Moon River
Johnny Mercer - Henry Mancini Lyrics


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Moon river, wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style some day
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
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, waitin' 'round the bend
My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me
(Moon river, wider than a mile)
(I'm crossin' you in style some day)
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
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 that same rainbow's end, waitin' 'round the bend
My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me

Overall Meaning

The song "Moon River" vividly evokes images of a river that is wider than a mile and a dreamer who is crossing it in style. The song resonates with people on different levels: for some, it represents childhood memories of a simpler and more carefree time; for others, it is a symbol of the journey that life takes us on, with both its challenges and opportunities. The lyrics express the desire to explore the world with someone special, pursue dreams, and follow the rainbow's end.


The dreamer is confident, despite the heartbreak that may come along the way, in the dream maker to guide and accompany them. "Moon River" has come to be associated with hope, longing, and a sense of wonder. The image of the river running through the city of Savannah, Georgia, where the song was first performed, adds to its charm and allure. The song takes us on a journey that is both romantic and adventurous, giving us a glimpse into the beauty of life.


Line by Line Meaning

Moon river, wider than a mile
The river, Moon river, is vast and extensive


I'm crossing you in style some day
I will one day cross the river in a stylish manner


Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
The person who creates dreams can also break hearts


Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way
I will follow you to wherever you are headed


Two drifters, off to see the world
Two wanderers on a quest to explore the world


There's such a lot of world to see
There are endless possibilities for exploration and discovery


We're after the same rainbow's end, waitin' 'round the bend
Both of us are chasing the elusive treasure that lies just around the corner


My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me
My dear companion, moon river, and I




Writer(s): HENRY MANCINI, JOHNNY MERCER

Contributed by Connor S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@tiadaid

It's a pity this is only a demo. Mercer's voice & Mancini's clean piano sounds heavenly.

@user-ug4nf4vr8s

if I has a time Machine I'd go back and meet Johnny Mercer

@LittleLyonMan

I can't be the only one who feels that Mercer had as good a voice as any American pop singers of that era and better than many of them? Such a multi-talented man; incredible songwriter.

@cathydew

Unbelievable that we never hear him!

@Marcel_Audubon

You're ignorance is showing - he was a very successful pop singer in his day

@MsCatreona

@@cathydew He was reasonably successful as a singer in the '30s and '40s, but he never did make it as big as he should have.

@Juliaflo

This is talent saturation, or my name isn't Juliaflo.

@familyclassicmovies

Yes - I was immediately surprised how good his voice is!

4 More Replies...

@billbrimmer1739

Wow, what a chance we have all been blessed with by hearing this demo. Henry Mancini playing and Johnny Mercer singing, their classic tune. To hear Johnny singing, we get an opportunity to hear how he believed it should be sung. Thanks so much for sharing.

@Appleholic1

The sweetest melody ever composed

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