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.
Lullaby of Birdland
Teddy Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Always hear when you sigh
Never in my wordland
Could there be ways to reveal
In a phrase how I feel
Have you ever heard two turtle doves
Bill and coo when they love?
Music we make with our lips when we kiss
And there's a weepy old willow
He really knows how to cry
That's how I'd cry in my pillow
If you should tell me farewell and goodbye
Lullaby of Birdland whisper low
Kiss me sweet and we'll go
Flyin' high in Birdland
High in the sky up above
All because we're in love
The lyrics of Teddy Wilson's "Lullaby of Birdland" convey a sense of enchantment and romance that exists between two individuals. The mention of Birdland signifies a place of harmony and peace, where the song's protagonist always hears a lullaby being sung when their loved one sighs. This suggests that the mere presence of their beloved brings them comfort and tranquility. The wordplay of "never in my wordland" indicates that within their own personal realm, there are no words that can accurately convey the depth of their feelings. Instead, they rely on the power of music to express their emotions.
The lyrics further draw a comparison to the tender love of two turtle doves, who communicate their affection through soft sounds known as billing and cooing. The song suggests that the magic between the two lovers is also expressed through the music they make when they kiss. It highlights the intimate and passionate connection they share.
The lyrics then introduce a weeping willow tree, symbolizing the sorrow and heartache the singer would experience if their loved one were to say goodbye. The mention of crying into a pillow signifies the depth of the emotional pain that would be felt in such a separation.
Ultimately, the lyrics emphasize the power of love and its ability to transport the couple to new heights. The phrase "flyin' high in Birdland, high in the sky up above" suggests that their love elevates them to a joyful and euphoric state. It implies that their love is something special, transcending ordinary experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Lullaby of Birdland, that's what I
The comforting and enchanting melody of Birdland is constantly in my ears
Always hear when you sigh
I perceive it every time you let out a sigh
Never in my wordland
In my own realm of words and expressions
Could there be ways to reveal
I could never find methods to express
In a phrase how I feel
In solely a sentence the depth of my emotions
Have you ever heard two turtle doves
Have you ever listened to a pair of affectionate doves
Bill and coo when they love?
Making soft sounds of love and affection?
That's the kind of magic
That's the extraordinary enchantment
Music we make with our lips when we kiss
The harmonious melody created by our lips when we embrace
And there's a weepy old willow
Also, there exists a sorrowful, aged willow tree
He really knows how to cry
It truly comprehends the art of shedding tears
That's how I'd cry in my pillow
That is exactly how I would weep into my pillow
If you should tell me farewell and goodbye
If you ever utter goodbye and depart from me
Lullaby of Birdland whisper low
Melodious lullaby of Birdland, softly spoken
Kiss me sweet and we'll go
Bestow upon me a tender kiss and we shall depart
Flyin' high in Birdland
Soaring to great heights in Birdland
High in the sky up above
Amongst the clouds, far overhead
All because we're in love
All due to our profound love for each other
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Tratore, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Shearing, George David Weiss
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jesus Castanares
OPINION:
IT'S TEDDY WILSON IS HIS NAME, NOT PETE WILSON.
IT WAS A MISTAKE TO SAY PETE.
HIS NAME IS TEDDY WILSON , AT THE LIBERACE COMMENTARY, AS THE MENTION OF NAMES OF GOOD PIANISTS, WAY BACK IN THE SIXTIES.
1) CARMEN CAVALLARO
2) TEDDY WILSON
3) HOAGY CARMICHAEL
4) PETER NERO
5) LIBERACE
6) BEGGIE ADAIR
Stefania Rivoira
Teddy Wilson is one of the most elegant,fascinating pianists I've ever heard.This interpretion is a real gem!!!
Laurie Stearn
Absolutely.
R Wineliter
Stefania Rivoira elegant is a word often used with Teddy W
Eric FERY
30 ans que j'écoute cette version. Tout est là. le trio, le thème, les nuances, l'impro et Teddy Wilson
Taxi War Dance
teddy is a beast. God bless!
Amparo Martí
Pianista conciso con excelente técnica, lírico y conciso, uno de mis preferidos.
Edouard CARRE
Teddy Wilson, j'ai toujours aimé ce pianiste, et comme j'adore ce thème, c'est un vrai plaisir!
TheDrago500
superbe version ! magnifique !
Jacob Zimmermann
The best Lullaby of Birdland I've heard so far.
Jacob Zimmermann
@Mr Garda Yes it's a great one, I agree. I meant it in relation to pianists.