There are two musicians named Peter Mayer. Both are guitarists, vocalists a… Read Full Bio ↴There are two musicians named Peter Mayer. Both are guitarists, vocalists and songwriters.

One hails from St. Louis, has a band, and has been quietly and steadily building a fervent following across the country, stepping outside his role as one of Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefers to front his own band, The Peter Mayer Group. Melding a unique and eclectic writing style, a distinctive voice, and virtuoso musicianship, Peter and his band create compelling and accessible music that is electrifying in live performance.

The other is a folk singer and hails from Stillwater, MN. This Peter writes songs for a small planet—songs about interconnectedness and the human journey; about the beauty and the mystery of the world. Whimsical, humorous, and profound, his music breaks the boundaries of "folk" and transcends to a realm beyond the everyday love song, to a place of wonder at the very heart of life itself.

This second Peter began playing the guitar and writing songs when he was in high school. He studied theology and music in college and then spent two years in seminary. After deciding that the priesthood wasn't for him, he took a part-time job as a church music director for eight years, while performing at clubs and colleges and writing and recording his music. In 1995, he quit his job and started touring full-time. Since then, Peter has gradually gained a dedicated, word-of-mouth following, selling out shows from Minnesota to Texas, New England to California. He has eight CDs to his credit, and has sold over 50,000 of them independently.

Green Eyed Prelude
Peter Mayer Lyrics

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Once upon a simple man
Make a living any way you can
Workin' his hands all day
Sing a song to keep the blues away
Lift it up sing it out
Sing your lullabye

I'm in a traveling show

High wire fools and clowns
I'm the Green Eyed Radio
Bringing the curtain down
And when the show is over I'll sing to the stars
‘Cause I know they will listen
If you tell them who you are

Find the one of your dreams
Feet off the ground you can walk the moonbeams
How much joy can you make
But it's the happiest hearts that break so
Lift it up sing it out
In the middle of the crowd
Ask him when ask him why
Sing your lullaby

I'm in a traveling show
High wire fools and clowns
I'm the Green Eyed Radio
Bringing the curtain down
And when the show is over I'll sing to the stars

'Cause I know they will listen
If you tell them who you are

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Peter Mayer's song "Green Eyed Prelude" convey a story about two different individuals and their journeys in life. The first verse introduces a simple man who works hard to make a living and sings a song to keep his spirits up. This man represents the idea of perseverance and finding solace in music. The chorus then transitions to the perspective of the singer, who likens himself to a performer in a traveling show. He refers to himself as the "Green Eyed Radio," suggesting that he is envious of the attention and adoration received by entertainers on stage.

The second verse introduces the concept of chasing dreams and finding joy in life. It encourages listeners to reach for the impossible, to walk on moonbeams and experience the utmost happiness. However, it also acknowledges that the pursuit of happiness can lead to heartbreak. The verse implies that despite the risks and potential disappointments, it is still important to uplift and express oneself through music. The chorus is then repeated, emphasizing the singer's role as a performer and his belief that singing can reach even the stars if one truly reveals their authentic self.

Overall, "Green Eyed Prelude" captures the essence of finding solace and expression through music, the challenges and rewards of pursuing dreams, and the recognition that genuine self-expression can resonate even with the distant stars.

Line by Line Meaning

Once upon a simple man
In a story about a humble individual

Make a living any way you can
Earning a livelihood through any means possible

Workin' his hands all day
Toiling diligently with his hands

Sing a song to keep the blues away
Using music as a way to prevent sadness

Lift it up sing it out
Raise your voice and express yourself

Sing your lullabye
Share your soothing melody

I'm in a traveling show
It's like being part of a mobile performance

High wire fools and clowns
Among daring acrobats and funny performers

I'm the Green Eyed Radio
Being the envy-inducing center of attention

Bringing the curtain down
Concluding the show with a bang

And when the show is over I'll sing to the stars
After the performance, singing to the celestial bodies