James Moody (March 26, 1925 - December 9, 2010) was a jazz saxophone and fl… Read Full Bio ↴James Moody (March 26, 1925 - December 9, 2010) was a jazz saxophone and flute player. He was born in Savannah, Georgia. As he grew up in New Jersey, he was attracted to the saxophone after hearing Buddy Tate, Don Byas, and Count Basie. He recorded his first album for Blue Note Records in 1948. He is best known for his hit "Moody's Mood for Love," an improvisation based on I'm in the Mood for Love. He often played with Dizzy Gillespie and worked with Mike Longo. He was an active member of the Baha'i Faith. Moody passed away at a hospice in San Diego, survived by his wife Linda and three sons.

Moon River
James Moody Lyrics

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Moon river wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style someday
You dream maker, you heartbreaker
Wherever you're going I'm going your way
Two drifters off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
We're after the same rainbows end
Waiting round the band

My huckleberry friend, moon river

And me
SCAT!

Overall Meaning

The song "Moon River" by James Moody is a poignant ballad that explores the idea of catching one's dreams and exploring the vast world. The opening line, "Moon River wider than a mile," refers to the metaphorical journey that one takes towards achieving their dreams. The river represents the road less traveled, one that is full of obstacles and challenges but ultimately leads to one's destination. The singer, in crossing the river "in style someday," is determined to reach his goal in a bold and confident manner.

The song continues to address the dream maker and heartbreaker that guides the singer's journey. The dream maker represents the aspirations and hopes that motivate the singer to embark on this journey, while the heartbreaker suggests the difficulties and setbacks that may impede progress. Despite these obstacles, the two drifters in the song, hope to see the world and visit different places, displaying a sense of curiosity and wonder at the vast opportunities life has to offer. The final lines of the song, "My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me," suggests that the singer and their companion have found a true friendship in this journey, one that is built on mutual support and shared experiences.

Line by Line Meaning

Moon river wider than a mile
The river called 'Moon River' is very wide, much more than a mile long.

I'm crossing you in style someday
At some point in the future, I will cross 'Moon River' in a stylish and fashionable manner.

You dream maker, you heartbreaker
You are both a creator of dreams and a person who can break someone's heart.

Wherever you're going I'm going your way
I will follow you wherever you go, I am taking the same path as you.

Two drifters off to see the world
There are two wanderers who want to explore the world.

There's such a lot of world to see
There is an abundance of places to see and experience in the world.

We're after the same rainbows end
Both of us are chasing the end of the rainbow, a mythical place of promise and possibility.

Waiting round the band
We are waiting around, hoping for something to happen, perhaps listening to a band play music.

My huckleberry friend, moon river
You are my close and trusted companion, like a huckleberry friend, and we are journeying along 'Moon River'.

And me
And I am accompanying my friend on this adventure.

SCAT!
This is not a lyric, but an instruction for the type of vocal improvisation common in jazz music. It does not have a specific meaning in the context of the song lyrics.

Lyrics © Tratore
Written by: Johnny Mercer, Henry Mancini

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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