One of the most famous and influential jazz pianists of the 20th century, B… Read Full Bio ↴One of the most famous and influential jazz pianists of the 20th century, Bill Evans formed the acclaimed piano trio in 1959, along with bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian. Evans' focus in this trio was jazz standards and original compositions, with an emphasis on interplay among the band members that often bordered on collective improvisation and blurred the line between soloist and accompanist. This trio recorded four albums: Portrait in Jazz (1959), Explorations, Sunday at the Village Vanguard, and Waltz for Debby (all recorded in 1961). The latter two albums are live recordings drawn from the same recording date, and they are routinely named among the greatest jazz recordings of all time. After LaFaro's untimely death, Evans went into seclusion for nearly a year, then re-formed the trio. After that, the personnel of the trio (other than Evans) changed every few years.

Bassists included Scott LaFaro(1959-1961), Chuck Israels (1962-1965), Gary Peacock(1963), Teddy Kotick (1966), Eddie Gomez(1966-1977), and Marc Johnson(1978-1980).
On drums the trio had Paul Motian (1959-1962), Larry Bunker ( 1962-1965), Arnie Wise (1966, 1968), Joe Hunt (1967), Philly Joe Jones (1967, 1977-1978), Jack DeJohnette (1968), John Dentz (1968), Marty Morell (1968-1975), Eliot Zigmund (1975-1977), and Joe La Barbera (1978-1980).

What Is This Thing Called Love?
Bill Evans Trio Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

What is this thing called love?
This funny thing called love
Just who can solve its mystery?
And why should it make a fool of me?

I saw you there, one wonderful day
But you took my heart and you threw my heart away
That's why I ask the Lord up in heaven above

Just what is this thing called love?

Overall Meaning

In the song "What Is This Thing Called Love?" by Bill Evans, the singer is grappling with the elusive and unpredictable nature of love. The song's opening lines establish this theme, suggesting that love is a "funny thing" that no one can fully understand or explain. The singer wonders why love has the power to make them feel foolish, vulnerable, and powerless.

Later in the song, the singer recounts a personal experience of falling in love with someone who ultimately rejected them. This experience seems to reinforce their confusion about love's power and purpose. Despite the pain and disappointment they've experienced, the singer still finds themselves drawn to the mysterious force of love, and seeks answers from a higher power (in this case, the Lord).

Overall, "What Is This Thing Called Love?" is a poignant reflection on the universal human experience of love, and the ways it can confound and inspire us.

Line by Line Meaning

What is this thing called love?
What is the meaning of love?

This funny thing called love
Love is a peculiar emotion

Just who can solve its mystery?
No one can fully comprehend the complexities of love

And why should it make a fool of me?
Why does love cause me to act foolishly?

I saw you there, one wonderful day
I came across you on a beautiful day

But you took my heart and you threw my heart away
You captured my heart but then rejected it

That's why I ask the Lord up in heaven above
I turn to God to seek answers to the puzzle of love

Just what is this thing called love?
What is the true essence of love?

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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