Eddie Jefferson (3 August 1918 - 9 May 1979) was a jazz vocalist and the fo… Read Full Bio ↴Eddie Jefferson (3 August 1918 - 9 May 1979) was a jazz vocalist and the founder of vocalese, where a singer sings words to a famous instrumental solo. His best known composition is "Moody's Mood for Love" though it was recorded first by King Pleasure, who cites Jefferson as an influence. His songs "Parker's Mood" and "Filthy McNasty" were also hits.
Jefferson's last recorded performance was at the Joe Segal's Jazz Showcase in Chicago. His band at that performance was Richie Cole (alto sax), John Campbell (piano), Kelly Sill (bass) and Joel Spencer (drums). The performance was released on video by Rhapsody Films.
Tragically, Jefferson was shot and killed outside of a Detroit nightclub two days later at age 60. This was part of a tour that Jefferson was on with alto sax man Cole and their opening night in Detroit was at the legendary Baker's Keyboard Lounge. A jazz club that was built in the 20's and has played host to everyone from Dexter Gordon to Sonny Stitt. Eddie Jefferson was gunned down on his opening night at Baker's on May 8th 1979. He left the club with fellow band leader, Cole around 1:35 a.m. and was shot while walking out of the club. A late model Lincoln Continental was spotted speeding away from the scene, whose driver was later picked up by Detroit police. He was later identified as a disgruntled dancer that Jefferson once worked with and had once fired from a gig. The suspect did not have enough evidence to be held in jail and was later acquitted.

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Eddie Jefferson Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I cover the waterfront,
I'm watching the sea,,
Will the one I love,
Be coming back to me?

I cover the waterfront,
In search of my love,
And I'm covered by,

A starless sky above.

Here am I,
Patiently waiting,
Hoping and longing,
Oh! How I yearn!
Where are you?
Are you forgetting?
Do you remember?
Will you return?

I cover the waterfront,
I'm watching the sea,

For the one I love,
Must come back to me.

Overall Meaning

In Eddie Jefferson's song, "I Cover The Waterfront," the singer is watching the sea, "covered by a starless sky above," hoping that the one they love will return to them. The lyrics convey a sense of yearning and sadness, as the singer is left waiting and wondering where their love could be. The lines, "patiently waiting, hoping and longing," highlight the singer's desperation for their lover's return, and their repeated plea of "will you return?" suggests a sense of hopelessness in the situation. Despite this, the singer remains steadfast in their vigil, covering the waterfront, searching for their love.

The song has been interpreted in various ways, ranging from a love lost at sea to a metaphor for the search for spiritual enlightenment. Jefferson's smooth vocals and poignant lyrics add to the overall emotional impact of the song, making it a classic in jazz standards. The song has been covered by many jazz musicians, including Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong, and continues to be a popular choice among jazz artists.

Line by Line Meaning

I cover the waterfront,
I am constantly looking out to the sea

I'm watching the sea,,
I am keeping my eyes on the ocean, hoping to find a clue

Will the one I love,
I wonder if the person I love

Be coming back to me?
Will return to me once again?

I cover the waterfront,
I am still searching and looking out to sea

In search of my love,
To find my love, I search the waters far and wide

And I'm covered by,
I am consumed by

A starless sky above.
A sky that offers no hope or guidance.

Here am I,
I am here, waiting and wondering

Patiently waiting,
I am waiting steadily and calmly

Hoping and longing,
I am full of hope and yearning