McRae was born in Harlem, New York, on the 8th April 1920, and studied piano as a child. As a teenager she came to the attention of Teddy Wilson and his wife, the composer Irene Kitchings Wilson. Through their influence, one of McRae’s early songs, "Dream of Life", was recorded by Wilson’s longtime collaborator Billie Holiday.
By the late 1940s she was well known among the modern jazz musicians who gathered at Minton's Playhouse, Harlem’s most famous jazz club, where she was the intermission pianist. But it was while working in Brooklyn that she came to the attention of Decca’s Milt Gabler. Her five year association with Decca yielded twelve LPs.
The musicians she sang with include Benny Carter, Mercer Ellington, Count Basie, Sammy Davis Jr, Dave Brubeck, and Louis Armstrong. She was married once (and briefly), to drummer Kenny Clarke.
McRae died on the 10th November 1994.
Coffee Time
Carmen McRae Lyrics
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What′s the use of trying not to fall?
I have no will, you've made your kill
'Cause you took advantage of me
I′m just like an apple on a bough
And you′re going to shake me down somehow
But, what's the use? You cooked my goose
I'm so hot and bothered that I don′t know
My elbow from my ear
I suffer something awful each time you go
It's much worse when you′re near
Here I am with all my bridges burned
Just a babe in arms where you're concerned
So lock the doors and call me yours
'Cause you took advantage of me
I have no will, you′ve made your kill
′Cause you took advantage of me
Tell me, what's the use? You′ve cooked my goose
'Cause you took advantage of me
Say I′m so hot and bothered that I don't know
My elbow from my ear
I suffer something awful each time you go
It′s much worse when you're near
Here I am with all my bridges burned
Just a babe in arms where you're concerned
So lock the doors and call me yours
You took advantage of poor little me
In the song "Coffee Time" by Carmen McRae, the lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and helplessness in the face of unrequited love. The singer describes themselves as a "sentimental sap" and acknowledges that they are unable to resist falling for someone who has taken advantage of their emotions. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, painting a picture of someone who is deeply affected by the actions of the person they are in love with.
The imagery of being like an apple on a bough that is going to be shaken down is a poignant metaphor for feeling at the mercy of someone else's actions. The singer laments that their willpower is no match for the manipulation and exploitation they have experienced, ultimately leading to their downfall. The repetition of the phrase "you took advantage of me" further underscores the sense of betrayal and powerlessness that the singer feels in the relationship.
The lyrics also delve into the physical and emotional turmoil that the singer experiences in the presence of the person they love. They describe feeling disoriented and confused, unable to distinguish between their physical body parts. The intense emotions they feel when the other person is near contrast sharply with the emptiness they experience when they are apart, highlighting the tumultuous nature of their feelings.
The final verse brings a sense of resignation and acceptance to the narrative as the singer reflects on the damage that has been done. They describe themselves as having all their bridges burned, a metaphor for having no way back from the hurt and betrayal they have experienced. Despite this, there is a poignant plea for acceptance and belonging as they ask to be called "yours," acknowledging the power that the other person holds over them.Overall, the lyrics of "Coffee Time" convey a deep sense of vulnerability, longing, and resignation in the face of unreciprocated love and exploitation. The singer's emotional turmoil and ultimate acceptance of their situation create a bittersweet and poignant portrait of a person caught in the throes of unrequited affection.
Writer(s): Arthur Freed, Harry Warren
Contributed by Asher G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@bossanova64
Oooooh man this is beautiful, thank you so much my dear.....Not too long ago i had chance to meet Sweet Baby Jay in Los Angeles and we talked about Carmen how she wrote some songs for Carmen and what a nice person Ms. Mcrae was, it was great, when i was back in the States i was always out in the Jazz scene, different jazz joints every night and i had the chance to meet talk with a lot of great jazz legends, like Benny Golson, Freddy Hubbard, Toots Thielemans, Ron Carter, Jon Hendricks,etc.
@davidallen508
Thanks for posting this great song ; the only good moment in a dreadful film called “The Subterraneans” which bombed.
@roseeze166
Brewing coffee and listening to this.
@bigbnelson7991
You heard the lady, its coffee time people. ☕💯 Now soak this up and enjoy 😎✌
@gabrielebeltramini5274
great song.
@jazzyscookie
Carmen McRae / Coffee Time
@jazzyscookie
Daryl Campbell Yes!
@jonathanzabel2724
The Subterraneans brought me here.
@jazzyscookie
@PhilWatson
Just had one but thanks anyway! Hope you're okay Jazzy! ;))