He has recorded some twenty albums as a leader, and has recorded or performed with Dave Holland, John Taylor and Norma Winstone (as Azimuth), Anthony Braxton, Lee Konitz, Keith Jarrett, David Sylvian, Spiritualized and the Spontaneous Music Ensemble, among others.
Growing up in Toronto, Wheeler began playing cornet at age 12, and became interested in jazz in his mid-teens. Wheeler spent a year studying composition at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto in 1950. In 1952, Wheeler moved to Britain. He found his way into the London jazz scene of the time, playing in groups led by Tommy Whittle, Tubby Hayes and Ronnie Scott. Throughout the Sixties, he worked with John Dankworth. Kenny Wheeler still lives in Britain today.
Dance
Kenny Wheeler Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kick up your heels and dance
Don't be nervous, don't be shy
And give yourself a chance
You can dance
Kick off your shoes and lose your blues
Pick em up, Lord, put em back down
And around, and around, and around, and around.
Come on, baby, it must be fun
To be dancin' in the clear moonlight
Otherwise, would everyone be out on
Such a cold and windy night?
We can dance.
Throw yourself away
Holy month of may
You can dance.
Listen to the music of the steel guitar
Don't it sound good
Hey now, nobody here tonight came to look at you,
No, no, no
Well I bet you five dollars that somebody starts a fire
Back in the woods, hey now
Everybody here tonight came to boogie
Have a good time, too
Come on, baby, while the moon is high
Kick up your heels and dance
Don't be nervous, don't be shy
And give yourself a chance
You can dance
Kick off your shoes and lose your blues
Pick em up, Lord, put em back down
And around, and around, and around, and around
If I could lose my mind
If I could throw myself away.
The lyrics of Kenny Wheeler's song Dance in 2-3 are an invitation to dance and enjoy life in the present moment. The song suggests that dancing can be a liberating and joyful experience that allows individuals to forget their worries, be themselves, and connect with the music and other people. The opening verse encourages listeners to join in the fun and let themselves go: "Come on, baby, while the moon is high, kick up your heels and dance, don't be nervous, don't be shy, and give yourself a chance." The lyrics reinforce this message throughout the song, with lines such as "You can dance, kick off your shoes and lose your blues, pick 'em up, Lord, put 'em back down, and around, and around, and around, and around."
The song also acknowledges the role of music in creating a festive and communal atmosphere. The verse "Listen to the music of the steel guitar, don't it sound good" highlights the quality of the music being played, which can uplift the spirits and motivate people to dance. The lyrics also assure listeners that they do not need to worry about being judged or scrutinized while they dance: "Hey now, nobody here tonight came to look at you, well, I bet you five dollars that somebody starts a fire back in the woods, hey now, everybody here tonight came to boogie, have a good time, too." These lines convey the idea that everyone is there to have fun and enjoy themselves, without any expectations or pressure to conform.
Overall, Dance in 2-3 is an upbeat and positive song that encourages people to embrace the moment and enjoy themselves through dancing and music. The lyrics celebrate the freedom and happiness that dancing can bring, while also acknowledging the importance of community and shared experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on, baby, while the moon is high
You should take this opportunity to have some fun.
Kick up your heels and dance
Let loose and enjoy yourself by dancing.
Don't be nervous, don't be shy
Don't let fear or anxiety hold you back from having a good time.
And give yourself a chance
Allow yourself the opportunity to enjoy the moment.
You can dance
You have the ability to dance and enjoy yourself.
Kick off your shoes and lose your blues
Remove anything that may hinder your enjoyment and take advantage of this moment to forget your worries.
Pick em up, Lord, put em back down
Get into the rhythm of the music and dance freely.
And around, and around, and around, and around.
Continue to dance and enjoy the moment.
Come on, baby, it must be fun
There is no reason why dancing in the night cannot be enjoyable.
To be dancin' in the clear moonlight
Dancing in the moonlight can be a beautiful and memorable experience.
Otherwise, would everyone be out on
People would not be out in such weather if it was not worth it.
Such a cold and windy night?
Despite the unfavorable weather, people are still out enjoying the night.
We can dance.
Everyone can join in and enjoy the moment through dancing.
Throw yourself away
Take a chance and let go of anything holding you back.
Holy month of may
May is a month of renewal, growth, and celebration.
You can dance.
Again, the invitation to dance and enjoy oneself is extended.
Listen to the music of the steel guitar
Pay attention to the beautiful and soothing sounds of the steel guitar.
Don't it sound good
The music is pleasant and enjoyable.
Hey now, nobody here tonight came to look at you,
The focus is on everyone having a good time and enjoying the music together, not on any individual person.
No, no, no
The emphasis is once again on everyone coming together to have fun.
Well I bet you five dollars that somebody starts a fire
The atmosphere is so lively and energetic that it wouldn't be surprising if someone started a bonfire in celebration.
Back in the woods, hey now
This imaginary situation adds to the overall picture of people enjoying themselves together in nature.
Everybody here tonight came to boogie
Everyone is here to have fun and enjoy music through dancing.
Have a good time, too
The message is clear - enjoy the experience and have fun.
If I could lose my mind
This could be interpreted as losing oneself entirely to the music and experience of dancing.
If I could throw myself away.
This line could suggest a complete immersion in the experience of dancing and enjoying oneself completely.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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