Indiana
Oscar Peterson & Dizzy Gillespie Lyrics
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Over land and sea
Yet a moonbeam on the water
Casts a spell o'er me
A vision fair I see
Again I seem to be
[Chorus]
And it seems that I can see
The gleaming candlelight
Still burning bright
Through the sycamores for me
The new-mown hay sends all its fragrance
Through the fields I used to roam
When I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash
How I long for my Indiana home
Fancy paints on memory's canvas
Scenes that we hold dear
We recall them in days after
Clearly they appear
And often times I see
A scene that's dear to me
[Chorus]
The lyrics of 'Indiana' reflect the nostalgia and longing for home that one can feel when far away from their roots. The singer begins by acknowledging their wandering nature, having travelled over land and sea, yet despite this, they are still drawn back to their home state of Indiana. The singer describes how a simple moonbeam shining on the water can cast a powerful spell over them, transporting them back to their homeland where they visualize the familiar landscapes and scents that they left behind. The chorus emphasizes the longing for the comforts of home, with the singer imagining the gleaming candlelight and the scent of new-mown hay in the fields where they used to roam. The Wabash river is also mentioned, adding to the depth of the singer's connection to their home.
The second verse explores the power of memory and its ability to help us relive moments that are dear to us. The singer acknowledges how these scenes often appear in our minds long after they have happened, painting them onto the canvas of our memories with incredible clarity. The final chorus further emphasizes the power of the moonlight to conjure up these memories of home, and the deep longing that the singer feels for it.
Overall, the lyrics of 'Indiana' are a poignant reflection on the importance of home and the powerful ways in which it can stay with us long after we leave.
Line by Line Meaning
I have always been a wanderer
I've always been someone who travels a lot and can't stay in one place for too long.
Over land and sea
I've traveled far and wide, across many different terrains and bodies of water.
Yet a moonbeam on the water
Despite all the traveling, there are still moments that capture my attention and imagination, like when I see the reflection of the moon on the water.
Casts a spell o'er me
It seems to mesmerize me or exert a powerful influence over me.
A vision fair I see
It evokes a beautiful image in my mind's eye.
Again I seem to be
It brings a feeling of nostalgia or longing to revisit a certain place or time.
Back home again in Indiana
I'm reminiscing about returning to Indiana, a place that I've left behind but still consider home.
And it seems that I can see
In my mind, I can visualize what it would be like to be there again.
The gleaming candlelight
The light from glowing candles that evoke a sense of warmth and coziness.
Still burning bright
The candles are still lit, as if to remind me that someone is waiting for me there.
Through the sycamores for me
The light filters through the tall sycamore trees, providing a path that guides me back to my loved ones.
The new-mown hay sends all its fragrance
The scent of fresh hay that has been recently cut is in the air, a reminder of the hard work that goes into maintaining the land.
Through the fields I used to roam
I'm reminded of the vast open spaces that I used to explore as a child or young person.
When I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash
I have vivid memories of observing the moon's reflection on the Wabash River, which runs through Indiana.
How I long for my Indiana home
All of these sights and smells fill me with an overwhelming sense of longing to return home to Indiana.
Fancy paints on memory's canvas
Our minds often romanticize or embellish memories of the past, making them more beautiful than they might have been in reality.
Scenes that we hold dear
There are certain moments or places that we remember fondly and treasure even after many years have passed.
We recall them in days after
Even when we've moved on from those times, certain memories remain with us and can be triggered by familiar sights, sounds, or smells.
Clearly they appear
These memories are so vivid and detailed that they feel like they're happening in real time, rather than being mere figments of our imagination.
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: James F. Hanley, Ballard McDonald
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind