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.
I Can't Get Started
Charlie Parker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Settled revolutions in Spain
The North Pole I have charted
But can't get started with you
And at the golf course I'm under par
Metro-Goldwyn wants me to star
I've got a house and a show place
But can't get no place with you
You're so supreme
The lyrics I write of you
Dream, dream, day and night of you
Scheme just for the sight of you
Baby but what good dose it do
I've been consulted by Franklin D.
Even Gabel had me to tea
But now I'm broken hearted
Can't get started with you
You're so supreme
The lyrics I write of you
Dream, dream, day and night of you
Scheme just for the sight of you
But what good does it do
I've been consulted by Franklin D.
Even Basic had me to tea
But now I'm broken hearted
Can't get started with you
The lyrics of Charlie Parker's "I Can't Get Started with You" reflect the singer's frustration in his romantic pursuit of someone he considers to be of supreme value, but who remains out of his reach. The opening lines suggest the singer's extensive experience with adventure and success in various fields, such as aviation, politics, and exploration. However, his accomplishments pale in comparison to his inability to start a romantic relationship with the person in question. The singer's dissatisfaction is also evident in the contrast between his professional fame and wealth, demonstrated by his under par golf score, starring in a Metro-Goldwyn movie, and owning a mansion, and his failure to gain the affection of that one special person.
The second verse reinforces his infatuation with the object of his affections. The phrases "dream, dream, day and night of you" and "scheme just for the sight of you" reveal his obsessive thoughts and pursuit of this person for whom he has deep feelings. Despite his admiration, the singer shows signs of exasperation in the final line, "But what good does it do," indicating his frustration and resignation with his continued lack of progress in the relationship.
The third verse highlights the singer's disheartened state, with even more impressive names than the first verse, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Gabby Gabreski, seeking his counsel. Despite his association with such notables, he still feels brokenhearted and unable to make a connection with the one who matters most. The repeated lines in each verse emphasize the singer's longing for the person and his inability to consummate his desires.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been around the world in a plane
I have traveled far and wide on a plane.
Settled revolutions in Spain
I have helped bring an end to political strife in Spain.
The North Pole I have charted
I have explored and mapped the Arctic regions.
But can't get started with you
Despite all my achievements, I cannot make progress with you.
And at the golf course I'm under par
At the golf course, my performance is better than expected.
Metro-Goldwyn wants me to star
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios wants me to be the lead actor in their films.
I've got a house and a show place
I have a beautiful home and an impressive entertainment venue.
But can't get no place with you
Despite my assets, I cannot impress you or make progress in our relationship.
You're so supreme
You are highly superior in every aspect.
The lyrics I write of you
I compose beautiful songs about you.
Dream, dream, day and night of you
I constantly think about and long for you in my dreams.
Scheme just for the sight of you
I plan and plot to just catch a glimpse of you.
Baby but what good dose it do
But all this effort is futile and brings me no benefit.
I've been consulted by Franklin D.
Even President Franklin D. Roosevelt has sought my advice or expertise.
Even Gabel had me to tea
Even the famous conductor Leonard Bernstein invited me over for tea.
But now I'm broken hearted
But despite all my achievements, my heart is broken.
Can't get started with you
I cannot seem to make progress or impress you in our relationship.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ira Gershwin, Vernon Duke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ziruini5071
I love the expressions the bassist and the drummer have in the picture. This music makes people smile
@jimmuldoon150
That's Oscar Peterson (piano) and Ray Brown (bass)
@karvakeisari9359
Don't you recognize great Oscar Peterson?! :/
@ziruini5071
I guess I didn’t. Sorry
@beefheart1410
Glorious when I was 21; still glorious now I'm 51!
@dtopham100
and will still be when you are 71!
@olebirgerpedersen
And even when you are 81.
@monktrane325
my goodness I adore this man
@michaelsammin9055
Charlie Parker. I don't know why I even bother to listen to anyone else.
@deadboss1193
Michael Sammin so true. Even all the greats seem to fade under him.