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.
If I were you
Teddy Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Here's what I'd do
I'd give my heart a break
Instead of trying to break my heart
It I were you
I'd do this too
I'd string along with me
I'd love me the whole day long
You'd never catch me nappin'
Wouldn't have a change of heart
Not for fear
That such a thing should happen
It I were you
Here's what I'd do
I'd stick to me
My whole life through
It I were you
Teddy Wilson's song 'If I Were You' is a classic jazz tune that, on the surface, seems like a simple message about loving oneself. However, the lyrics hold deeper meaning that touches upon the singer's desire for reciprocated love and respect. The first two lines of the song set the tone for the rest of the lyrics, with the singer stating what they would do if they were the person they were singing to. The lines "I'd give my heart a break/Instead of trying to break my heart," show a desire for the other person to treat the singer with the love and care they deserve, rather than causing them pain.
The next set of lyrics expand upon this theme, with the singer suggesting that if they were the other person, they would "string along" with themselves, rather than leaving the singer feeling uncertain about the relationship. The lines "I'd love me the whole day long/You'd never catch me nappin'/Wouldn't have a change of heart/Not for fear/That such a thing should happen," showcase the singer's desire for trust and stability in their relationship. They want to be with someone who won't leave them guessing and who is committed to loving them.
The final set of lyrics bring the song back full circle, with the singer saying they would "stick to me/My whole life through" if they were the other person. This sentiment is a powerful one, as it shows that the singer values and respects themselves enough to want that same level of commitment from their partner. Overall, 'If I Were You' is a song that encourages self-love and respect, while also touching upon the importance of mutual love and commitment in a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
If I were you
The singer imagines themselves in the other person's shoes and gives advice accordingly
Here's what I'd do
The singer proceeds to offer advice to the other person
I'd give my heart a break
The singer suggests that the other person take a step back from investing too much emotionally
Instead of trying to break my heart
The artist implies that the other person's actions could lead to heartbreak
It I were you
The artist reiterates the importance of empathy and putting oneself in another's shoes
I'd do this too
The singer offers another piece of advice
I'd string along with me
The singer suggests that the other person should show consistent interest in them
Instead of keepin' me on a string
The artist implies that the other person is being emotionally withholding or playing games
I'd love me the whole day long
The artist speaks glowingly of giving oneself love and self-care
You'd never catch me nappin'
The artist wouldn't let their guard down or become too complacent in self-love
Wouldn't have a change of heart
The singer wouldn't suddenly switch their feelings towards themselves due to fear or insecurity
Not for fear
The artist is highlighting that fear can be a critical motivator in how we treat ourselves
That such a thing should happen
The singer fears the idea of their positive self-image falling apart
It I were you
The singer brings the focus back to the other person and repeats their stance
Here's what I'd do
The singer has one final piece of advice to offer the other person
I'd stick to me
The artist suggests that the other person stay true to themselves and their values
My whole life through
The artist implies that this is a lifelong endeavor, not just a phase
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEVIE NICKS, RICK NOWELS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind