Read Full Bio ↴Oscar Peterson (1925-2007) was a Canadian jazz pianist and composer.
Born in Montreal, Canada, Peterson began learning trumpet and piano from his father at the age of five, but by the age of seven, after a bout of tuberculosis, he concentrated on the piano. Some of the artists who influenced Peterson during the early years were Teddy Wilson, Nat "King" Cole, James P. Johnson, and the legendary Art Tatum, to whom many have tried to compare Peterson in later years. In fact, one of his first exposures to the musical talents of Art Tatum came early in his teen years when his father played an Art Tatum record to him and Peterson was so intimidated by what he heard that he didn't touch the piano for over a week.
He soon developed a reputation as a technically brilliant and melodically inventive jazz pianist, and became a regular on Canadian radio. His United States introduction was at Carnegie Hall, New York City in 1949 by Norman Granz; owing to union restrictions his appearance could not be billed.
Some of his musical associates have included Lester Young, Ray Brown, Ben Webster, Herb Ellis, Ed Thigpen, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Louis Armstrong, Stéphane Grappelli, Ella Fitzgerald, Clark Terry, Joe Pass, Count Basie, and Stan Getz. An important step in his career was joining impresario Norman Granz's labels (especially Verve records) and Granz's Jazz at the Philharmonic package, with which he was able to play with the major jazz artists of the time. Granz was also his manager for most of Peterson's career. Some cognoscenti assert that Peterson's best recordings were made for the MPS label in the late 'sixties and early 'seventies. For some years subsequently he recorded for Granz's Pablo Records after the label was founded in 1973 and in more recent years for the Telarc label.
In 1993, Peterson suffered a serious stroke that weakened his left side and sidelined him for two years. However he overcame this setback and went back to touring, recording, and composing on a limited basis. In 1997 he received a Grammy for Lifetime Achievement and an International Jazz Hall of Fame Award. He died on December 24th, 2007 of kidney failure.
If I Had You
Oscar Peterson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I could be glad all of the while
I could change the grey skies to blues
If I had you
I could leave the old days behind
Leave all my pals, I'd never mind
I could start my life all a new
If I had you
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 nothing 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 grey skies to blues
If I had you
I could leave the old days behind
Leave all my pals, I'd never mind
I could start my life all a new
If I had you
I could climb the snow capped mountains
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 nothing I couldn't do
If I had you by my side, is a song about the power of love in transforming an individual's life. Oscar Peterson is a famous Canadian jazz pianist who interprets the song with beautiful harmonies, melodic phrasing, and soulful playing. The lyrics of the song are simple, but their message is profound. The singer expresses his desire to be with the person he loves and how their relationship can transform his life positively. The lyrics suggest that love can make everything possible for someone, that their partner can uplift them to dizzying heights of success and happiness.
The singer mentions that he could show the world how to smile and be glad all the while, indicating that the person he loves has the power to change his entire mood and make him see the world in a positive light. The singer imagines leaving his old life behind and starting anew with the person he loves. The singer also imagines embarking on daring adventures with his loved one; climbing snow-capped mountains or sailing the mighty ocean. The lyrics also suggest that the singer could be a king, humble or poor, rich or renowned, with the love of his life by his side.
The song conveys an essential message that true love can inspire a person to achieve anything they set their minds to. The singer's heartwarming lyrics and the beautiful piano playing by Oscar Peterson make this song a timeless classic.
Line by Line Meaning
I could show the world how to smile
I am confident in my ability to spread joy and positivity
I could be glad all of the while
I have the potential to find happiness in every moment
I could change the grey skies to blues
My optimism and positive attitude could bring brightness to even the dreariest situations
If I had you
I am limited without your presence
I could leave the old days behind
I am willing to let go of my past and move forward
Leave all my pals, I'd never mind
I am willing to make sacrifices for the one I love
I could start my life all a new
With you by my side, I am ready for a fresh start
I could climb the snow capped mountains
With you, I can conquer any challenge, no matter how difficult
Sail the mighty ocean wide
With you, I am brave enough to face the unknown
I could cross the burning desert
With you, I am strong enough to endure even the most hostile environments
If I had you by my side
Your support is essential to my success
I could be a king, dear, uncrowned
With you, I feel powerful and capable of achieving greatness
Humble or poor, rich or renowned
No matter my circumstances, I feel complete with you
There is nothing I couldn't do
With you, I am unstoppable and fearless
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: GORDON MILLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind