He was born to a Lutheran minister, the Rev. Frederick J. Weertz (1891–1980) and a music teacher, Dorothea Bang Weertz (1895–1985), in Omaha, Nebraska. The family moved to Des Moines, Iowa, before his first birthday. He first played the piano at age three. In high school he became interested in boxing, mainly at his father's insistence, and only returned to music after breaking his nose several times and sustaining several other injuries.
He majored in piano at Drake University in Des Moines, but claimed he was expelled for playing "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" in the practice room. Weertz entered the United States Navy and served in World War II. While still in the Navy, he earned a bachelor's degree from Idaho State College (now Idaho State University) in 1950. Afterwards, Weertz re-enrolled at Drake, where he earned his master's degree. He then moved to New York City to attend Juilliard, where he studied jazz piano under Lennie Tristano and Teddy Wilson.
Williams won a talent contest on Dennis James' television program, Chance of a Lifetime. He was heard by David Kapp, founder of Kapp Records. Kapp was so impressed that he signed the pianist, changing his name to "Roger Williams" after the founder of Rhode Island.
In 1955 Williams recorded "Autumn Leaves", the only piano instrumental to reach #1 on Billboard's popular music chart. It sold over two million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. It was the fourth #1 song of the "rock era," which unofficially began with the ascension of "(We're Gonna) Rock Around The Clock" by Bill Haley & His Comets into the top spot. In 1966 he had another Top Ten hit with the song "Born Free" from the motion picture soundtrack. His other hits include "Near You", "Till", "The Impossible Dream", "Yellow Bird", "Maria", and "The Theme from Somewhere in Time". Billboard magazine ranks him as the top selling piano recording artist in history with 18 gold and platinum albums to his credit. Williams was known as the "Pianist to the Presidents" having played for nine administrations beginning with Harry S. Truman. His last White House performance was in November 2008 for a luncheon hosted by First Lady Laura Bush.
His interest in the public stems from a boyhood experience in Des Moines, Iowa. After a piano concert by the Polish genius Ignacy Jan Paderewski, young Roger waited for 45 minutes outside in the freezing cold to meet his idol. When the pianist finally appeared it was to rush to a waiting automobile. "I didn't even get near enough to touch him or get an autograph," says Williams. "It was then and there I resolved that if ever I became famous I would never disappoint anyone who wanted to talk to me."
On his 75th birthday, Williams performed his first 12-hour piano marathon. He performed the marathon at Steinway Hall in New York City and the Nixon, Carter and Reagan Presidential Libraries. His Steinway & Sons "Gold Steinway" grand piano was on tour for public display and entertainment during 2007–2008.
In 2010 Roger Williams was inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame. At that time, "Autumn Leaves" was the best-selling piano solo record of all time and the only one ever to top the Billboard charts.
In March 2011 Williams posted on his website that he had pancreatic cancer and that his doctors had told him they could not remove the tumor until chemotherapy shrunk it to an operable size. Williams said that he did not plan on canceling any upcoming concerts. He wrote: "What does it all mean? It means I'm in just one more fight — the fight for my life.. And this much I know, this old Navy boxing champion is going for broke. Just watch me!"
Williams died on October 8, 2011, one week after his 87th birthday.
High Noon
Roger Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On this, our weddin' day
Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'
Wait, wait along
I do not know what fate awaits me
I only know I must be brave
And I must face a man who hates me
Or lie a coward in my grave
Oh, to be torn 'twixt love and duty
S'posin' I lose my fair-haired beauty
Look at that big hand move along
Nearin' high noon
He made a vow while in state prison
Vowed it would be my life or his'n
I'm not afraid of death but oh
What will I do if you leave me?
Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'
You made that promise as a bride
Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'
Although you're grievin', don't think of leavin'
Now that I need you by my side
Wait along, (wait along) wait along
Wait along, wait along
(Wait along, wait along, wait along, wait along)
The song "High Noon" by Roger Williams speaks about a man's dilemma between love and duty. The song invokes a sense of tension and anxiety as the singer waits for the fateful moment to confront his enemy. The opening lines "Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'" repeated twice sets an emotional tone that carries throughout the song. The singer acknowledges that he doesn't know what fate awaits him, but he must be brave and face the man who hates him. He reveals that his lover made a promise to not forsake him, and he pleads with her not to leave him during this critical moment.
The chorus "Oh, to be torn 'twixt love and duty, s'posin' I lose my fair-haired beauty" captures the essence of the song's conflict. The singer knows that he must fulfill his duty and face his enemy, but he also desires to be with his love. The line "Look at that big hand move along, nearin' high noon" creates a sense of urgency and impending doom. The singer knows that time is running out, and he must face his enemy.
The song also speaks about the vow the singer's enemy made while in state prison that it would be his life or the singer's. Now, the singer is not afraid of death, but he is afraid of what he will do if his lover leaves him. The final lines of the song appeal to his lover's promise and her affection, begging her not to leave him alone as he faces his enemy.
Overall, "High Noon" is a classic western-themed song that explores themes of love, duty, and sacrifice. The emotional tone, coupled with the powerful lyrics and Roger Williams' excellent performance, makes it an enduring classic to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'
Please do not abandon me, my beloved
On this, our weddin' day
I am asking you this on the most important day of our lives
Wait, wait along
Please wait for me
I do not know what fate awaits me
I am uncertain about what lies ahead for me
I only know I must be brave
I know I need to be courageous
And I must face a man who hates me
I am required to confront a man who despises me
Or lie a coward, a craven coward
Or I can choose to be a coward, a shameful coward
Or lie a coward in my grave
This cowardice may result in my death
Oh, to be torn 'twixt love and duty
I am conflicted between my love and my responsibility
S'posin' I lose my fair-haired beauty
What if I lose the love of my life?
Look at that big hand move along
Time is moving fast and the moment is approaching
Nearin' high noon
The hour of confrontation is near
He made a vow while in state prison
The man I will face made a promise in prison
Vowed it would be my life or his'n
He vowed that either he or I will die
I'm not afraid of death but oh
I am not afraid of dying, but
What will I do if you leave me?
I do not know how I will survive without you
You made that promise as a bride
You made a solemn vow to me as your husband
Although you're grievin', don't think of leavin'
Even though you may be sad, do not abandon me
Now that I need you by my side
I need you to be here with me
Wait along, (wait along) wait along
Please wait for me, wait along
Wait along, wait along
Wait along, wait along
(Wait along, wait along, wait along, wait along)
(Wait along, wait along, wait along, wait along)
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dimitri Tiomkin, Ned Washington
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind