Louis Armstrong (1901 - 1971) was a trumpet player, singer, and bandleader, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in the history of jazz.
Moonlight in Vermont
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Falling leaves of a sycamore
Moonlight in Vermont
Icey finger waves
Ski trails on a mountain side
Snowlight in Vermont
And travel each bend in the road
People who meet, in this romantic setting
Are so hypnotized by the lovely
Evening summer breeze
Warbling of a meadowlark
Moonlight in Vermont
Telegraph cables, they sing down the highway
And travel each bend in the road
People who meet, in this romantic setting
Are so hypnotized by the lovely
Evening summer breeze
Warbling of a meadowlark
Moonlight in Vermont
You and I and moonlight in Vermont
Moonlight in Vermont
The song "Moonlight in Vermont" by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong is a romantic ballad painting a picture of the natural beauty that can be found in Vermont. The lyrics open with the image of pennies in a stream and the falling leaves of a sycamore, which sets the tone of the song as one that is nostalgic and mindful of the changing seasons. As the lyrics progress, the imagery shifts to cold winter scenes with "icy finger waves" and "ski trails on a mountain side," but still with the same sense of wonder and enchantment that comes from experiencing the natural world.
One of the most interesting aspects of the song is the use of telegraph cables as a metaphor for communication and connection between people. Despite the physical distance between individuals, the telegraph cables "sing down the highway" and allow people to "travel each bend in the road." This speaks to the power of technology to bring people together and keep them connected in a way that was revolutionary for the time period in which the song was written.
Line by Line Meaning
Pennies in a stream
Small treasures freely flowing, representing the simple pleasures of life
Falling leaves of a sycamore
The natural beauty and cycle of life, as demonstrated by the leaves falling off a tree
Moonlight in Vermont
The tranquil and serene beauty of the Vermont night sky
Icey finger waves
The frigid waves of winter, symbolizing the natural forces of the season
Ski trails on a mountain side
The physical activity and adventure that comes with winter sports, set against the mountainous backdrop of Vermont
Snowlight in Vermont
The breathtaking and awe-inspiring quality of the Vermont winter landscape
Telegraph cables, they sing down the highway
The communication lines that connect us, and the metaphorical hum that comes with human connectedness
And travel each bend in the road
The idea that communication and connection can navigate any twists and turns that life may bring
People who meet, in this romantic setting
The possibility of finding love and connection in a place as beautiful and magical as Vermont
Are so hypnotized by the lovely
The all-encompassing and captivating nature of Vermont's beauty and charm
Evening summer breeze
The gentle and calming presence of summer nights in Vermont
Warbling of a meadowlark
The sounds of nature that make up the natural symphony of Vermont
Moonlight in Vermont
The tranquil and serene beauty of the Vermont night sky
You and I and moonlight in Vermont
The promise of love and connection, set against the backdrop of Vermont's natural beauty
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John M. Blackburn, Karl Suessdorf
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Giulia Marseglia
"Moonlight In Vermont"
[Ella:]
Pennies in a stream
Falling leaves of a sycamore
Moonlight in Vermont
Icey finger waves
Ski trails on a mountain side
Snowlight in Vermont
Telegraph cables, they sing down the highway
And travel each bend in the road
People who meet, in this romantic setting
Are so hypnotized by the lovely...
Evening summer breeze
Warbling of a meadowlark
Moonlight in Vermont
[Louis Armstrong:]
[Instrumental Solo]
[Ella:]
Telegraph cables, they sing down the highway
And travel each bend in the road
[Louis:]
People who meet, in this romantic setting
Are so hypnotized by the lovely...
[Ella:]
Evening summer breeze
Warbling of a meadowlark
Moonlight in Vermont
You and I and moonlight in Vermont
[Louis:]
Moonlight in Vermont
Jeremy Preece
This record has one of the most stellar line ups in jazz history. The greatest drummer - Buddy Rich is politely taping away in the background accompanying the legendary pianist Oscar Peterson with Herb Ellis on Guitar and the great Ray Brown on bass. These great musicians merely back one of the greatest jazz female singers of all time (Ella) and one of the most famous jazzmen ever - Louis Armstrong. The result of all of this talent melds to make one of the most beautiful albums of all time - in my opinion.
BTW: Bassist Ray Brown and Ella were married between 1947 and 1953, so by 1956 were divorced. They remained friends and sometimes (as here) continued to work together.
Dashiell Cole
Agreed! except for buddy rich being the greatest drummer
Colton Mowbray
@Dashiell Cole based
Tavi
This entire album is perfection, it is so tastefully put together and is just a pleasure to listen too. Will forever be a favorite❤❤
Nadir D'Onofrio
Ella possuía uma voz, inigualavel! Que dupla, fantástica nesse vídeo!
Phil Piper
Ella.... Just incredible. Louis ... Well what can you say? Thank you so much for this track, absolutely loved it.
Anthony Spinelli jr
She really holds that notes. This song is done at a very slow tempo. Not many vocalists could hold those notes at that tempo.
Eric Hale
Her voice is natural bliss.
Charles Barry
Two legendary performers. RIP.
Tony de la Riva
I'm 59 years old and used to listen to this song on my parent's LPs when I was 6-7 years. I loved it then. Still do. What a treasure.