He won the Down Beat critics' poll for the 'New Star of the Year' in 1954; he was inducted into the Down Beat 'Jazz Hall of Fame' in 1972 in the critics' poll. Sandoval described him as "one of what we call the mandatory trumpet players" who was "one of the greatest trumpet players of all time".
Wilmington, Delaware, (where Brownie was born and is buried), hosts an annual jazz fest in his honor. Sponsored by the cities arts commission known as Citifest, the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival is a FREE week long event held mostly in outdoor venues at various locations in Wilmington. The festival usually occurs the 3rd week in June of each year.
Noteable websites are:
The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival: http://www.cliffordbrownjazzfest.com
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clifford_Brown and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clifford_Brown_Jazz_Festival
Brownie, the unofficial memorial website: http://cliffordbrown.net
Ghost Of A Chance
Clifford Brown Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!
I thought at last I'd found you, but other lovers surround you
And "I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!"
If you'd surrender just for a tender kiss or two
You might discover, that I'm the lover meant for you
And I'd be true, but what's the good of scheming
I know I must be dreaming
The lyrics to Clifford Brown's song "Ghost Of A Chance" express the unrequited love of the singer. The singer is hopelessly in love with someone who does not reciprocate their feelings. The singer acknowledges their own desperation in needing the love of this person so badly, but still feels love for them madly. However, despite their true feelings, the singer admits that they don't stand a chance with the person they love.
The singer is aware that there are other potential lovers vying for the affection of their beloved, and they feel helpless in the competition. Despite their longing, the singer knows that their love is unrequited and accepts that they will never fully achieve their deepest desires. The singer suggests that if they were given even a small chance to show their affection, they would prove to be the ideal lover for their beloved. However, they also admit that pursuing their love interest is futile and recognizes that they must be dreaming, as their love will never be reciprocated.
Line by Line Meaning
I need your love so badly, I love you, oh, so madly
The singer is expressing their deep love and desire for the person they are addressing.
But I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!
The singer believes that they have no chance of being with the person they desire.
I thought at last I'd found you, but other lovers surround you
The singer believed they had found the person they desire, but they have discovered that this person has other suitors.
And "I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!"
The artist reiterates that they do not believe they have a chance with the person they desire.
If you'd surrender just for a tender kiss or two
The artist suggests that the person they desire might have feelings for them if they were willing to be intimate.
You might discover, that I'm the lover meant for you
The singer believes that if the person they desire gave them a chance, they would find that they are perfect for each other.
And I'd be true, but what's the good of scheming
The singer promises to be loyal, but acknowledges that trying to win the person over is pointless.
I know I must be dreaming
The artist realizes that their desire for the person they cannot have is unrealistic and unlikely to come true.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Bing Crosby, Ned Washington, Victor Popular Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind