Ben E. King

Lyrics

2 ContributorsMoon River LyricsMoon river, wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style some day
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way

Two drifters, off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
Were after the same rainbows end, waitin' round the bend
My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me

(Moon river, wider than a mile)

(I'm crossin' you in style some day)
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way

Two drifters, off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
We're after that same rainbows end, waitin' round the bend
My huckleberry friend, moon river, and meYou might also likeEmbed

If you're a fan of soulful music then Ben E. King is one of the names that can't be excluded from your playlist. One of his most iconic songs which never fails to take you on a trip down the memory lane is "Moon River". This song has been around for quite some time and yet still manages to leave an impact on listeners, even to this day. The song's timeless appeal and serene melody have made it a classic and a must-have for every music lover.

About Moon River

"Moon River" is a classic ballad written by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer. The song became a massive hit in 1961 after it was recorded by Audrey Hepburn for the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's". The original song was composed with lyrics originally written for the character of Holly Golightly (played by Audrey Hepburn in the movie).

The song's title is derived from the moonlight on the Mississippi River that flows through Mercer's hometown of Savannah, Georgia. It is a song that captures the feeling of nostalgia and the longing for simpler times, depicting looking back over one's shoulder and taking comfort from one's past.

The song's lyrics are simple and yet incredibly powerful, which is what makes it so memorable. The gentle melody and the lyrics combine to create a bittersweet feeling of reminiscing about lost love and memories. The hauntingly beautiful tune is carried by King's smooth vocals, making you lose yourself in its nostalgic essence.

The song's instrumentation also plays a major role in its beauty. The orchestration is minimalistic with the use of acoustic guitars, violins, and gentle percussion, which is a perfect fit for its somber tone. The song doesn't rely on any gimmicky elements or complex productions and instead emphasizes on the mood and the message that it's trying to convey.

Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of this song is how versatile it is. Although it's a ballad, the song has been covered by various artists from different genres, ranging from folk-pop to jazz, and even surf rock. Every artist brought their own flavor to the song while still staying true to its essence. It's a testament to the song's quality and appeal that it can be interpreted in so many different ways.

But Who Is Ben E. King?

Ben E. King was a prominent soul and R&B artist during the 1960s. He began his career as a member of the group "The Five Crowns" who later became "The Drifters". After a string of hit songs with the group, King embarked on a solo career, which ultimately catapulted him into the limelight.

King's notable solo hits include "Stand By Me" and "Spanish Harlem", both of which became massive hits during the 1960s. These songs cemented King's status as a legend in the soul music scene. He was known for his smooth and soulful voice, which brought a unique touch to every song he sang. His voice was indeed a perfect match for the melancholic and haunting melody of "Moon River", which is the reason why the song became one of his most popular numbers.

Why You Should Listen to Moon River

With its timeless appeal and beautiful melody, "Moon River" is undoubtedly one of the best ballads of all time. This song is a testament to the fact that music doesn't have to be complex to be beautiful. It's a simple song that relies on its melody and lyrics to create a mood that captures the essence of melancholy and nostalgia and takes the listener on a trip down memory lane.

Whether you're a fan of soulful music, or you simply appreciate good music, "Moon River" is a must-add to your playlist. This song has earned its place in music history, and it's a song that will continue to be a classic for generations to come.

So, go ahead, take a listen to this legendary Ben E. King number, and let its beautiful melody and meaningful lyrics transport you to a simpler time.

• Release Date: 1962
• Artist: Ben E. King