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.
You Make Me Feel So Young
Oscar Peterson Lyrics
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You make me feel as though spring has sprung
And every time I see you grin
I'm such a happy in-div-dual
The moment that you speak
I wanna go play hide and seek
I wanna go and bounce the moon
You and I are just like a couple of tots
Runnin' across the meadow
Pickin' up lots of forget me nots
You make me feel so young
You make me feel there are
Songs to be sung
Bells to be rung
And a wonderful spring to be sprung
And even when I'm old and gray
I'm gonna feel the way I do today
'Cause you make me feel so young
The song "You Make Me Feel So Young" by Oscar Peterson is a jubilant and upbeat tune that celebrates the feelings of youth and happiness that come along with being in love. The lyrics are centered around the notion that being in the presence of the one you love can make you feel young and carefree, no matter your age.
The first verse sets the tone for the song, with the singer declaring that their partner makes them feel as though they are a child again. They compare their feelings to the freshness and vitality of spring, and express their deep happiness at being around their loved one. The second verse builds upon this theme, with the singer declaring that they feel playful and full of joy whenever they are around their partner.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the enduring nature of these feelings, with the singer declaring that they will always feel this way no matter how old they become. The final line of the chorus, "You make me feel so young", echoes back to the title of the song, emphasizing the central message of the lyrics. Overall, the song is a joyful celebration of love and youth, reminding the listener of the transformative power of a romantic relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
You make me feel so young
Being with you fills me with a youthful energy
You make me feel as though spring has sprung
Your presence brings a sense of excitement and joy, like the beginning of a lively season
And every time I see you grin
When I witness your smile, I feel greatly content
I'm such a happy in-div-dual
I am the happiest version of myself around you
The moment that you speak
Whenever you start talking, I am eager to engage with you
I wanna go play hide and seek
I feel carefree and playful and want to participate in childlike activities
I wanna go and bounce the moon
I feel invigorated and have the urge to do impossible, fantastical things
Just like a toy balloon
Full of air and lightness, I feel buoyant and free
You and I are just like a couple of tots
We are similar to young children, with our energy and lightheartedness
Runnin' across the meadow
We are moving vigorously and joyfully through a beautiful landscape
Pickin' up lots of forget me nots
We are happily gathering lovely memories and experiences
You make me feel there are songs to be sung
You inspire me to create and enjoy music
Bells to be rung
There are many delightful things to accomplish and celebrate
And a wonderful spring to be sprung
A bright and optimistic time is ahead of us
And even when I'm old and gray
Even if time passes and I become elderly
I'm gonna feel the way I do today
I will continue to feel youthful and enthused, just as I do right now
'Cause you make me feel so young
It is your presence and influence that make me feel youthful and happy
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Josef Myrow, Mack Gordon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind