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.
Romance Without Finance
Charlie Parker Lyrics
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Baby, you know I need me some gold
Romance without finance just don′t make sense (it sure don't)
Mama, mama, please give up that gold
You so great and you so fine
You ain′t got no money you can't be mine
It ain't no joke to be stone broke
Romance without finance is a nuisance (you′re not kidding bro)
Please please baby give me some gold
Romance without finance is a nuisance (oh, but it is)
Oh baby, I must have me some gold
Romance without finance just don't make sense (no kind of way)
Oh baby, mama, mama, give up that gold
You so great and you so fine
You ain′t got no money you can't be mine
It ain′t no joke to be stone broke
Baby, you know I'd lie when I say
Romance without finance is a nuisance (it′s a drag)
The lyrics to Charlie Parker's song "Romance Without Finance" express the idea that a romantic relationship lacking financial stability can be troublesome and unsatisfying. The singer acknowledges that while love is important, it is also necessary to have financial means in order to sustain a healthy and fulfilling relationship. The repeated plea for gold from the mama figure reinforces the notion that financial support is crucial in a romantic partnership.
The lyrics emphasize the importance of money as a practical aspect of relationships. The line "You ain't got no money you can't be mine" directly connects financial standing with the ability to be together. The singer acknowledges the seriousness of being broke, stating "It ain't no joke to be stone broke." This expression highlights the challenges and limitations that come with a lack of financial resources.
Overall, the lyrics suggest that while love and romance are essential, financial stability plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy and functional relationship. It portrays the singer's desire for financial support to ensure the success and longevity of their romantic connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Romance without finance is a nuisance (but definitely)
Having a romantic relationship without financial stability is bothersome and inconvenient, without a doubt.
Baby, you know I need me some gold
Darling, you are aware that I require financial wealth in my life.
Romance without finance just don′t make sense (it sure don't)
Engaging in a romantic partnership without sufficient funds simply lacks rationality.
Mama, mama, please give up that gold
Mother, mother, I implore you to provide me with some financial resources.
You so great and you so fine
You are extremely wonderful and attractive.
You ain′t got no money you can't be mine
If you possess no wealth, you cannot be in a relationship with me.
It ain't no joke to be stone broke
Being completely penniless is no laughing matter.
Baby, you know I′d lie when I say
Darling, you are aware that I would be dishonest if I claimed
Romance without finance is a nuisance (you′re not kidding bro)
Having a romantic relationship without financial stability is truly problematic, I'm not joking.
Please please baby give me some gold
Please, I beseech you, my dear, offer me some financial wealth.
Romance without finance is a nuisance (oh, but it is)
Having a romantic relationship without financial stability is undeniably a bother, even if it is acknowledged.
Oh baby, I must have me some gold
Oh darling, I absolutely need to possess a certain amount of financial wealth.
Romance without finance just don't make sense (no kind of way)
Engaging in a romantic partnership without sufficient funds simply lacks logic in any way.
Oh baby, mama, mama, give up that gold
Oh darling, mother, mother, please relinquish some of your financial resources.
You so great and you so fine
You are extremely wonderful and attractive.
You ain′t got no money you can't be mine
If you possess no wealth, you cannot be in a relationship with me.
It ain′t no joke to be stone broke
Being completely penniless is no laughing matter.
Baby, you know I'd lie when I say
Darling, you are aware that I would be dishonest if I claimed
Romance without finance is a nuisance (it′s a drag)
Engaging in a romantic partnership without financial stability is truly burdensome and unpleasant.
Writer(s): Lloyd Tiny Grimes
Contributed by Nicholas I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.