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.
Up Up And Away
Charlie Byrd Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Would you like to glide in my beautiful balloon?
We could float among the stars together, you and I
For we can fly, we can fly
Up, up and away
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
It wears a nicer face in my beautiful balloon
We can sing a song and sail along the silver sky
For we can fly, we can fly
Up, up and away
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
Suspended under a twilight canopy
We'll search the clouds for a star to guide us
If by some chance you find yourself loving me
We'll find a cloud to hid us, keep the moon beside us
Love is waiting there in my beautiful balloon
Way up in the air in my beautiful balloon
If you'll hold my hand we'll chase your dream across the sky
For we can fly, we can fly
Up, up and away
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
The song Up Up And Away by Charlie Byrd is a celebration of the joy of love and the freedom of flight. The opening lines of the song, "Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon? / Would you like to glide in my beautiful balloon? / We could float among the stars together, you and I" invite the listener to join the singer on a romantic flight through the clouds. The gentle melody and the airy acoustic guitar accompaniment create a sense of lightness and freedom, as the singer invites his love interest to escape from the constraints of the world below and experience the beauty of the sky.
The chorus "For we can fly, we can fly / Up, up and away / My beautiful, my beautiful balloon" reinforces the theme of flight and the sense of adventure that comes with it. The world below is transformed by the perspective of the sky, and the singer imagines a world that is kinder and more beautiful. "The world's a nicer place in my beautiful balloon / It wears a nicer face in my beautiful balloon / We can sing a song and sail along the silver sky" - the lyrics suggest that in the sky, one can escape from the troubles of the world and experience a greater sense of peace and serenity.
The final part of the song, "Love is waiting there in my beautiful balloon / Way up in the air in my beautiful balloon / If you'll hold my hand we'll chase your dream across the sky / For we can fly, we can fly / Up, up and away / My beautiful, my beautiful balloon", brings together the themes of flight and love. The image of the lovers suspended under a twilight canopy, searching for a star to guide them, captures the sense of romance and adventure that the song embodies. The final lines suggest that the sky is a place where dreams can be chased and fulfilled, and where love can flourish.
Line by Line Meaning
Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon?
Do you want to join me in a relaxing and enjoyable trip in my attractive hot air balloon?
Would you like to glide in my beautiful balloon?
Do you want to experience the smooth and graceful movement of my hot air balloon?
We could float among the stars together, you and I
We could peacefully drift through the sky and gaze upon the celestial bodies together.
For we can fly, we can fly
We have the ability to soar through the sky with this balloon, as we are not confined to the earth.
Up, up and away
Let's elevate higher and higher into the heavens.
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
This hot air balloon I possess is truly a stunning sight to behold.
The world's a nicer place in my beautiful balloon
Observing the world from the peaceful and serene confines of the hot air balloon makes it seem like a more appealing and charming place.
It wears a nicer face in my beautiful balloon
The world appears more pleasant and welcoming when viewed from within the tranquil atmosphere of this hot air balloon.
We can sing a song and sail along the silver sky
We can enjoy the company of one another and serenade ourselves while gliding through the tranquil and sparkling sky.
Suspended under a twilight canopy
We are gently suspended underneath an ethereal canopy, taking in the elegance of the surrounds.
We'll search the clouds for a star to guide us
We'll keep a watchful eye out for a celestial body or landmark to lead us in our voyage, providing us with inspiration and direction.
If by some chance you find yourself loving me
If, by some uncanny occurrence, you discover yourself feeling fondness for me,
We'll find a cloud to hide us, keep the moon beside us
We will locate one of the soft and billowy clusters that are floating in the air to conceal ourselves, while also being escorted by the moon, our companion in the sky.
Love is waiting there in my beautiful balloon
This hot air balloon provides the perfect atmosphere for love to flourish and blossom, enveloping us in a warm and loving embrace.
Way up in the air in my beautiful balloon
The peaceful skies are where we'll find ourselves thanks to the impressive height capabilities of this magnificent hot air balloon.
If you'll hold my hand we'll chase your dream across the sky
If you take hold of my hand, we can work together to pursue your aspirations and desires while soaring above the earth.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jimmy Webb
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
1060michaelg
I am so fortunate to have seen Charlie in "79 at a little Jazz club in Lake Buena Vista, Orlando. It turned out he loved to come there each year and he didn't bring his Brother or drummer; he loved the house trio there which was a gone piano player, a cat on drums and a middle aged beautiful lady who played the upright, pursing her lips as she played each note.
I had been struck by the Byrd lightning bolt a year previous, with the purchase of "The Guitar Album", a recorded two nights of guitarists at
Town Hall and included, Joe Pass, Bucky Pizzarelli and many others. But it was Charlie's set that set me free. It
started of with a soft strumming (C, Fadd9) and began "You've Got a Friend". I was simply floored. I wept. This is what is possible on the guitar? How could I ever even hope to play ONE song even close to sounding like this? How does he make melody with chords? SHEESH!!
Fate fixed it so that I saw an ad in a Tampa paper that Charlie would be appearing for a week engagement at Lake Buena Vista.
My then girlfriend (now my wife of 42 years) and I set forth for the 90 mile drive to see the Blue Byrd (the name of his latest album I'd just bought...I brought it along just in case).
The club was brick, perfect acoustics. I'd been trying to learn "You've Got a Friend" by ear, figuring out that I had to use my fingers...it was SLOW.
Seated at the front...Charlie sat on a stool, put his left foot on a pedestal, and launched into "Jitterbug Waltz" (this was another song off the GUITAR ALBUM)...we stayed for every set. But the magic happened after the second set; My exuberance, and the way my eyes were glued to his hands...it must've amused Charlie in a good way because Valerie said to me, "Babe, he SMILED at you..." I looked up and sure enough...and the slightest of nods.
I cannot describe how that felt.
Well, I approached Charlie...in the MEN'S ROOM...BLUEBYRD in hand. Charlie was drying his hands and I started babbling, "My Byrd I'm sorry to bother you and I know this isn't the place but you're the reason I am playing fingerstyle now and would it be too much to ask--"
Charlie had mercy. With his W. Va drawl, he said, "Why sure...he took the album and produced a pen from somewhere, "What's your name?"
"Michael..."
Charlie wrote in a slow and careful hand, "To Michael, All the best--Charlie Byrd"--beautiful cursive. He then thanked ME.
He would give me a few more looks, a couple of nods. I think, or like to think, he was pleased a new generation of players were so enthused...I don't know why it might surprise him. I wish everyone could have such an encounter with their Hero.
I still aspire to his standards...I've collected all of his records on vinyl from countless garage sales, Goodwill stores. All out of print now. Priceless, to me.
I will always Love The Man.
John Hodges
Charlie's influence has carried me through 55 years of playing music either gigging as a bass player in a jazz trio playing standards on a Saturday night, or to playing rythm guitar in a rock band through the 60's or to just sitting with by nylon string Yamaha and playing along with Charlie. I saw him several times in Montreal, either solo or with the Great Guitars. Hearing him in this interview reminds us of his humility, respect and responsibility he felt towards his talent and instrument. Although he played for another decade this interview was such an important moment in a special musical life. Well done Mr. Page and thank you Lord for bringing Charlie to us.
Dave Webster
I so enjoyed the interview and Charlie playing ,,,such a wonderful player and human
Lahle Ehrlich
My father took me to see Charlie at an outdoor concert in the mid 60s. I was 6 years old but knew after seeing him play that I wanted to play guitar too. Charlie was my inspiration and his music lives on in the hearts and souls of his lifelong fans.
S.R Woodward
Do you still play
Robert Leo
The Byrd/Getz collaboration was the best foray into Bossa Nova in America. Byrd's fingerpicking jazz style was so unique. I am so fortunate to have seen him play with his trio, and The Canadian Brass ensemble in of all places, a high school auditorium in Commack, NY. I couldn't believe that he was packing up his own gear onstage after his magnificent performance. I went up to the stage and spoke to him to tell him that he inspired me to play guitar, and to offer to help him pack up his gear. Just couldn't imagine an artist of his caliber not being afforded stage hands!
Freedom Masters
Will forever kick myself for no coming to know Byrd earlier in my life. When I did find him it changed my appreciation for guitar styles...he broke the mold. No classic, no Latin, no jazz, no Brazilian...just a wondrous mix of all styles and genres. Byrd went far and wide in all his pieces...a smorgasbord of guitar flavours with undertones of vainilla, tobacco, and bourbon ...you get my point. Bless you maestro Byrd. May you be next to the Lord playing..I'm sure He asked for him.
Joseph Frame
Wonderful interview! Besides being a GREAT guitarist - obviously very versatile - Charlie Byrd was a thoughtful, articulate, and interested / interesting person who always made people feel comfortable in his presence. Thanks for posting this!
martin shankleman
What a marvellous interview! Charlie is beautifully relaxed, and his personality shines through. The interviewer knows when to shut up and let his subject talk. Charlie reveals he wasn’t good enough to make it as a top class classical guitarist. The camera work captures his right hand technique exquisitely. Three cheers all round.
Senjin Omukae
What a great video. I got so much from this. Also, perfect camera work . Thank you for the amazing camera work. Clearly the makers of this video are guitarists, or certainly at least musicians - the right hand was prominent, which is what guitarists want to see. Absolutely brilliant!
Yilo Quinones
Charlie Byrd, was very influential in my style since the 72's. Thanks for share this interview!