I Wished On The Moon
Teddy Wilson His Orchestra;Billie Holiday Lyrics

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I wished on the moon
For something I never knew
Wished on the moon
For more than I ever knew
A sweeter rose, a softer sky
On April days that would not dance by

I begged on the stars

To throw me a beam or two
Wished on the stars
And asked for a dream or two
I looked for every loveliness

It all came true
I wished on the moon for you

Overall Meaning

In "I Wished on the Moon," Billie Holiday sings about yearning for something that is not quite clear to her. With her distinct vocal style and phrasing, she imbues the lyrics with a sense of urgency and longing. The opening line suggests that she is reaching out for something beyond her grasp. She then repeats the phrase "Wished on the moon" as if trying to invoke some mystical power to fulfill her deepest desires.

As the song progresses, she reveals that her wishes are for a "sweeter rose, a softer sky" - which can be interpreted as a desire for a more blissful, idyllic life. She then turns to the stars, appealing to them to "throw me a beam or two." The imagery is dreamy and romantic, as if she is floating in a sea of stars, seeking some kind of divine illumination. Finally, she confesses that all her wandering and wishing has led her to one person: "I wished on the moon for you." This culminates in a powerful expression of love and devotion, which is the ultimate fulfillment of her desires.

The song has a melancholic tone, yet it is also hopeful and romantic. Billie Holiday's vocal interpretation is deeply emotive, and she captures the sense of yearning that imbues the lyrics. "I Wished on the Moon" is a poignant reflection on the human longing for connection and fulfillment.

Line by Line Meaning

I wished on the moon
I longed for something unattainable

For something I never knew
For something beyond my comprehension or imagination

Wished on the moon
Hoped for a better future

For more than I ever knew
Dreamed of a life more fulfilling than I could imagine

A sweeter rose, a softer sky
A world filled with more beauty and peace

On April days that would not dance by
On days that would linger and not pass too quickly

I begged on the stars
I pleaded with fate

To throw me a beam or two
To grant me some brightness or hope

Wished on the stars
Hoped for a miracle or divine intervention

And asked for a dream or two
Requested for something more beautiful or desirable than reality

I looked for every loveliness
I searched for every beautiful aspect of life