Parker is commonly considered the greatest bebop jazz musician. In terms of influence and impact, his contribution to jazz was so great that Charles Mingus commented that if Bird were alive today, he would think he was living in a hall of mirrors. Bird's talent is compared almost without argument to such legendary musicians as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, and his reputation and legend as one of the best saxophonists is such that some critics say he was unsurpassed.
A founding figure of bebop, Parker's innovative approach to melody, rhythm and harmony have exerted an incalculable influence on jazz.. Several of Parker's songs have become standards of the repertoire, and innumerable musicians have studied Parker's music and absorbed elements of his style.
Parker became an icon for the Beat generation, and was a pivotal figure in the evolving conception of the jazz musician as an uncompromising artist and intellectual, rather than just a popular entertainer. At various times, Parker fused jazz with other musical styles, from classical (seeking to study with Edgard Varese and Stefan Wolpe) to Latin music (recordings with Machito), blazing paths followed later by others.
Parker was known for often showing up to performances without an instrument and borrowing someone else's at the last moment. At more than one venue he played on a plastic Grafton saxophone; later, saxophonist Ornette Coleman used this brand of plastic sax in his early career. On one particular occasion before a concert in Toronto, Canada, he had sold his saxophone to buy drugs, and at the last minute, he, Dizzy Gillespie and other members of Charlie's entourage went running around Toronto trying to find a saxophone. After scouring all the downtown pawnshops open at the time, they were only able to find a Grafton, which Parker proceeded to use at the concert that night. This concert is documented on the album Jazz at Massey Hall. The album is considered one of the greatest live recordings in Jazz history.
Parker's battles with alcoholism and heroin addiction ranged from his teenage years until his death from pneumonia and a bleeding ulcer at thirty-four. The toll that the drug had taken on his relatively young body was quite profound - a doctor examining Parker's body estimated him to be around sixty years old.
During his lifetime, tribute was paid to Parker when a new nightclub in New York was named Birdland in his honour in 1949.Three years later, George Shearing wrote "Lullaby of Birdland", which was named for both Parker and the nightclub.
Other phenomena also occurred in the United States after the death of Parker, particularly the use of the term "Bird lives" in graffiti throughout New York hours after his death, and later as the title of a contemporary art piece of the same name, created by sculptor Robert Graham in 1999. Despite its widespread use, Ted Joans is usually credited with its inception.
Fine And Dandy
Charlie Parker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I like your attitude
You are just the kind I've had in mind
Never could find
Honey, I'm so keen on you
I could come to lean on you
On a random bay, give you your way
Gee, it's all fine and dandy
Sugar candy, when I've got you
Then I only see the sunny side
Even trouble has it's funny side
When you're gone, my sugar candy
I get so lonesome, I get blue
But when you're handy
It's fine and dandy
But when you're gone
What can I do?
The lyrics of the song "Fine and Dandy" by Charlie Byrd & Scott Hamilton show an admirable admiration for a significant other. The first verse is straightforward and concise, expressing the singer's appreciation for the person's attitude and character, implying that they have been searching for someone like them. The second verse takes a romantic tone when the singer confesses how much they admire the person, going as far as promising to fulfill their every desire.
The chorus "Gee, it's all fine and dandy, Sugar candy, when I've got you" and "Then I only see the sunny side, Even trouble has its funny side" suggests that the singer feels that life is beautiful when they are with the person they adore. They see the good in everything, and even the tough times become easier to handle. The song's final lines show that the singer feels lost and lonely without the person they like. They may perceive themselves as incomplete and struggling to find joy when the person is away.
Overall, the lyrics of "Fine and Dandy" show a beautiful relationship between two people who genuinely appreciate each other's company. The song is about two people who have found each other and cherish every moment spent together. The song's lighthearted tone, simple and straightforward lyrics, and excellent musicianship make it a delightful listen.
Line by Line Meaning
Please forgive this platitude
Forgive me for what may seem like an overused or cliché statement to you but I want to say it nonetheless.
But I like your attitude
I appreciate your outlook on life and the way you carry yourself which has caught my attention.
You are just the kind I've had in mind
You're exactly the kind of person I've been looking for, in terms of personality and character.
Never could find
I have been unable to find someone like you before, but now that I have, I am taken aback.
Honey, I'm so keen on you
My feelings for you are strong, and candid, deep-seated and undoubtedly passionate.
I could come to lean on you
I am very comfortable around you and I know I can rely on you for support and guidance.
On a random bay, give you your way
No matter where we are or what we are doing, I will listen to your wishes, and follow your lead.
Do what you say
I respect your thoughts, opinions, and beliefs; hence, if you say or ask for something, I will adhere to it.
Gee, it's all fine and dandy
Wow, things are going really well and everything is great and magnificent now.
Sugar candy, when I've got you
You're as sweet and enjoyable as candy, and I feel so lucky to have you in my life.
Then I only see the sunny side
Whenever I'm with you, I become optimistic and I only see the brighter side of things.
Even trouble has its funny side
I realize that even in hard times, you try to make me laugh or find humor which makes it better.
When you're gone, my sugar candy
When you're away from me, I miss you immensely.
I get so lonesome, I get blue
I feel melancholy and sad when you're not here with me.
But when you're handy
However, when I'm around you or you're present, everything becomes comfortable, and convenient instantly.
It's fine and dandy
It's truly marvelous and delightful.
But when you're gone
But on the contrary, when you're not here with me,
What can I do?
I feel helpless and empty, wishing you were here with me.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kay Swift, Paul James
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind