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 The Moon Turns Green
Oscar Peterson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I could be a ruler of kings
And if you were mine
I could do such wonderful things
I'd say to a star
Stop where you are
Light up my lover's way
And every star above you
If you were mine
I would live for your love alone
To kneel at your shrine
I would give up all that i own
Yes even my heart
Even my life
I'd trade it all for you
And think I was lucky too
If you were mine
The lyrics of Oscar Peterson's "If The Moon Turns Green" depict a deep sense of affection and devotion towards someone. The singer expresses their desires and the lengths they would go to if the person they love were to be with them.
In the first stanza, the singer illustrates the transformative power that love and companionship can bring. They believe that if the person they adore were theirs, they would feel as though they could conquer the world. The phrase "ruler of kings" suggests a sense of authority and control, implying that their love has the potential to bring them great influence and power. This showcases the singer's belief in the extraordinary nature of their love.
Continuing in the same vein, the second stanza conveys the singer's belief that their love could bring about wonderful things. They envision commanding a star to light up their lover's path, suggesting that their beloved's happiness and well-being would be their top priority. The idea that "every star above you would obey" reinforces the belief that their love has the ability to command the universe, emphasizing its strength and importance.
Moving to the third stanza, the singer expresses a willingness to devote themselves entirely to their loved one. They declare that they would exist solely for the love of the person they desire, indicating a profound sense of commitment and self-sacrifice. By proclaiming their willingness to worship their beloved at a figurative shrine, the singer emphasizes the magnitude of their affection and reverence.
The final stanza reveals the depth of the singer's devotion, as they proclaim they would give up everything they possess, including their heart and even their life, to be with their loved one. This illustrates the singer's belief that their love is paramount and that no material possession or personal sacrifice is too great if it means being united with their beloved. The stanza emphasizes the singer's gratitude and appreciation, as they consider themselves lucky to have the opportunity to give up everything for the person they love.
Overall, the lyrics of "If The Moon Turns Green" convey an unwavering and unconditional love. The singer believes in the extraordinary power of their love and is willing to go to great lengths to be with their beloved, relishing the idea that their love holds the ability to control even celestial bodies. The song's lyrics are an exploration of profound devotion and selflessness, painting a vivid picture of the singer's limitless affection.
Line by Line Meaning
If you were mine
In the hypothetical situation where you belong to me
I could be a ruler of kings
I would possess the power to rule over even the mightiest of monarchs
And if you were mine
Continuing the hypothetical scenario where you are under my ownership
I could do such wonderful things
I would have the ability to perform incredible and extraordinary feats
I'd say to a star
I would command a star's attention through my words
Stop where you are
I would request the star to cease its movement and halt its brightness
Light up my lover's way
Illuminate the path for the person whom I love deeply
And every star above you
Each celestial body positioned higher than you in the sky
Would obey, say
Will obey my command and comply with my wishes
If you were mine
Returning to the hypothetical scenario of possessing you
I would live for your love alone
My existence would be solely dedicated to experiencing your affection
To kneel at your shrine
In complete devotion, I would humbly submit myself to honor you
I would give up all that I own
I would willingly relinquish all my possessions and belongings
Yes even my heart
Included in the relinquishment would be the core of my emotions and love
Even my life
Further emphasis on sacrificing my very existence for you
I'd trade it all for you
I would exchange everything I have for the privilege of having you
And think I was lucky too
Furthermore, I would consider myself fortunate and blessed in this arrangement
If you were mine
Concluding the reflection on the hypothetical scenario of possessing you
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BERNIE HANIGHEN, PAUL COATES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind