Wilson studied piano and violin at Tuskegee Institute. After working in the Speed Webb and Louis Armstrong bands, he joined Benny Carter's Chocolate Dandies in 1933. In 1935 he joined the Benny Goodman Trio (which consisted of Goodman, Wilson and drummer Gene Krupa, later expanded to the Benny Goodman Quartet with the addition of Lionel Hampton). The trio performed during the big band's intermissions. By joining the Trio, Wilson became the first black musician to perform in public with a previously all-white jazz group.
In the 1930s and 1940s he recorded fifty hit records with various singers such as Lena Horne and Helen Ward, including many of Billie Holiday's most successful records. During these years he also recorded many highly regarded sessions with a wide range of important swing musicians, such as Lester Young, Roy Eldridge, Charlie Shavers, Red Norvo, Buck Clayton and Ben Webster.
Wilson formed his own short-lived big band in 1939, then led a sextet at Cafe Society from 1940 to 1944. In the 1950s he taught at the Juilliard School. Wilson performed as a soloist and with pick-up groups up until the final years of his life.
Body and Soul
Teddy Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For you I sigh, for you dear only
Why haven't you seen it
I'm all for you body and soul
I spend my days in longing
And wondering why it's me you're wronging
I tell you I mean it
I can't believe it
It's hard to conceive it
That you'd turn away romance
Are you pretending
It looks like the ending
Unless I could have just one more chance to prove, dear
My life a wreck you're making
You know I'm yours for just the taking
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul
My life a wreck you're making
You know I'm yours for the very taking
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul
The lyrics of Teddy Wilson’s song, “Body and Soul” convey a deep sense of longing, heartbreak, and surrender. The song tells the tale of a person whose heart is heavy and lonely, having eyes only for their beloved, but their love is not reciprocated. The singer wonders why they are being wronged and expresses their devotion by saying that “I’m all for you body and soul.” They express their disbelief, stating that they find it hard to conceive that their love is turned away, leaving no room for romance. The song paints a picture of someone who is wracked with pain and feels as if their life is a wreck. Still, they profess their willingness to surrender themselves entirely to their beloved, body, and soul.
The song’s lyrics are poetic and use metaphors to describe the pain and longing its character feels. They use their heart, soul, and body to convey how deeply they are in love. There is also an element of desperation in the lyrics that gives the song a sense of urgency. The theme of unrequited love is one that is relatable, and the lyrics reflect the emotional turmoil that often accompanies it.
Line by Line Meaning
My heart is sad and lonely
I feel melancholy and desolate without you
For you I sigh, for you dear only
You are the one I long for and yearn to be with
Why haven't you seen it
I wonder why you haven't noticed my love for you
I'm all for you body and soul
I offer you my entire being, physically and spiritually
I spend my days in longing
I spend my time pining and yearning for you
And wondering why it's me you're wronging
I am confused as to why you are not reciprocating my feelings
I tell you I mean it
I assure you that my love is genuine and sincere
I'm all for you body and soul
I offer you my entire being, physically and spiritually
I can't believe it
I am having difficulty accepting the situation
It's hard to conceive it
It is difficult to understand why this is happening
That you'd turn away romance
I am shocked that you would reject my romantic advances
Are you pretending
I wonder if you are feigning ignorance of my feelings
It looks like the ending
It appears as though our relationship is coming to an end
Unless I could have just one more chance to prove, dear
Unless I am given one more opportunity to demonstrate my love for you, our relationship will end
My life a wreck you're making
Your rejection of my love is causing my life to feel chaotic and disorganized
You know I'm yours for just the taking
You know that I am available and willing to be with you
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul
I would willingly give myself over to you completely, both physically and spiritually
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Paul Michael Barry, Phil Simpson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jonslyker2267
This might be the single most important and beautiful piano solos ever, ever, ever. I was fortunate enought to see TW 2x in the early 70's. Heaven.
@Mich3ll3Holland
Teddy Wislon has a beautiful and light touch :-) <3