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.
Just You Just Me
Charlie Parker Lyrics
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Let's find a cozy spot
To cuddle and coo
Just us, just we
I've missed an awful lot
My trouble is you
What are your charms for?
What are my arms for?
Use your imagination!
Just you, just me
I'll tie a lover's knot
'Round wonderful you!
In these lyrics to Charlie Parker's song "Just You Just Me," the singer expresses a desire for an intimate and exclusive connection with someone. The opening lines, "Just you, just me, let's find a cozy spot, to cuddle and coo," suggest a longing for a private space where they can intimately connect and share affection. The use of the word "cozy" denotes a sense of warmth and comfort, emphasizing the desire for emotional closeness.
The next lines, "Just us, just we, I've missed an awful lot, my trouble is you," indicate that the singer has yearned for this person's presence and has been longing for the connection they share. The phrase "my trouble is you" suggests that the person being referred to may have caused some kind of emotional turmoil, yet despite that, the singer is willing to embrace and accept the challenges that come with the relationship.
The lines "Oh, gee! What are your charms for? What are my arms for? Use your imagination!" convey a sense of curiosity and playfulness. The singer is urging the other person to explore their individual charms and to imagine the possibilities that their relationship can offer. Finally, the lyrics conclude with the affirmation "Just you, just me, I'll tie a lover's knot 'round wonderful you!" This signifies the singer's commitment and intention to fully embrace and celebrate the other person, emphasizing their value and worth as a partner.
Overall, the lyrics of "Just You Just Me" convey a yearning for intimacy, affection, and a desire to create a special bond with someone despite any challenges that may arise.
Line by Line Meaning
Just you, just me
It's only the two of us, no one else matters in this moment
Let's find a cozy spot
Let's search for a comfortable place where we can relax and enjoy each other's company
To cuddle and coo
To embrace and express affectionate sounds towards one another
Just us, just we
No one else is involved, it's just the two of us
I've missed an awful lot
I have missed you immensely and have a lot to catch up on
My trouble is you
You are the cause of my worries, but I cannot help but be drawn to you
Oh, gee!
Expressing astonishment or surprise
What are your charms for?
What qualities or attributes make you attractive or appealing?
What are my arms for?
What purpose do my arms serve besides holding you?
Use your imagination!
Be creative and envision the possibilities
Just you, just me
It's still just the two of us, no one else matters
I'll tie a lover's knot
I will create a bond of love and commitment
'Round wonderful you!
Around your amazing and beautiful self
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JEFFREY DAVID STEVENS, MARV GREEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind