Wee
& - C.Mingus - M.Roach Lyrics
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I feel helpless in this choice now as I hear the Devil cry
He said go - He says go
It's so late in the morning when I get out of bed
That I can't seem to focus, would I rather be dead
He says no - He says no
In my own wee small hours in the morning
I feel fine - don't you feel fine
I lay awake - oh are you awake
I have dreams of the sunset in the daytime
I close my eyes - to eternal night
Well these dreams that I'm having they do not seem to fade
I feel haunted by the echoes of the calls beyond the grave
Who let them in? - I let them in
The nightmares are approaching and I can't bear to watch
I see doors, floors, and hellish things now here for what fate wrought
I see it now - I see it now
In my own wee small hours in the morning
I feel fine - don't you feel fine
In my own darkest hours in the nighttime
I lay awake - oh are you awake
I have dreams of the sunset in the daytime
I close my eyes - to eternal night
The song "Wee" by Charles Mingus and Max Roach delves into the internal struggles and emotions of the singer. The lyrics reflect a sense of confusion and vulnerability, as well as a constant battle between opposing forces. Throughout the song, the singer grapples with conflicting choices and experiences haunting dreams and nightmarish visions.
The opening lines depict a struggle to wake up and face the day. The singer feels helpless, as though they are being pulled in two different directions. The mention of the Devil crying implies a sense of temptation or inner conflict, with the Devil urging the singer to go, while they feel hesitant or resistant.
As the morning progresses, the singer finds it difficult to focus and expresses a desire to escape the pressures of life. They contemplate whether they would rather be dead, suggesting a sense of despair or a longing for release. The repeated lines of "He says no" further emphasize the internal struggle, with possibly an inner voice or conscience attempting to counteract the Devil's influence.
The chorus, "In my own wee small hours in the morning, I feel fine - don't you feel fine," captures a paradoxical sentiment. Despite the turmoil and conflicting emotions, the singer finds solace and contentment within themselves during the early hours of the day. It implies a sense of personal peace and acceptance amidst the chaos.
The following verses describe the singer's dreams, which serve as an escape from reality. The dreams are vivid and evoke feelings of tranquility and beauty. The singer closes their eyes to the eternal night, suggesting a desire to be immersed in these dreams and escape the hardships of waking life.
However, the dreams also have a haunting quality. The singer feels haunted by echoes beyond the grave, hinting at the unresolved past or the consequences of their actions. The nightmares, mentioned later in the song, become more tangible and overwhelming. The metaphorical elements such as doors and hellish things allude to the singer's fears and anxieties.
Despite the nightmarish experiences, the chorus is repeated again, reinforcing the paradoxical nature of finding tranquility in the darkness. It also serves as a reminder that these struggles are not unique to the singer but are relatable experiences shared with others.
Overall, "Wee" explores the complexities of the human psyche, the inner conflicts, and the desire for solace amidst the chaos of life. The lyrics evoke a sense of vulnerability and the constant battle between opposing forces, ultimately highlighting the importance of finding moments of peace within oneself amid the challenges of existence.
Line by Line Meaning
It's so early when the sun comes but I can't seem to rise
Despite the early morning, I struggle to get out of bed.
I feel helpless in this choice now as I hear the Devil cry
I feel trapped and torn between my options as I hear negative influences urging me one way.
He said go - He says go
The Devil's voice continues to push me towards a decision or action.
It's so late in the morning when I get out of bed
I wake up much later than I should, causing me to feel disoriented.
That I can't seem to focus, would I rather be dead
I struggle to concentrate and wonder if it would be better if I didn't exist.
He says no - He says no
Despite my doubts, the Devil's voice resolutely advises against giving up.
In my own wee small hours in the morning
During the early hours of the morning when I am alone.
I feel fine - don't you feel fine
I find solace and contentment in my solitude, hoping others feel the same.
In my own darkest hours in the nighttime
During my most difficult moments in the darkness of the night.
I lay awake - oh are you awake
I remain unable to sleep, wondering if others are experiencing the same restlessness.
I have dreams of the sunset in the daytime
I daydream about experiencing beautiful moments even in the midst of a challenging reality.
I close my eyes - to eternal night
I shut my eyes to escape from the overwhelming darkness and despair.
Well these dreams that I'm having they do not seem to fade
My dreams and aspirations persistently linger, refusing to diminish.
I feel haunted by the echoes of the calls beyond the grave
I am tormented by persistent reminders of the voices and messages from the afterlife.
Who let them in? - I let them in
I accept responsibility for allowing these haunting thoughts and influences into my life.
The nightmares are approaching and I can't bear to watch
I feel overwhelmed as my worst fears and anxieties draw near and I am unable to face them.
I see doors, floors, and hellish things now here for what fate wrought
I perceive ominous and disturbing imagery representing the consequences of my actions and the role fate plays.
I see it now - I see it now
I finally comprehend the gravity and implications of my choices and circumstances.
I feel fine - don't you feel fine
Despite the turmoil and challenges, I still find moments of peace and hope, and I hope others do too.
In my own wee small hours in the morning
During the early hours of the morning when I am alone.
I feel fine - don't you feel fine
I find solace and contentment in my solitude, hoping others feel the same.
In my own darkest hours in the nighttime
During my most difficult moments in the darkness of the night.
I lay awake - oh are you awake
I remain unable to sleep, wondering if others are experiencing the same restlessness.
I have dreams of the sunset in the daytime
I daydream about experiencing beautiful moments even in the midst of a challenging reality.
I close my eyes - to eternal night
I shut my eyes to escape from the overwhelming darkness and despair.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Calvin Kelly
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Black & White Jazz
Recorded May 15, 1953
1. Perdido - 0:00
2. Salt Peanuts - 7:46
3. All the Things You Are - 15:28
4. Wee (Allen's Alley) - 23:20
5. Hot House - 30:00
6. A Night in Tunisia - 39:11
Bud Powell - piano
Charles Mngus - bass
Max Roach - Drums
Dizzy Gillespie - trumpet
Charlie Parker - alto sax
The Triumph of the Thrill
Perhaps the greatest live Jazz album. This is what supergroups are for.
Marcio Ramos
Grandioso. Tocante. Sensacional. Histórico. Universal.
Black & White Jazz
Recorded May 15, 1953
1. Perdido - 0:00
2. Salt Peanuts - 7:46
3. All the Things You Are - 15:28
4. Wee (Allen's Alley) - 23:20
5. Hot House - 30:00
6. A Night in Tunisia - 39:11
Bud Powell - piano
Charles Mngus - bass
Max Roach - Drums
Dizzy Gillespie - trumpet
Charlie Parker - alto sax
Carlos Jones
This is the album that inspired me to study jazz in high school: Brilliant!!!! Thank you SO much for posting! What a band!!!!!!!!
Javier Osborne
Best live jazz permorfance ever....Ever...
Len Yaeger
Parker was playing a Grafton plastic alto made in England. Legend has it he'd pawned his regular horn to buy heroin, and the Grafton was on loan from a Grafton factory rep. who happened to be in Toronto at the time. In 1994, the Grafton played by Bird was bought by a US museum for the equivalent of ~$218,000 in today's dollars. In general, these cheap saxes were avoided by pro players, but Parker seemed to do pretty well with it!
Joseph Cunniff
One of the greatest jazz recordings ever! Joe Cunniff
tangentz0007
unreal quality for that time
BENNO VON ARCIMBOLDI
Solo on perdido by bird is perfection
Ole Birger Pedersen
My father gave me this recording at my 16th years birthday and that made me change my trompet to an altosax.