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 Didn't Know What Time It Was
Charlie Parker Lyrics
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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
In "I Didn't Know What Time It Was," Charlie Parker laments his inability to win the heart of an object of his affection. He mentions his worldly accomplishments: he's been around the world and settled revolutions in Spain. He's even charted the North Pole. But despite all this, he can't seem to get anywhere with this special person. He is so infatuated with her, he dreams about her day and night and schemes just for the sight of her. He seems frustrated that despite all his accomplishments, he still can't win her over. He's even been consulted by Franklin D. Roosevelt and had tea with Gable and Basic, but none of that matters because he can't get started with her.
The lyrics are poetic, with Parker painting a picture of a man who seems to have everything, yet is lacking in the one thing he truly desires - the heart of this woman. The song captures the feeling of heartbreak and frustration that comes with unrequited love. Parker's soaring saxophone adds to the emotional intensity of the song, creating a sense of longing and desperation.
Overall, "I Didn't Know What Time It Was" is a beautiful song that captures the essence of unfulfilled desire. Parker's lyrics and music come together to create a powerful portrait of a man who is searching for love.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been around the world in a plane
I have traveled all over the world by air and seen many things.
Settled revolutions in Spain
I played a role in bringing an end to the revolutions that were taking place in Spain.
The North Pole I have charted
I have made a map of the North Pole, indicating its topography and various landmarks.
But can't get started with you
I am unable to begin a relationship with you, even though I have accomplished many things in my life.
And at the golf course I'm under par
I excel at playing golf and consistently score below the standard number of strokes.
Metro-Goldwyn wants me to star
The film studio, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, desires me as a lead actor in their productions.
I've got a house and a show place
I own a comfortable and lavish house, which also serves as a place to hold performances or entertain guests.
But can't get no place with you
Despite all of my accomplishments and possessions, I cannot seem to win your affection.
You're so supreme
You are of the highest quality or excellence.
The lyrics I write of you
I often write songs or poems about you.
Dream, dream, day and night of you
I fantasize about you day and night, often in my dreams.
Scheme just for the sight of you
I make plans or plots in order to catch a glimpse of you or be near you.
Baby but what good dose it do
However, these plots or plans do not seem to have any benefit or success.
I've been consulted by Franklin D.
Even the President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt, has sought my advice or input on certain matters.
Even Basic had me to tea
Even the philosopher, Ludwig Wittgenstein, invited me to a social gathering for tea.
But now I'm broken hearted
Despite all of these accomplishments, I am sad and upset.
Can't get started with you
I still cannot initiate a relationship with you or win your affections, which is causing me great distress.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IRA GERSHWIN, VERNON DUKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Darius Keith
My blessed youthful introduction to Jazz in 1963 at the tender age of 15. My 7th grade music teacher began the transition by opening my mind to Gershwin but, my favorite high school friend, Dennis, baritone sax in out stellar swing band, awakened me to the real deal one afternoon when he shared his dad’s record of Charlie Parker with Strings. This masterpiece changed my wholly music land scape! Still one of the best old classics for me on all time!
Jimmy Johnston
Mitch Miller plays his square straight man to Bird’s swinging genius. Parker was so proud of his work on this album. What a loss although his legacy is infinite!
Thanks for sharing!
vova47
Three cheers for the man who made this album possible -- the great Norman Granz!!
vova47
My favorite Charlie Parker album! Thanks for the lovely pictures!
Noreen Jackson
What a lovely rendition of this tune. So heartfelt and always one of my favorite recordings of Bird.
Charlie rum ole boi!
First heard this over 35 years ago on an old Verve compilation album. Love it just as much now. But time has made it even more nostalgic and magic.
Noreen Jackson
What a lovely rendition of this tune. So heartfelt and always one of my favorite recordings of Bird. This one makes me cry.
Anonymous
To me, this is the definitive version. I love Bird. So beautiful...
AZ2
@catman916 Totally agree with you. This album touches the soul from beginning to end. It's a national treasure.
John Camacho
If you don’t think Charlie Parker was the best saxophonist ever listen to Charlie with strings; no one better.