Wycliffe Gordon came from a strongly religious background, his father was a church organist, that influenced the early direction of his music. He became interested in jazz at thirteen due to an Aunt's collection. His interest at that time was mostly the earlier musicians like Louis Armstrong His early works as a professional was with Wynton Marsalis, but in recent years he has expanded beyond swing (genre) and has experimented with new instruments. The strongest example of this might be The Search where he plays didgeridoo and does Thelonious Monk songs. He has also done some Gospel.
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Wycliffe Gordon Lyrics
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I could be glad all of the while
I could change the grey skies to blues
If I had you
I could leave the old days behind
Leave all my pals, I'd never mind
I could start my life all a new
If I had you
Sail the mighty ocean wide
I could cross the burning desert
If I had you by my side
I could be a king, dear, uncrowned
Humble or poor, rich or renowned
There is nothing I couldn't do
If I had you
I could show the world how to smile
I could be glad all of the while
I could change the grey skies to blues
If I had you
I could leave the old days behind
Leave all my pals, I'd never mind
I could start my life all a new
If I had you
I could climb the snow capped mountains
Sail the mighty ocean wide
I could cross the burning desert
If I had you by my side
I could be a king, dear, uncrowned
Humble or poor, rich or renowned
There is nothing I couldn't do
"If I Had You" is a love song by Wycliffe Gordon, expressing how the presence of a certain someone in the singer's life would make everything possible. The lyrics describe how the singer is willing to make drastic changes to his life and take on new challenges because the love of the person they admire is all they require. The singer also highlights how the support of this special person makes them believe that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. The song implies that this person is everything to the singer, and with their love and support, they feel invincible.
The words of the song illustrate a person who has finally situated themselves into a path of happiness and one that will lead to success. The confidence and self-assuredness of the singer in the verses of "If I Had You" indicate that they are happy and joyful about the future they have envisioned with their significant other. The imagery used in the song evokes the surreal feeling of love and winning the world that comes with it.
The song carries a message of perseverance, strength, and love. It gives hope to the listener who might be going through tough times that they will make it through with the support and love of someone special. It is an ode to the power of love and how it can transform one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
I could show the world how to smile
If I had you in my life, I would be so happy that my joy would radiate to the world and show everyone how to smile.
I could be glad all of the while
Your presence in my life would make me happy and content all the time, without any worries or sadness.
I could change the grey skies to blues
Even in times of trouble or hardship, with you by my side, everything would seem bright and hopeful, like blue skies after a storm.
If I had you
All these dreams and aspirations are dependent on having you in my life. You are the missing piece that would make everything possible.
I could leave the old days behind
With your support and love, I can let go of my past and all the baggage weighing me down. I can start anew and move forward with confidence.
Leave all my pals, I'd never mind
The people in my life are important, but if it means having you, I would be willing to sacrifice those relationships without hesitation.
I could start my life all a new
With you by my side, I feel like I can finally live the life I've always dreamed of, free from any limitations or regrets.
I could climb the snow capped mountains
The impossible becomes possible with you - even something as challenging as climbing a snow capped mountain would be achievable with your strength and support.
Sail the mighty ocean wide
Just like the vast ocean, life is full of unknowns and uncertainties. But with you, I'm not afraid to take on any challenge or adventure that comes our way.
I could cross the burning desert
Even in the most difficult and unforgiving situations, having you by my side would give me the resilience to persevere and overcome anything.
If I had you by my side
All these possibilities and dreams are a direct result of having you there with me, supporting and loving me through everything.
I could be a king, dear, uncrowned
You make me feel like royalty, even without the material wealth or power. With you, I am already wealthy and fulfilled beyond measure.
Humble or poor, rich or renowned
No matter what ups and downs life may bring, with you, I am content and grateful for what I have. Material possessions and fame don't matter as much as the love and support we share.
There is nothing I couldn't do
When you are by my side, anything becomes possible. There is nothing in this world that we can't conquer or achieve together.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: GORDON MILLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind