In 1932, he moved with his family from Memphis to Detroit. In Detroit, he studied music in high school and played with the Plantation Music Orchestra.
Eventually, Wilson would write scores for Ellington, Basie, and Gillespie. In the fifties, he performed with small groups led by Buddy Collette, Curtis Counce and Leroy Vinnagar and began a career as one of the finest west coast arrangers, working in film and television. His behind-the-scenes association with Ellington intensified, and continued until Duke's death in 1974.
Aquarius
Gerald Wilson Orchestra Lyrics
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And Jupiter aligns with Mars
Then peace will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars
This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius
The Age of Aquarius
Aquarius! Aquarius!
Harmony and understanding
Sympathy and trust abounding
No more falsehoods or derisions
Golden living dreams of visions
Mystic crystal revelation
And the mind's true liberation
Aquarius! Aquarius!
When the moon is in the Seventh House
And Jupiter aligns with Mars
Then peace will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars
This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius
The Age of Aquarius
Aquarius! Aquarius!
Harmony and understanding
Sympathy and trust abounding
No more falsehoods or decisions
Golden living dreams of visions
Mystic crystal revelation
And the mind's true liberation
Aquarius! Aquarius!
The lyrics to the Gerald Wilson Orchestra's song "Aquarius" reference the astrological concept of the Age of Aquarius, a time of peace, understanding, and love. The opening lines describe the alignment of the planets Jupiter and Mars with the moon in the Seventh House, which is said to mark the beginning of this new age. The subsequent lines suggest that this alignment will usher in a new era of enlightenment and freedom, where harmony, understanding, and trust will replace falsehoods, derisions, and decisions.
The lyrics depict a utopian vision of a world that is no longer bound by the constraints of ignorance and misunderstanding. People will be able to more fully understand and appreciate one another, and the universal forces that guide the natural world will be harnessed for the greater good. The references to "mystic crystal revelation" and "the mind's true liberation" suggest that this will be a spiritual awakening as well as a socio-political one.
Overall, the lyrics to "Aquarius" can be interpreted as a call to action, urging people to work together to create a better future for all. The song inspires hope for what is possible when we overcome our differences and work towards a shared vision of a harmonious world.
Line by Line Meaning
When the moon is in the Seventh House
When certain celestial events occur, symbolizing hope and new beginnings.
And Jupiter aligns with Mars
And the planets align, indicating a cosmic shift.
Then peace will guide the planets
Then there will be a time of peaceful harmony on earth and throughout the universe.
And love will steer the stars
And love will be the driving force behind all of the universe's movements, decisions, and interactions.
This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius
This is the beginning of a new era of human and spiritual evolution.
The Age of Aquarius
A time of enlightenment and understanding that empowers a global community.
Aquarius! Aquarius!
A celebration of the arrival and impact of the Age of Aquarius.
Harmony and understanding
A key feature of the Age of Aquarius, which emphasizes cooperation and empathy among people.
Sympathy and trust abounding
A world where individuals care for each other and work together without the barriers of mistrust or skepticism.
No more falsehoods or derisions
A society in which communication is honest and respectful, without maliciousness, prejudice, or aggression.
Golden living dreams of visions
A world where people are driven by ambitious, yet attainable, goals and aspirations.
Mystic crystal revelation
An awakening of spiritual power and wisdom, leading to a deeper understanding of the world.
And the mind's true liberation
A world where fear and ignorance no longer exert their harmful effects, and people are free to explore their potential and expand their horizons.
Aquarius! Aquarius!
A joyful affirmation of the opportunities and possibilities that the Age of Aquarius brings.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GALT MAC DERMOT, JAMES RADO, GEROME RAGNI, PAVEL VRBA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind