now I live in a home that is full of joy and sweet smells.
I know the meaning of the words "ever after"
I've finally recognized what it truly means to find everlasting love.
And I'll always see polka dots and moonbeams
Whenever I see these beautifully simple things, I'll always think of my love.
When I kiss that pug-nosed dream
Whenever I share a kiss with my love, I am reminded of those very magical moments at that dance.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Broma 16, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAMES VAN HEUSEN, JIMMY VAN HEUSEN, JOHNNY BURKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind