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Moon River is a song composed by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Originally performed by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany's, the song has since been covered by numerous artists, including Frank Ocean, Judy Garland, Louis Armstrong, and Frank Sinatra. The song's popularity has made it a common choice for weddings, with some couples choosing to walk down the aisle or have their first dance to the song. The song's lyrics, which are reminiscent of Mercer's childhood in Savannah, Georgia, and his longing to expand his horizons, lend themselves well to the romantic and sentimental atmosphere of a wedding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Song name | Moon River |
| Songwriters | Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer |
| Original performer | Audrey Hepburn |
| First performed in | Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) |
| Awards | Academy Award for Best Original Song, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year |
| Covers by | Frank Ocean, Morrissey, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Josh Ritter, The Killers, and many others |
| Wedding usage | Bridal party entrance song, first dance, walking down the aisle, last dance |
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What You'll Learn
Moon River's lyrics and their suitability for a wedding
Moon River is a popular choice for weddings, with some couples choosing to walk down the aisle to the song, and others opting for it as their first dance. The song has been described as "delicate" and "intimate", and its lyrics are filled with romantic imagery.
The song, originally performed by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany's, paints a picture of two people embarking on a journey together: "Two drifters off to see the world/There's such a lot of world to see/We're after the same rainbow's end/Waiting 'round the bend/My huckleberry friend/Moon River and me". The lyrics speak of a shared future and a deep connection, with the singer declaring that they will go wherever their beloved goes: "Moon River, wider than a mile/I'm crossing you in style someday/Oh, dream maker/You heartbreaker/Wherever you're going, I'm going your way".
The song's imagery of a "Moon River" and a "dream maker" adds a touch of magic and fantasy to the lyrics, while the reference to being "chasing after our ends" suggests a sense of adventure and pursuit of dreams. The sentiment of the song is one of devotion and a promise to stand by each other as they navigate the twists and turns of life.
While the original version by Audrey Hepburn is a popular choice for weddings, there are also several covers of Moon River that couples may choose to incorporate into their special day, including versions by Frank Ocean, JJ Heller, and Paul Hankinson.
Overall, the lyrics of Moon River are highly suitable for a wedding, capturing the essence of love, devotion, and the promise of a shared future together. The song's delicate melody and intimate sentiment make it a beautiful choice for couples looking to add a touch of romance and magic to their wedding day.
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Frank Ocean's cover as a wedding song
Frank Ocean's "Moon River" is a cover of the 1961 ballad by Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini, performed by Audrey Hepburn in the film Breakfast at Tiffany's. Ocean's version was released on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2018, with a since-deleted Tumblr post featuring cover artwork designed by Kevin McCaughey. The song has been described as "small and beautiful and neat" and has become a popular choice for weddings.
For many couples, "Moon River" holds a special place in their hearts, with some choosing to walk down the aisle to this song or using it as their first dance. The delicate tone and romantic lyrics of Ocean's cover create a dreamy and emotional atmosphere for weddings. The song's message of following your heart and going wherever your love goes can be interpreted as a beautiful commitment to your partner on your wedding day.
One couple shared that they chose a violin cover of "Moon River" for the bride's entrance, capturing the magic of the moment, while Frank Ocean's version was their last dance at the reception, creating a special bookend to their wedding. Another couple considered using "Moon River" as their bridal party entrance song, inspired by its feature in the romantic scene in the movie "Long Shot."
When it comes to wedding planning, finding the right songs that complement each other and create a cohesive atmosphere can be challenging. Couples often seek songs that match the delicate tone of "Moon River" for their wedding party's entrance, with suggestions including "Married Life" from the movie "Up" and "Light On" by Maggie Rogers.
Frank Ocean's "Moon River" has become a modern classic for weddings, offering a unique blend of dreaminess and emotion. Its popularity among couples showcases its ability to enhance the magic and romance of a wedding celebration, making it a memorable choice for a once-in-a-lifetime event.
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Audrey Hepburn's original as a wedding song
"Moon River", composed by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, was originally performed by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany's. The song won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and the 1962 Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The song's popularity has endured, with Mancini's recording being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 and Hepburn's version finishing at number 4 on AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs survey of top tunes in American cinema in 2004.
The song's success relaunched Mercer's career as a songwriter, with the lyrics particularly reminiscent of his youth in Savannah, Georgia, and his longing to expand his horizons. The song's title "Moon River" was inspired by an inlet near Mercer's hometown of Savannah, which was named Moon River in honour of him and this song. The original title for the song was "Blue River", reflecting the colour of huckleberries.
Audrey Hepburn's original version of "Moon River" has been featured in several weddings, with brides walking down the aisle to the song or using it as a bookend for the beginning and end of their wedding. The song's delicate tone and romantic lyrics make it a popular choice for weddings, with its message of wanderlust and romance resonating with couples.
When considering Audrey Hepburn's original version of "Moon River" as a wedding song, it is important to keep in mind the context of the song in the film. In Breakfast at Tiffany's, the song is first heard in a scene where Paul "Fred" Varjak discovers Holly Golightly (Hepburn) singing it while accompanying herself on the guitar. The song reflects Holly Golightly's character and her dreams of a better life, adding a layer of depth and meaning to the song.
While Audrey Hepburn's original version of "Moon River" can be a beautiful and unique choice for a wedding song, it is essential to consider the overall theme and atmosphere of the wedding. The song's delicate and romantic nature may clash with other songs or the general vibe of the wedding party. However, with careful planning and consideration, "Moon River" can be a memorable and meaningful addition to a couple's special day.
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Instrumental versions for a wedding
"Moon River" is a romantic love song with a delicate tone and a bittersweet melody. It is a metaphor for yearning and the unpredictable eddies of an adventurous life. The song has been featured in many media and has been recorded by numerous artists, including Frank Ocean, Judy Garland, Louis Armstrong, and Sarah Vaughan. The original version was performed by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film "Breakfast at Tiffany's", and it won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
When considering whether "Moon River" is a good choice for a wedding song, it is essential to think about the lyrics and how they fit into the context of a wedding celebration. The song's message can be interpreted as a romantic yearning for adventure and new experiences, which could be appropriate for a wedding, representing the beginning of a new life together as a married couple.
Many people have chosen to incorporate "Moon River" into their weddings, either as an instrumental version or with vocals. Some couples have used it as the song for the bridal party's entrance, while others have chosen it for their first dance. In one instance, a bride walked down the aisle to a violin cover of "Moon River", capturing the delicate and emotional tone of the song. Another couple used Frank Ocean's version of "Moon River" for their last dance at the reception, creating a special moment to bookend their wedding celebration.
If you are considering using "Moon River" for your wedding, there are several beautiful instrumental versions available. Here are some options to consider:
- Violin cover: A violin cover of "Moon River" can add a touch of elegance and emotion to your wedding. It can be a perfect choice for the bridal entrance or even the first dance.
- Piano and violin version: "Married Life" from the movie "Up" by Paul Hankinson is a similar instrumental piece that can accompany the wedding party's entrance.
- Wedding instrumental version: There are specific wedding instrumental versions of "Moon River" available, such as the one by Robbins Island Music Group, which is marketed as a mother-son dance song.
- Saxophone version: For a unique and jazzy take on the song, saxophonist Dave Koz recorded a version featuring singer Barry Manilow.
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Other songs to pair with Moon River at a wedding
Moon River is a popular choice for weddings, with some couples choosing to have the song played at the beginning and end of the ceremony. The song has been described as having a delicate tone, and an instrumental version is also available for weddings.
- "Married Life" from the movie "Up" by Paul Hankinson.
- "Light On" by Maggie Rogers.
- "La Vie en Rose" for a more recent, contemporary tune.
- "Romanze" from Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" for a classical contrast.
- "Moon River" by Frank Ocean for a more modern, romantic vibe.
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Frequently asked questions
Moon River is a romantic song with a delicate tone. It is a love song without being addressed to a lover. The "dream maker" and "heartbreaker" in the song is the river itself. It is a metaphor for yearning for adventure. The song has been used in weddings as the bride walks down the aisle and as the first dance song. Moon River has been covered by many artists, so you can choose the version that suits your taste.
Moon River was originally performed by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany's. The song won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and the 1962 Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The song has been recorded by many other artists, including Andy Williams, Jerry Butler, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Louis Armstrong, and Frank Ocean.
Here is an excerpt from the lyrics of Moon River:
"Moon river, wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style someday
Oh, dream maker, you heartbreaker
Wherever you're going, I'm going your way"
Some alternatives to Moon River for a wedding song include Married Life from the movie Up, Light On by Maggie Rogers, and The Movie Album by Barbra Streisand.
