Wilson's repertoire includes both jazz and blues standards and renditions of pop and rock songs. Her contralto voice has been described as bluesy and sultry, and the style of her music ranges from swing to funk to bossa nova. Many of the songs she covers are by artists who usually record in other genres.
Wilson counts the late Miles Davis as one of her greatest influences. In 1989 she performed as the opening act for Davis at the JVC Jazz Festival in Chicago. In 1999 she produced Traveling Miles as a tribute to Davis. The album developed from a series of jazz concerts that she performed at Lincoln Center in November 1997 in Davis's honor and includes three selections based on Davis's own compositions, in which Wilson adapted the original themes.
A Brief Discography
Point of View (1986, JMT)
Days Aweigh (1987, JMT)
Blue Skies (1988, JMT)
Jumpworld (1989, JMT)
She Who Weeps (1990, JMT)
Live (1991, JMT)
After the Beginning Again (1992, JMT)
Dance to the Drums Again (1992, DIW/Columbia)
Blue Light 'til Dawn (1993, Blue Note)
New Moon Daughter (1995, Blue Note)
Rendezvous (with Jacky Terrasson) (1998, Blue Note)
Traveling Miles (1999, Blue Note)
Belly of the Sun (2002, Blue Note)
Glamoured (2003, Blue Note)
Thunderbird (2006, Blue Note)
Loverly (2008, Blue Note)
Silver Pony (2010, Blue Note)
Another Country (2012, eOne)
Official website: www.cassandrawilson.com
Red Guitar
Cassandra Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lay my head on white linens
Morning comes, drink black coffee
Then i play my song on red guitar
Take my flight through blue heavens
Walk my path in green gardens
Drive my car on black highway
*Everyday the colors come and dance for me
Every night they fade and disappear
We are merely shadows floating in this world
We got nothing to lose, we got nothing to fear
oh no, no...*
(*Repeat)
Drink my wine from pink glasses
Take the stage with purple princes
Love my man, yellow roses
Then i play my song on red guitar
I play my song on red guitar
Play my song on red guitar
The song ‘Red Guitar’ by Cassandra Wilson beautifully captures the essence of everyday life through the use of colors. Each verse speaks of various actions and experiences in different colors, before culminating in the chorus where the colors “come and dance” and life becomes a fleeting shadow. The repetition of the line “Then I play my song on red guitar” ties the different colors and experiences together, emphasizing how music unites and helps us make sense of the world around us.
The lyrics also depict a sense of artistic freedom and expression, as seen in the line “Take the stage with purple princes”. This reflects the idea of music acting as an escape, as well as a form of self-expression that transcends societal norms and restrictions. The use of first-person point-of-view in the lyrics further emphasizes the personal and introspective nature of the song, inviting the listener to relate to and reflect on their own experiences.
Overall, ‘Red Guitar’ is a captivating and introspective song that creatively uses colors to evoke emotions and experiences, while emphasizing how music and self-expression can help make sense of the world around us.
Line by Line Meaning
Wash my face with blue water
I cleanse myself every morning with cool, refreshing water
Lay my head on white linens
I rest peacefully on crisp and clean sheets
Morning comes, drink black coffee
As a new day begins, I sip on strong, dark coffee
Then I play my song on red guitar
Music is an integral part of my daily routine and I express myself through my red guitar
Take my flight through blue heavens
I soar through the blue skies with a sense of freedom
Walk my path in green gardens
I find peace and solace in nature's green gardens
Drive my car on black highway
I journey on the winding roads of life with a sense of purpose
Then I play my song on red guitar
No matter where I go, I always have my trusty red guitar to help me express myself
Everyday the colors come and dance for me
Life is a vibrant, colorful experience and I am grateful for each moment
Every night they fade and disappear
But each day must come to an end and I must cherish the memories that were made
We are merely shadows floating in this world
We are fleeting, impermanent beings simply existing in this vast world
We got nothing to lose, we got nothing to fear
However, we should not be afraid to live our lives to the fullest because we have nothing to lose
Drink my wine from pink glasses
I indulge in the sweet nectar of life and enjoy it in rose-tinted glasses
Take the stage with purple princes
I am not afraid to step into the limelight and perform for others like royalty
Love my man, yellow roses
I have a deep connection and affection for my partner, expressed through the symbolism of yellow roses
Then I play my song on red guitar
Music remains a constant presence in my life, especially as I express my love and emotions through my red guitar
I play my song on red guitar
Ultimately, my music is an extension of myself and how I interact with the world around me
Contributed by Hunter V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
mardenhill
this has been on repeat for four consecutive days ... so so good. she's got it. respect!
Doris Baldwin
Simply love this ladies vocals..most unusual moving Vibe..especially "Red Guitar: a favorite.
Ernie Florence
Cassandra Wilson is one of my favorites!!!!! This song is another winner!!!! Beautiful!
Elelloang Lesei
I love it looking forward to listening the whole albums!!
Fernando Castaño
Hermosa cancion!!
claude gouriou
Marvelous song from a beautiful and talentuous artist.
rachel ceasar-metoyer
I agree
Ray Sherlock
great, as usual from Cassandra!
Vyretth
i played this song today as solo guitar :) it was great
Colin Barley
Love this!