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.
Takin' a Chance on Love
Oscar Peterson Lyrics
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All aglow again, takin' a chance on love.
Here I slide again, about to take that ride again.
Starry-eyed again, takin' a chance on love.
I thought that cards were a frame-up, I never would try.
Now I'm taking that game up and the ace of hearts is high.
Things are mending now, I see a rainbow blending now.
Here I slip again, about to take that trip again.
I got that grip again, takin' a chance on love.
Now I prove again that I can make life move again.
Um - I'm in the groove again, takin' a chance on love.
I walk around with a horse shoe, in clover I lie.
And brother rabbit of course you better kiss your, foot good-bye.
On that ball again I'm ridin' for a fall again.
I'm gonna give my all again takin' a chance on love.
The song "Taking a Chance on Love" is an upbeat tune that describes the singer's willingness to take a risk on love despite being hurt before. The song starts with the singer hearing the sound of trumpets and feeling electrified by the prospect of love once again. The singer acknowledges that they had previously thought love was a "frame-up" and avoided it, but now they are willing to take the chance again, and the "ace of hearts is high". As they take a chance on love, they see progress and hope- a rainbow is blending, and they anticipate a happy ending.
Line by Line Meaning
Here I go again, I hear those trumpets blow again.
I'm getting excited and feeling alive again as music fills the air, signaling a new opportunity for love.
All aglow again, takin' a chance on love.
I'm filled with anticipation and hope, risking my heart once again in pursuit of love.
Here I slide again, about to take that ride again.
I'm ready and eager to embrace new experiences and take another chance on love.
Starry-eyed again, takin' a chance on love.
I'm dreaming of a brighter future and allowing myself to be swept away in the magic of love.
I thought that cards were a frame-up, I never would try.
I used to believe that love was a game that was rigged against me, and I never wanted to participate.
Now I'm taking that game up and the ace of hearts is high.
But now I'm willing to take a risk and play the game of love, knowing that the potential reward is worth it.
Things are mending now, I see a rainbow blending now.
I'm starting to feel better and see the possibility of a happy ending, with different parts of my life coming together in harmony.
We'll have a happy ending now, takin' a chance on love.
I'm optimistic that this time around, my journey with love will result in a satisfying and positive conclusion.
Here I slip again, about to take that trip again.
I'm almost there, ready to embark on a new adventure with love.
I got that grip again, takin' a chance on love.
I'm feeling confident and secure, knowing that I'm ready to take on whatever comes with my newfound chance for love.
Now I prove again that I can make life move again.
I'm demonstrating my resilience and perseverance, showing that I can overcome past heartbreak and move forward with new experiences.
Um - I'm in the groove again, takin' a chance on love.
I'm fully immersed and in sync with the rhythm of love, ready to let it propel me forward.
I walk around with a horse shoe, in clover I lie.
I feel lucky and fortunate, as if I have a good omen or charm that will help bring me success in my pursuit of love.
And brother rabbit of course you better kiss your, foot good-bye.
I'm feeling confident and ready to compete for love, knowing that even those who might seem to have an advantage will have to work hard to succeed.
On that ball again I'm ridin' for a fall again.
I'm aware that love can be risky and challenging, and that I might be setting myself up for disappointment once again.
I'm gonna give my all again takin' a chance on love.
But I'm committed to putting my heart on the line and giving everything I have for this new opportunity with love.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LATOUCHE, TED FETTER, VERNON DUKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind