It became the theme song for Andy Williams, who first recorded the song in 1961 and performed it at the Academy Awards ceremonies in 1962. He sang the first eight bars of the song at the beginning of his television show; he also named his production company and venue in Branson, Missouri after Moon River. Williams' version was vetoed by Cadence president Archie Bleyer, who believed it had little or no appeal to teenagers. Williams' famous version never charted, except as an LP track, which he recorded for Columbia in a hit album of 1962.
The success of the song was responsible for relaunching Mercer's career as a songwriter, which had stalled in the mid-1950s because rock and roll replaced jazz standards as the popular music of the time. An inlet near Savannah, Georgia, Johnny Mercer's hometown, was named Moon River in honor of him and this song. The popularity of the song is such that it has been used as a test sample in a study on people's memories of popular songs.
The original version
Mercer and Mancini wrote the song for Audrey Hepburn to fit her vocal range. Initially the lyrics started, "I'm Holly, like I want to be / like Holly on a tree back home...", however they were later changed to fit the theme to the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Although an instrumental version is played over the film's opening titles, the lyrics are first heard in a scene where Paul 'Fred' Varjak (George Peppard) discovers Holly Golightly (Hepburn) singing them, accompanied by her guitar, on the fire-escape outside their apartments.
There was much behind-the-scenes consternation which erupted when a Paramount Pictures executive suggested deleting the song from the film immediately after a very successful San Francisco preview. Hepburn's reaction has been described by Mancini and others in degrees varying from her saying "over my dead body" to her using somewhat more colorful language to make the same point.
Hepburn's version was not included in the original score album to Breakfast at Tiffany's. Instead, an album version recorded by Mancini and his chorus was released as a single and became a #11 hit. In different versions, Joel Whitburn's "Top Adult (Contemporary) Songs" reported the song as a #3 or #1 easy listening hit, due to unpublished charts in Billboard. Only months after Hepburn's death in 1993, her version was released on an album entitled Music from the Films of Audrey Hepburn.
Other recordings
"Moon River" was released by South African singer Danny Williams, and reached #1 in the UK. Shortly thereafter, Andy Williams recorded the song and made it his theme song. It was a hit for Jerry Butler in 1961, reaching #11 in the Billboard charts. Other artists that have covered the song are The Afghan Whigs, Benny Anderssons Orkester, Paul Anka, Blake, Louis Armstrong, Vince Guaraldi, Beru Revue, Mary Black, Sarah Brightman, Liz Callaway, Perry Como, Ray Conniff, Bobby Darin, Ania Dąbrowska, Dr. John, Dump, Billy Eckstine, The Four Freshmen, Connie Francis, Bill Frisell (instrumental), Emi Fujita, Judy Garland, Karel Gott, Grant Green (instrumental), Patty Griffin, The Innocence Mission (although this version is sometimes incorrectly cited as being performed by Milla Jovovich), Bradley Joseph (instrumental), Kim Yoo-jin, James Last, Joey McIntyre, Johnny Mathis, Brad Mehldau, Jane Monheit, Morrissey, Patsy Ann Noble, Jim Reeves, John Barrowman, R.E.M., Mia Riddle, Andrea Ross, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Sarah Vaughan, Nan Vernon, Kid Koala, Westlife, Victoria Williams, The Divine Comedy, and Tata Young.
Mercer himself recorded the song in 1974 for his album (appropriately named) My Huckleberry Friend.
Moon River
Greyhound Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm crossin' you in style someday.
Old dream maker, you heartbreaker,
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin'your way.
Two drifters, off to see the world.
There's such a lot of world to see.
We're after the same rainbow's end,
My huckleberry friend,
Moon River and me.
The song Moon River by Greyhound is a bittersweet and nostalgic tune about living life fully and embracing the unknown. The song speaks to the idea of an incredible journey ahead, one that is "wider than a mile," and how the singer plans to cross it "in style someday." The song also mentions the "Old dream maker" who is both a creator and a heartbreaker, and the singer expresses their willingness to follow this dream maker, wherever they may go.
The second verse of the song introduces the idea of two travelers exploring the world together. They are "after the same rainbow's end," suggesting that they both have similar goals and aspirations in life. The phrase "my huckleberry friend" implies a close friendship, and the last line of the song sums up the relationship between the two travelers and the Moon River - "Moon River and me," indicating that the River itself is a part of their journey.
Overall, Moon River is a song that encapsulates the feelings of hope, adventure, and companionship, all wrapped up in a beautiful melody that has become a classic hit. The lyrics speak to the human desire to explore the world, to seek out new experiences and to connect with others along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Moon River, wider than a mile
The river of life, filled with infinite possibilities and opportunities, stretches out before me, as vast and majestic as an actual river.
I'm crossin' you in style someday.
At some point in the future, I will traverse the river of life with grace, confidence, and flair, enjoying every moment of the journey.
Old dream maker, you heartbreaker
Life is a fickle mistress that can bestow great joys and cause great sorrows, yet I am undaunted and unafraid in my pursuit of my dreams and aspirations.
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way.
I am a nomad, a wanderer, and a curious soul, always open and receptive to the lessons and experiences that life has to offer, no matter where they may take me.
Two drifters, off to see the world.
My fellow travelers and I are like drifters, floating along the river of life, open to adventure and exploration, seeking out new horizons, people, and places to discover and experience.
There's such a lot of world to see.
The world is vast, wondrous, and endlessly fascinating, full of countless wonders, mysteries, and surprises waiting to be uncovered and appreciated.
We're after the same rainbow's end,
We are chasing after the elusive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, the fabled treasure that represents the culmination of our deepest desires and aspirations.
Waitin' round the bend,
The next bend in the river, the next chapter in our lives, holds untold possibilities and opportunities for growth, change, and progress.
My huckleberry friend, Moon River, and me.
I am accompanied on my journey by a dear companion, a true and trusted friend who supports and encourages me, and by the river itself, a symbol of my unflagging determination and indomitable spirit.
Lyrics © Tratore
Written by: Johnny Mercer, Henry Mancini
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@andrewjones9589
Takes me right back, absolutely brilliant version.
@jeanettesmith9160
Great tune!
@clivejones6483
A classic will be played at my funeral
@georginamcnally1480
Best version EVER
@fernandocosta1742
MOON RYVER .DANCEI MUITO EM 1972
@cidapontual4939
Primo onde encontrou essa relíquia amei
@gordonirving9498
Great Record takes me back to the early 70s
@MrGazzaroo
great original single version
@thearchiveofmylife
Hi @TheBudgie29, thank you for sharing. I have used this on my blog which you're very welcome to visit, to see how this fits into my musical road. My post will go live on my website at 8pm (GMT) on 29th March 2023.
Let the music live on.
Adrian (#TheArchiveOfMyLife)
@michaelcrossan8106
Tony.blackburns.record.of.the.week.superb.