Shortly after completing high school, Jeff began to gain attention around the Toronto pub and club scene with a three piece band that showcased his incredible talents. The Jeff Healey Band had a monthly weekend gig at Baker Street, on Queen Street East. Jeff soon garnered local attention and people traveled to come and see him play with his band. Record executives came to check out his performances before he eventually signed with BMG Canada and Artista in the USA. His guitar workmanship became legendary with his unique playing style, and he was recruited for a spot in the 1989 motion picture Road House, which starred Patrick Swayze and Sam Elliott as bouncers at a roadside bar. Jeff and his band were regular 'performers' at the seedy club and are featured on its official soundtrack.
Jeff was more than just a gifted guitarist, he was a devoted passionate musician who played trumpet in his own Jazz band, Jeff Healey and the Jazz Wizards, hosted a regular radio music show on CBC, and collected vinyl recordings including vintage 78's, and was reported to have one of Canada's largest private music libraries.
Jeff Healey tragically died in Toronto, Sunday March 2, 2008, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was only 41. For greater details on Jeff's life and musical career contributions, visit his Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Healey
A live DVD/CD box set entitled "Legacy - Volume 1" was released posthumously in 2009 on Arbor Records without Jeff Healey's wife Cristie and his estate's participation. On his website, Cristie Healey discourages support of this product. www.jeffhealey.com
If I Had You
Jeff Healey Lyrics
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I could be glad all of the while
I could change the gray skies to blue
If I had you
I could leave the old days behind
Leave all my pals, I'd never mind
I could start my life anew
I could climb a snow-capped mountain
Sail the mighty ocean wide
I could cross the burning desert
If I had you by my side
I could be a king, dear, uncrowned
Humble or poor, rich or renowned
There is nothin' I couldn't do
If I had you
I could show the world how to smile
I could be glad all of the while
I could change the gray skies to blue
If I had you
I could leave the old days behind
Leave all my pals, I'd never mind
I could start my life anew
If I had you
I could climb a snow-capped mountain
Sail the mighty ocean wide
I could cross the burnin' desert
If I had you by my side
I could be a king uncrowned
Humble or poor, rich or renowned
There is nothin' I couldn't do
If I had you
Baby, if I had you
Jeff Healey's song "If I Had You" is a ballad that expresses the singer's yearning for a love that would be transformative. The lyrics showcase how, with the right person by his side, the singer could overcome any obstacle or challenge that may come his way. The song is notable for its depiction of a love that is enabling and empowering, one that makes the singer feel like he could accomplish anything.
The song, in essence, is a love letter addressed to the singer's dream partner. The singer explains that having this person by his side, he could show the world how to smile and be happy despite the numerous obstacles he could face in life. The singer asserts that he could climb a snow-capped mountain, cross a burning desert, sail the mighty ocean wide, among other feats, if only he had his dream partner by his side. He emphasizes that the presence of this person would make everything possible, and he would do anything to have them.
In conclusion, "If I Had You" conveys a deep message of love and the power of human connection. The singer wants nothing more than a love that can change his life and inspire him to be his best self. The song champions optimism and the desire to be happy, and it's a beautiful tribute to the transformative nature of true love.
Line by Line Meaning
I could show the world how to smile
I could spread joy and happiness to the world
I could be glad all of the while
I could always be happy and content
I could change the gray skies to blue
I could bring hope and positivity to gloomy situations
If I had you
All of these things are possible if I have you by my side
I could leave the old days behind
I could let go of the past and start fresh
Leave all my pals, I'd never mind
I could leave behind my old social circle without regret
I could start my life anew
I could pursue a new life path and fulfill my dreams
I could climb a snow-capped mountain
I could achieve the greatest feats, like scaling a mountain
Sail the mighty ocean wide
I could explore the world and broaden my horizons
I could cross the burnin' desert
I could face and overcome the most difficult obstacles
If I had you by my side
All of these adventures and challenges would be worthwhile if I have you with me
I could be a king uncrowned
I could achieve great status, even without official recognition
Humble or poor, rich or renowned
My status and wealth would not matter as long as I have you
There is nothin' I couldn't do
With your love and support, I can conquer anything
If I had you
All of these possibilities can become a reality if I am with you
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Ted Shapiro, James Campbell, Reginald Connelly
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind