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.
What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?
Roger Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In fields of dawn and forests of the night
And when you stand before the candles on a cake
Oh, let me be the one to hear the silent wish you make
What are you doing the rest of your life?
North and South and East and West of your life
I have only one request of your life
All the seasons and the times of your days
All the nickels and the dimes of your days
Let the reasons and the rhymes of your days
All begin and end with me
I want to see your face in every kind of light
In the fields of dawn and the forests of the night
And when you stand before the candles on a cake
Oh, let me be the one to hear the silent wish you make
Those tomorrows waiting deep in your eyes
In the world of love that you keep in your eyes
I'll awaken what's asleep in your eyes
It may take a kiss or two
Through all of my life
Summer, Winter, Spring, and Fall of my life
All I ever will recall of my life
Is all of my life with you
The lyrics of Roger Williams's song "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" beautifully express a deep desire for a lifelong commitment and the longing to be a part of someone's journey through every moment and aspect of their existence.
The opening lines, "I want to see your face in every kind of light, in fields of dawn and forests of the night," convey a strong desire to be intimately connected with the other person. It suggests a yearning to witness and experience all the different facets of their life, from the joyful and rejuvenating moments to the mysterious and introspective ones.
The mention of standing before candles on a birthday cake signifies a special occasion, and the plea to be the one to hear the silent wish reveals a deep desire to be an integral part of their hopes and dreams. This line emphasizes the sincerity of the emotional connection being sought - a desire to be deeply involved in the other person's life, even in their most vulnerable moments.
The repeated question, "What are you doing the rest of your life?" demonstrates a longing for a lifetime commitment. The repetition of different directions - North, South, East, and West - reinforces the desire to journey through life together in every direction, experiencing all the possibilities and adventures that life has to offer. The singer expresses a heartfelt request for the other person to spend their entire life with them, suggesting a strong desire for a lifelong partnership.
The following stanza speaks about cherishing every season, every moment, every experience, represented by "seasons" and "nickels and dimes." The plea that "all the reasons and rhymes of your days" begin and end with the singer reinforces the desire to be a significant presence in the other person's life, involved in every decision, every thought, and every endeavor.
The lyrics continue to emphasize the longing to witness and participate in the other person's life, expressing a desire to see their face in all lights, symbolizing a desire to truly know and understand every aspect of their being. The reference to the candles on a cake is repeated, further emphasizing the desire to be intimately present in the other person's most personal and celebratory moments.
The final stanza invokes deep emotional imagery, as it speaks about the tomorrows seen in the other person's eyes and the world of love that they hold within. It acknowledges the transformative power that love can have in someone's life and expresses a desire to awaken dormant emotions and depths within the other person's soul through intimate connection and love. The mention of a kiss or two implies a sense of tenderness and passion that can fuel the journey together.
In the last few lines, the singer reflects on their own life and affirms that all they will remember and cherish is the time spent with the other person. Regardless of the passing seasons or the flow of time, the only thing they hold dear is a life shared with the other person. This reinforces the depth of their commitment and the priority they place on a lifetime partnership.
Overall, Roger Williams's song speaks to a deep longing for a lifetime commitment and an intimate connection with another person. It expresses a desire to be present in every aspect of their life, from the bright to the dark, and to be a source of support, love, and understanding throughout their journey.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to see your face in every kind of light
I desire to witness your countenance illuminated by various sources of light, symbolizing a profound understanding of every aspect of your being.
In fields of dawn and forests of the night
I long to perceive your visage during the tranquil emergence of daybreak as well as amidst the mysterious depths of nighttime's enigmatic landscapes.
And when you stand before the candles on a cake
Furthermore, when you find yourself in the presence of flickering candles atop a celebratory confection, permit me to be the sole recipient of the unspoken desires you utter in your heart.
Oh, let me be the one to hear the silent wish you make
Grant me the privilege of being the sole confidant who listens attentively to the secret aspirations concealed within your soul.
What are you doing the rest of your life?
I am curious to know how you intend to spend the entirety of your existence, your future courses of action, and the individuals who will hold significance in your journey.
North and South and East and West of your life
Irrespective of the geographical directions which shape your life's path, I have but a single entreaty concerning your journey.
I have only one request of your life
I possess solely a solitary plea pertaining to the course of your existence.
That you spend it all with me
Namely, that you choose to allocate the entirety of your life's moments, experiences, and companionship exclusively to me.
All the seasons and the times of your days
May every season and every moment that comprises the tapestry of your existence be intertwined with our shared journey.
All the nickels and the dimes of your days
Even the seemingly inconsequential instances and small joys embedded within the minutes and seconds of your life, I implore you to allot them all to me.
Let the reasons and the rhymes of your days
May every justification and poetic melody that forms the meaning of your days find its genesis and culmination in our union.
All begin and end with me
Allow me to be the catalyst and the apotheosis, initiating and concluding every facet of significance within your existence.
Those tomorrows waiting deep in your eyes
The infinite possibilities that lie dormant within the depths of your gaze, holding the promise of future days yet to come.
In the world of love that you keep in your eyes
Within the realm of affection and tenderness that resonates within your eyes, harboring a profound sentiment of love and devotion.
I'll awaken what's asleep in your eyes
I shall rouse the dormant passions and aspirations that lay dormant within your eyes, stirring them to life.
It may take a kiss or two
This rejuvenation of your spirit may necessitate a gentle touch of affection, perhaps through the exchange of a few tender kisses.
Through all of my life
Throughout the entirety of my existence, encompassing the varied stages and experiences I encounter.
Summer, Winter, Spring, and Fall of my life
Be it amidst the warmth and vibrancy of summer, the frozen landscapes of winter, the blossoms of spring, or the transformations of autumn, you shall be a constant presence in my life.
All I ever will recall of my life
When reminiscing upon the chapters and moments of my existence, the only recollections that will persist are those intertwined with you.
Is all of my life with you
The totality of my life and its significance is synonymous with our shared journey, where you are an indispensable element of my being.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Alan Bergman, Mariliyn Bergman, Michel Legrand
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind