Byrd primarily looked up to Django Reinhardt. He moved to Washington, D.C., to study classical guitar with the renowned Sophocles Papas. He later moved to Italy where he studied with Andrés Segovia. In the early 1960's he was on a State Department tour in South America where he was introduced to a new music, the bossa nova, which was the musical passion of Brazil beginning in the late 50's. Jazz saxophonist Stan Getz had been in Brazil about six months earlier than Byrd, also on a State Department tour, where he, too, was exposed to the bossa nova. A short time later Getz called Byrd in D.C. and suggested the idea that they collaborate on a bossa nova album. That album was the introduction of bossa nova to North America.
He is perhaps most well known as a collaborator with Stan Getz on the Jazz Samba album, which featured many themes of bossa nova, and of course, samba.
Polkadots And Moonbeams
Charlie Byrd Lyrics
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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 the pug-nosed dream
The song "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" is a romantic ballad that tells the story of falling in love at a country dance in a garden. The singer initially bumps into his future lover, a pug-nosed dream, and is struck by the polka dots and moonbeams all around her. Despite feeling perplexed, he asks her to dance and is enchanted by the way the polka dots and moonbeams sparkle on her.
Throughout the dance, other dancers question the couple as they float across the floor. However, the singer's heart knows all the answers and a few things more. The song ends with the two lovers in a cottage built of lilacs and laughter, understanding the meaning of "ever after." The singer will always see polka dots and moonbeams when he kisses his pug-nosed dream.
The lyrics are a beautiful metaphor for falling in love and seeing the beauty in the mundane around the person you love. The polka dots and moonbeams represent the magic of love and the way it transforms the world around you. The pug-nosed dream symbolizes a humble and ordinary person who becomes extraordinary in the eyes of the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
A country dance was being held in a garden
A social gathering with music was taking place in an outdoor space
I felt a bump and heard an "Oh, beg your pardon"
I accidentally collided with someone and they apologized
Suddenly I saw polka dots and moonbeams
I was struck by the beauty of my surroundings
All around a pug-nosed dream
Everything seemed perfect and idyllic
The music started and was I the perplexed one
The music began and I felt unsure of myself
I held my breath and said "May I have the next one?"
I asked someone to dance nervously
In my frightened arms, polka dots and moonbeams
As we danced, I was captivated by the beauty around us
Sparkled on a pug-nosed dream
And all seemed perfect and magical
There were questions in the eyes of other dancers
Other people were curious about us
As we floated over the floor
As we continued to dance
There were questions but my heart knew all the answers
Despite others' curiosity, I felt sure about the situation
And perhaps a few things more
And perhaps I knew things that others did not
Now in a cottage built of lilacs and laughter
Now, in a happy and whimsical home
I know the meaning of the words "Ever after"
I understand the concept of lasting happiness
And I'll always see polka dots and moonbeams
And I'll always find joy and beauty in my surroundings
When I kiss the pug-nosed dream
When I'm with the one I love
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAMES VAN HEUSEN, JIMMY VAN HEUSEN, JOHNNY BURKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind