Byrd primarily looked up to Django Reinhardt. He moved to Washington, D.C., to study classical guitar with the renowned Sophocles Papas. He later moved to Italy where he studied with Andrés Segovia. In the early 1960's he was on a State Department tour in South America where he was introduced to a new music, the bossa nova, which was the musical passion of Brazil beginning in the late 50's. Jazz saxophonist Stan Getz had been in Brazil about six months earlier than Byrd, also on a State Department tour, where he, too, was exposed to the bossa nova. A short time later Getz called Byrd in D.C. and suggested the idea that they collaborate on a bossa nova album. That album was the introduction of bossa nova to North America.
He is perhaps most well known as a collaborator with Stan Getz on the Jazz Samba album, which featured many themes of bossa nova, and of course, samba.
My One and Only
Charlie Byrd Lyrics
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What am I gonna do if you turn me down
When I`m so crazy over you?
I`d be so lonely
Where am I gonna go if you turn me down
Why blacken all my skies of blue?
It can be done, it can be done
I know a clergyman who will grow lyrical
And make us one, and make us one
So, my one and only
There isn`t a reason why you should turn me down
When I`m so crazy over you
I tell you, I`m not asking any miracle
It can be done, it can be done
I know a clergyman who will grow lyrical
And make us one, and make us one
So, my one and only
There isn`t a reason why you should turn me down
When I`m so crazy over you
Oh, I`m so crazy over you
The song "My One and Only" by jazz guitarist Charlie Byrd is a love song that speaks of the intense feeling of infatuation and love that the singer has for their significant other. The lyrics convey the fear of rejection that comes along with confessing one's love, as the singer questions what they would do if their love interest were to turn them down. The lyrics emphasize how much the singer's life would be impacted if they were rejected, making it clear that their love interest is the one they truly desire. The hope for a positive outcome is evident in the lines that outline the possibility of a clergyman bringing the two lovers together, suggesting that the singer is willing to take any step necessary to make their love a reality.
One interesting aspect of the song is the use of the phrase "My one and only" which references the concept of monogamous relationships, a norm that was less common in the times when the song was first released. Additionally, the song was written for the 1983 film "The Cotton Club" which was a tribute to the famous jazz club in Harlem in the 1920s and 1930s. This links the song to a broader cultural context of jazz music and African American history. The use of a jazz guitar in the song also emphasizes this connection, highlighting the genre's unique style and musical traditions.
Another notable feature of the song is the use of a question and answer format in the lyrics, where the singer poses a question and then provides an answer. This creates a conversational tone that makes the lyrics feel intimate and personal. By introducing the character of a clergyman who could facilitate their union, the song adds an additional layer of hope and optimism to the declaration of love.
Line by Line Meaning
My one and only,
Address of a loved one who is special and cannot be replaced. The person is unique in the eyes of the singer.
What am I gonna do if you turn me down
Fear of rejection and uncertainty in case the person is not interested in a relationship. The singer is anxious about the possibility of not being with the loved one.
When I'm so crazy over you?
The singer's deep feelings of love for the person addressed. They are overwhelmed and lost in their emotions for the loved one.
I'd be so lonely
A description of how the artist would feel without the person they love. They would feel isolated and incomplete.
Where am I gonna go if you turn me down
The artist's feeling of despair about what will happen if the person does not reciprocate their feelings. They feel lost and do not know where to go without the loved one.
Why blacken all my skies of blue?
A metaphorical expression of how the singer's life would lose its color and meaning if the loved one does not love them back. The skies of blue represent hope and happiness that would disappear if rejected.
I tell you, I'm not asking any miracle
The singer acknowledges that the situation is not ideal and does not expect a miracle. They are simply expressing their feelings and hoping for the best.
It can be done, it can be done
Despite the difficulties, the artist is optimistic that their love can be reciprocated. They urge the loved one not to give up on the possibility of a relationship.
I know a clergyman who will grow lyrical
The artist proposes a solution to their situation- getting married by a clergyman. The wording suggests that the person is known to the artist and is skilled in performing weddings.
And make us one, and make us one
The artist urges the loved one to marry them so that they can become one. The repetition of the line emphasizes the importance of this union to the artist.
There isn't a reason why you should turn me down
The singer is convinced that there is no valid reason why the loved one should not accept their love. They are arguing their case and hoping to persuade the loved one to reciprocate their feelings.
Oh, I'm so crazy over you
A repetition of an earlier line, this emphasizes the depth of the artist's feelings for their loved one. They are so in love that it affects their behavior and thoughts constantly.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind