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
I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You
Clifford Brown Lyrics
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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
These lyrics from Clifford Brown's song "I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You" express the desperation and longing of someone who is hopelessly in love with someone who is out of their reach. The singer acknowledges that they love the person "madly," but they feel powerless against the competition of other lovers who surround them. Despite their efforts to win over the person with sweet words and tender kisses, the singer knows deep down that their hopes are futile and that they "don't stand a ghost of a chance" at winning the person's heart.
The lyrics capture the complex mix of emotions that come with unrequited love, from the deep desire to be with the person to the resignation that it may never happen. The singer is torn between the intensity of their feelings and the realization that their love may never be returned. The song's mournful melody and Brown's soulful trumpet playing add to the bittersweet mood of the lyrics, evoking the feeling of a love that burns bright but never quite takes hold.
Line by Line Meaning
I need your love so badly, I love you, oh, so madly
I have a great desire for your love and affection, it fills me with an intense emotion.
But I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!
Unfortunately, I have no prospects of winning your love, as there are many contenders for your affections.
I thought at last I'd found you, but other lovers surround you
I believed that I had finally discovered you as my lover, but unfortunately, there are many individuals seeking your love and attention.
And "I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!"
Thus, there is no possibility for me to win your love and affection.
If you'd surrender just for a tender kiss or two
However, if you were to give in to my advances and share a few intimate moments with me, you might discover that I am the ideal lover for you.
You might discover, that I'm the lover meant for you
It is possible that upon experiencing intimacy with me, you may realise that I am the soulmate you have been searching for.
And I'd be true, but what's the good of scheming
If you were to reciprocate my affection, I would remain devoted to you. However, it would be fruitless to plot and plan for an outcome that seems unlikely.
I know I must be dreaming
I am aware that my hopes of being with you are unrealistic and that all of this amounts to mere wishful thinking.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NICKY SKOPELITIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind