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.
Moonglow
Oscar Peterson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It must have been moonglow that led me straight to you
I still hear you sayin', "Dear one, hold me fast"
And I keep on prayin', "Oh Lord, please let this last"
We seemed to float right through the air
Heavenly songs seemed to come from everywhere
I'll always remember, that moonglow gave me you
It must have been moonglow, way up in the blue
It must have been moonglow that led me straight to you
I still hear you sayin', "Sweet child, hold me fast"
And I keep on prayin', "Oh Lord, please let this last"
We seemed to float right through the air
Heavenly songs seemed to come from everywhere
And now when there's moonglow, way up in the blue
I'll always remember, that moonglow gave me you
The lyrics to Oscar Peterson's Moonglow describe a feeling of enchantment and wonder, attributed to the beauty of the moonlight. The singer believes that it was the moonglow that led them to their lover, and they recall the tender words that were whispered between them. The imagery in the song is romantic – the lovers seem to float through the air and experience heavenly music all around them. The singer seems to be asking for the moment to last forever, hoping that God will allow them to hold onto the feeling that the moonglow brought.
The song conveys a sense of nostalgia for a time that has passed. The lyrics suggest that the lover may no longer be present, but that every time the singer sees moonglow, they will be reminded of the moment when they first fell in love. The lyrics are sentimental but not overly sappy, making the song a classic example of a romantic ballad.
Overall, Moonglow creates a picture of love that is pure, innocent, and fleeting. It captures the magic of the moment when two people become enamored with each other, swept up in the wonder of the world around them. The lyrics are simple but powerful, capturing the essence of romance in just a few lines.
Line by Line Meaning
It must have been moonglow, way up in the blue
The singer believes that the moonlight in the sky was the reason they found their way to their significant other.
It must have been moonglow that led me straight to you
The singer is still convinced that the moonlight was responsible for bringing their partner into their life.
I still hear you sayin', "Dear one, hold me fast"
The singer recalls their partner asking them to hold them tightly and lovingly.
And I keep on prayin', "Oh Lord, please let this last"
The artist is begging for their relationship to continue, as they are grateful for the love they have found.
We seemed to float right through the air
The artist felt weightless and ecstatic when they were with their partner.
Heavenly songs seemed to come from everywhere
The singer was so in love that they felt as though they were hearing songs from heaven all around them.
And now when there's moonglow, way up in the blue
Whenever the singer observes the moonlight in the night sky, they recall their fond memories of being with their significant other.
I'll always remember, that moonglow gave me you
The artist believes that the moonlight was the catalyst that brought their partner into their life, and they will always be grateful for it.
I still hear you sayin', "Sweet child, hold me fast"
The artist remembers their partner referring to them with a term of endearment and asking to be held tightly once again.
And I keep on prayin', "Oh Lord, please let this last"
The artist is still hoping that their love will endure and continue despite any challenges they may face.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Eddie Delange, Irving Mills, Will Hudson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind