(2) One of the most accessible of all jazz pianists, Gene Harris' soulful style (influenced by Oscar Peterson and containing the blues-iness of a Junior Mance) was immediately likable and predictably excellent. After playing in an Army band (1951-1954), he formed a trio with bassist Andy Simpkins and drummer Bill Dowdy which was, by 1956, known as the Three Sounds. The group was quite popular, and recorded regularly during 1956-1970 for Blue Note and Verve. Although the personnel changed and the music became more R&B-oriented in the early '70s, Harris retained the Three Sounds name for his later Blue Note sets. He retired to Boise, ID, in 1977, and was largely forgotten when Ray Brown persuaded him to return to the spotlight in the early '80s. Harris worked for a time with the Ray Brown Trio and led his own quartets in the years to follow, recording regularly for Concord and heading the Phillip Morris Superband on a few tours; 1998's Tribute to Count Basie even earned a Grammy nomination. While awaiting a kidney transplant, he died on January 16, 2000, at the age of 66. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi
The Lamp Is Low
Gene Harris Lyrics
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Dream and watch the shadows came and go, the lamp Is low
While you linger in my arms, my lips will sigh "I love you so"
Dream the sweetest dream will ever know
Tonight the moon is high, the lamp Is low
Dream beside me in the midnight glow, the lamp Is low
Dream and watch the shadows came and go, the lamp Is low
Dream the sweetest dream will ever know
Tonight the moon is high, the lamp Is low
The lyrics of Gene Harris's song "The Lamp Is Low" portray a scene where two people are lying in a room, with a low lamp casting shadowy patterns on the walls. The singer invites the other person to dream and watch as the shadows come and go while they lay in each other's arms. The singer's affection is evident in the lines "while you linger in my arms, my lips will sigh 'I love you so'" as they encourage the other person to dream the sweetest dream they will ever know. The song's central theme is the beauty and power of love, captured in the image of two people enjoying each other's company while time stands still and everything else fades away.
Line by Line Meaning
Dream beside me in the midnight glow, the lamp Is low
Come and dream with me under the soft light of the lamp during this still and peaceful time of night
Dream and watch the shadows came and go, the lamp Is low
Let's enjoy the subtle movements of light and dark in this room while we dream together
While you linger in my arms, my lips will sigh "I love you so"
While I hold you close, I'll whisper how much I adore you
Dream the sweetest dream will ever know
Let's dream about the happiest and most blissful moments we can imagine
Tonight the moon is high, the lamp Is low
In this special moment, the moon is shining bright and the lamp is casting a soft and gentle light
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JULE STYNE, SAMMY CAHN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind