Throughout the years, and changing line-ups, the group maintained a strong fan-base among jazz fans of all ages.
How High the Moon?
The Dave Brubeck Quartet Lyrics
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How faint the tune
Somewhere there's heaven
How high the moon
There is no moon above
When love is far away too
Till it comes true
That you love me as I love you
Somewhere there's music
How near, how far
Somewhere there's heaven
It's where you are
The darkest night would shine
If you would come to me soon
Until you will, how still my heart
How high the moon
Somewhere there's music
How faint the tune
Somewhere there's heaven
How high the moon
The darkest night would shine
If you would come to me soon
Until you will, how still my heart
How high the moon
The lyrics of The Dave Brubeck Trio's song How High The Moon speaks of the longing for love and the hope that it brings. The song begins with the lines, "Somewhere there's music, how faint the tune, somewhere there's heaven, how high the moon." The idea of being able to hear music, but only faintly, invokes a feeling of anticipation and longing, as if the music is a sign of something greater and more meaningful. "Somewhere there's heaven" reinforces this sentiment, suggesting that love, like heaven, is an idyllic place that brings happiness and euphoria.
The chorus of the song further emphasizes this longing, with the lines, "The darkest night would shine, if you would come to me soon, until you will, how still my heart, how high the moon." Here, the desire for love is so strong that it could light up even the darkest night. The "still" heart is symbolic of a heart that is waiting and yearning for love to finally come. The repetition of "How high the moon" throughout the song adds to the dreamlike, romantic quality of the lyrics, as if the moon is an unreachable goal that can only be attained through the realization of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Somewhere there's music
There exists melodic tunes in a certain place
How faint the tune
Despite its existence, the melody is quite dim
Somewhere there's heaven
There is this beautiful and perfect paradise located in a certain place
How high the moon
It is impossible to reach the heavens where it is sublime and perfect
There is no moon above
The moon's radiance is absent
When love is far away too
In the same way, love's light is also distant
Till it comes true
However, when it finally comes to fruition,
That you love me as I love you
it will create a feeling of mutual admiration and affection.
How near, how far
Love can be close to you, yet at times it can also be far away.
It's where you are
Love is exclusively located in the presence of the beloved.
The darkest night would shine
Even the darkest evening can be brightened by love's radiance.
If you would come to me soon
However, this brightness will only be visible when the beloved comes back.
Until you will, how still my heart
Until this happens, the longing for the beloved creates an unsteady, uncertain tension.
How high the moon
This desire to be reunited with the loved one is so intense that it has become impossible to reach heaven's perfection.
Somewhere there's music
There is still this melody in a particular place despite the distance and tension.
How faint the tune
Again, it is faint despite its existence.
Somewhere there's heaven
Once again, there is this perfect paradise found only in a certain location.
How high the moon
Once again, this flawless paradise is too high to reach, just like reaching the beloved.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MORGAN LEWIS, NANCY HAMILTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Saxman1219 Jones
I love that when he goes up into the altissimo register, that he actually plays melodies; he doesn't just squeal. Paul is so cool, one time, he made ice put on a sweater! RIP
icecreamforcrowhurst
Spectacular Desmond solo. Great to hear the audience so excited about the music!
Bill Anton
My intro to jazz .... and life has not been the same since that day ... Happily
cooljazzr
Best solo ever by Paul! Especially love how they suddenly break into a Latin feel at 2:58
icecreamforcrowhurst
Wow what a reception! Pre-rock n roll when jazz was cool with the kids. Love it
Jay Francis
I am sure Johann Sebastian Bach would be totally pleased with the magnificent counter point in the out choruses!!!!!!!
Alfredo Remus
Histórico disco que me conmovió en mis principios como músico, inolvidable!
Nicholas Izzo
I originally bought this album in 1954 and I was hooked - I still have the original plus copies - It is a must for any jazz lover, Still the best - Heven is in for a real; treat
Chelly Ryan
my favorite album 50 yrs ago and still is!!!
Alfredo Remus
Uno de mis primeros discos en mi adolescencia.