Cyprus-born (of Armenian ancestry) Canadian-American songwriter, singer, guitarist, actor, and voice actor specializing in jazz, blues, and Tin Pan Alley classics. Recognized by his Panama hat, dark sunglasses, and black tie, he first appeared on stage in Toronto, Canada, in the early 1970s. As well as music, he also appeared on film and television in acting and voice-over roles.
Redbone, who had a distinctive deep voice, began his career in the 1970s. His work encompassed pre-war jazz, ragtime, & blues styles with modern arrangements that still retain a vintage feel.
While living in Canada in the early 1970s, Redbone began performing in public at Toronto area nightclubs and folk music festivals. At one point, it was rumored that he was actually comedian Andy Kaufman, who sometimes took on other identities, or Frank Zappa, who somewhat resembled Redbone. However, Redbone has performed since the deaths of Kaufman and Zappa, and the rumors have subsided. David Letterman once proposed that he was Don Novello, the comedian famous for playing Father Guido Sarducci.
In 1974, Rolling Stone magazine ran a feature article on Redbone, a full year before he had a recording contract. The article described his performances as "so authentic you can hear the surface noise [of an old 78 rpm]." His first album, On the Track, was released by Warner Bros. Records in 1975. He was introduced to a larger public as a semi-regular musical guest on NBC's Saturday Night Live throughout the late 1970s and into the 1980s. In a late-'70s appearance on the The Merv Griffin Show, he was introduced as "Andy Kaufman ...maybe or maybe not," alluding to the eccentric comedian as being his possible true identity.
During the 1980s-90s Redbone was a frequent guest on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. It was apparent from the on-air exchanges between host and guest that Carson was a fan of Redbone's work.
Redbone survived the crash of a small plane in Clarksburg WV on Feb. 12, 1979.
Lazy River
Leon Redbone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I like lazy days
Can't be blamed for having lazy ways
Some old lazy river
Sleeps beside my door
whispering to sunlit shores
The lazy, lazy river in the noon day sun
Linger in the shade of a kind old tree
Throw away your troubles
Dream a dream with me
Up a lazy river where the robin's song
Awakes the bright new morning
Where we can move along
Blue skies up above, everyone's in love
Up a lazy river, how happy you could be
Up a lazy river-er with me
Up a lazy river where the robin's song
Awakes the bright new mornin'
Where we can move along
Blue skies up above, everyone's in love
Up a lazy river, how happy you could be
Up a lazy river-er with me
The opening lines of Leon Redbone's song "Lazy River" immediately convey a sense of ease and contentment. The singer admits to having "lazy ways" and expresses a fondness for leisurely weather and lazy days. The mention of an "old lazy river" paints a picture of a slow-moving, tranquil body of water. The river is personified as "whispering to sunlit shores," adding to the sense of calm and relaxation.
As the song progresses, the singer invites the listener to join them on a journey up the lazy river. The scene is set with vivid imagery of the "noon day sun" and the "kind old tree" providing shade. The instruction to "throw away your troubles" reinforces the idea of the river as a place of escape and leisure. The robin's song is mentioned as a sign of the new morning, further emphasizing the idea of a fresh start and carefree existence. The repeated chorus encourages the listener to join the singer on this lazy journey, promising happiness and love along the way.
The song "Lazy River" first became popular in the 1930s and has since been covered by numerous artists, including Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, and Bobby Darin. Despite its simple and lighthearted lyrics, the song has been interpreted in various ways throughout its history. Some see it as a celebration of carefree living and the joys of nature, while others see it as a commentary on the hardships of life and the need for escape.
Line by Line Meaning
I like lazy weather
I enjoy a relaxing climate
I like lazy days
I appreciate unhurried and leisurely days
Can't be blamed for having lazy ways
There is no shame in having a laid-back demeanor
Some old lazy river
Referring to a slow-moving waterway nearby
Sleeps beside my door
The river's peacefulness is always present near the property
Whispering to sunlit shores
The water conveys its serenity to the sunny shorelines
Up a lazy river by the old mill run
Following the leisurely watercourse adjacent to a historical mill
The lazy, lazy river in the noon day sun
The sedate water body shining in the bright daylight
Linger in the shade of a kind old tree
Reveling in the shadow of a friendly aged tree
Throw away your troubles
Discarding any worries or concerns
Dream a dream with me
Let us share a peaceful, idyllic vision
Up a lazy river where the robin's song
Traveling along the nonchalant river where the robin's melody can be heard
Awakes the bright new morning
Welcoming the vibrant beginning of a new day
Where we can move along
Where we can glide and drift at a leisurely pace
Blue skies up above, everyone's in love
The cheerful, cloudless sky and the atmosphere of love makes everyone joyous
Up a lazy river, how happy you could be
Traversing through the unhurried river can bring immense happiness
Up a lazy river-er with me
Let us float up the tranquil river together
Contributed by Peyton A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jim Justus
What a great singer and performer ,just came to appreciate his talent and style ... timeless !
William Grant
A true one off wonderful voice
Joann L
Another oldie well done...mellow and laid back...your humming always adds a sensual touch to your songs...xxxooo
bill howes
Loved this guy from the first time I heard him a voice and style like no other RIP Big Guy we'll miss you
manas bose
RIP Leon on that lazy river. The world is a happier place with your wonderful musical legacy
Dayniac4324
Love it .... one of my favorites ... thank you !!
Jackie Eick
My new favorite. Love this guy , my favorite song of his. Rip
T Cross Franco
In a world of copycats leon was a true original...RIP my brother...
Book End Kid Productions
My dad and I watch him on Johnny Carson DVD's. Excellent!!!
MrJimmienoone
With two of the greatest reedmen of our times: the late Bobby Gordon and Ken Peplowski.