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.
Nice Work If You Can Get It
Carmen McRae Lyrics
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Lives a life that isn't necessarily sunny
Likewise, the man who works for fame
There's no guarantee that time won't erase his name
The fact is, the only work that really brings enjoyment
Is the kind that is for girl and boy meant
Fall in love, you won't regret it
Holding hands at midnight, 'neath a starry sky
Nice work, if you can get it
And you can get it if you try
Strolling with the one girl(guy), sighing sigh after sigh
Nice work, if you can get it
And you can get it if you try
Just imagine someone, waiting at the chapel door
Where two hearts become one, who could ask for anything more?
Loving one who loves you, and then taking that vow
Nice work if you can get it
And if you get it
Won't you tell me how?
Just imagine someone, waiting at the chapel door
Where two hearts become one, who could ask for anything more?
Loving one who loves you, and then taking that vow
Nice work if you can get it
And if you get it
Won't you tell me how?
The song "Nice Work If You Can Get It" by Carmen McRae is a testament to the idea that happiness and fulfillment are not necessarily found in material or external pursuits like making money or chasing fame. The song suggests that true enjoyment comes from something deeper and more meaningful: love. The lyrics contrast those who pursue money and fame with those who fall in love, suggesting that the latter is the more rewarding path.
The first stanza contrasts the lives of those who only pursue money or fame with the unpredictable nature of these goals. The second stanza posits that the only truly fulfilling work is that which is meant for "girl and boy", meaning love. The singer encourages the listener to fall in love, asserting that this is the best possible work they could have. The third and fourth stanzas paint a picture of the kind of love the singer is referring to, one that is full of starry nights, strolling hand in hand, and ultimately culminates in taking vows at the altar.
Line by Line Meaning
The man who only lives for making money
A person who solely focuses on accumulating wealth
Lives a life that isn't necessarily sunny
Their life might not be a happy or fulfilling one despite their financial success
Likewise, the man who works for fame
Similarly, a person who strives for fame
There's no guarantee that time won't erase his name
There's no assurance that their name or achievements will remain relevant in the future
The fact is, the only work that really brings enjoyment
The truth is that only the type of work that is intended for love brings true happiness
Is the kind that is for girl and boy meant
It is the kind of work that is meant for partners in love
Fall in love, you won't regret it
Falling in love is a worthwhile pursuit and one that won't be regretted
That's the best work of all if you can get it
Being in love is the best work of all, as long as it can be attained
Holding hands at midnight, 'neath a starry sky
Walking hand in hand at midnight beneath the stars
Nice work, if you can get it
This is a wonderful experience, but it's not always easily obtainable
And you can get it if you try
It is possible to attain if one tries hard enough
Strolling with the one girl(guy), sighing sigh after sigh
Walking slowly with one's lover and sighing in contentment
Just imagine someone, waiting at the chapel door
Visualize someone eagerly waiting outside the chapel to tie the knot
Where two hearts become one, who could ask for anything more?
A place where two individuals commit themselves to each other in a loving union, what else could anyone want?
Loving one who loves you, and then taking that vow
Loving someone who loves you back and then making a promise to each other
Nice work if you can get it
This experience is definitely worth the effort required to attain it
And if you get it
If you're lucky enough to achieve this
Won't you tell me how?
Could you please share your secret for attaining something so wonderful?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind