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.
Polka Dots and Moonbeams
Oscar Peterson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I felt a bump and heard an "Oh, beg your pardon"
Suddenly I saw polka dots and moonbeams
All around a pug-nosed dream
The music started and was I the perplexed one
I held my breath and said "May I have the next one?"
In my frightened arms, polka dots and moonbeams
There were questions in the eyes of other dancers
As we floated over the floor
There were questions but my heart knew all the answers
And perhaps a few things more
Now in a cottage built of lilacs and laughter
I know the meaning of the words "Ever after"
And I'll always see polka dots and moonbeams
When I kiss the pug-nosed dream
The song Polka Dots and Moonbeams by Oscar Peterson is a classic love song that speaks to the beauty and magic of falling in love. The opening scene is set in a garden where a country dance is being held. The singer of the song feels a bump and hears an "Oh, beg your pardon," signaling the beginning of a romantic encounter. Suddenly, the singer sees polka dots and moonbeams all around a pug-nosed dream, representing the idealized beauty of their love interest.
As the music starts, the singer is filled with apprehension and asks for the next dance. As they dance, polka dots and moonbeams continue to sparkle all around, representing the feelings of love and joy that come with falling in love. While other dancers watch, there are questions in their eyes, but the singer's heart knows all the answers. The last stanza speaks of a cottage built of lilacs and laughter, signifying a life filled with happiness and shared love. The singer ends by saying that they will always see polka dots and moonbeams when they kiss the pug-nosed dream.
Overall, this song is about the transformative experience of falling in love, where everything around you seems to shimmer and shine with the beauty of the other person. It's a beautiful representation of the joy, excitement, and magic of love, told through beautiful lyrics and a soulful melody.
Line by Line Meaning
A country dance was being held in a garden
The scene that set the stage for a potential romantic encounter was a country dance held in a garden.
I felt a bump and heard an "Oh, beg your pardon"
During the dance, an unexpected collision occurred and apologies were exchanged.
Suddenly I saw polka dots and moonbeams
In an instant, something magical caught my attention, something that surpassed my imagination.
All around a pug-nosed dream
The subject of my fascination was a person with a pug-like nose who embodied my ideal dream.
The music started and was I the perplexed one
The music began and I was lost in thought, perplexed by the emotions rushing through me.
I held my breath and said "May I have the next one?"
I mustered the courage to ask my enchantment for a dance, holding my breath in anticipation.
In my frightened arms, polka dots, and moonbeams
As we danced, I held my love interest close, observing them in wonder, caught up in the moment like never before.
Sparkled on a pug-nosed dream
The beauty of their countenance, highlighted by the enchanting polka dots and moonbeams, was truly breathtaking.
There were questions in the eyes of other dancers
As I danced with my beloved, I could feel the curious gazes of other attendees on the dance floor.
As we floated over the floor
We danced gracefully, almost as though we were in a trance, hovering over the dance floor.
There are questions but my heart knew all the answers
Although others may have had questions or doubts, my heart was filled with certainty and conviction.
And perhaps a few things more
I felt a connection with my loved one that went beyond words, a special bond that only we could understand.
Now in a cottage built of lilacs and laughter
Now, in a setting of beauty and joy, we live together in harmony and happiness.
I know the meaning of the words "Ever after"
Through the shared experiences and adventures we’ve enjoyed, I’ve learned the true meaning of 'happily ever after.'
And I'll always see polka dots and moonbeams
Whenever I kiss my love, I’ll be reminded of the enchanting, wondrous moment when we first danced together.
When I kiss the pug-nosed dream
At every kiss, I am filled with gratitude and am reminded of how incredibly blessed I am to have found my perfect match.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Broma 16, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAMES VAN HEUSEN, JIMMY VAN HEUSEN, JOHNNY BURKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
mcrohof
What a rare find!!! GEM!!!
Buddyroe Ginocchio
About as sweet as it can be.
Jazz Cat
When he sings he sounds so much like Nat.
M-Base Concepts
Very nice song, but it's called ‘Polkadots and Moonbeams’ (not the other way around).