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
It's Crazy
Clifford Brown Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Laugh like a loon; everything is fun
It's crazy, but I'm in love
I act like a fool; what do I care?
I'll be a fool as long as you're there
It's crazy, but I'm in love
All around the city
The world's my sweet potato pie
And I'm sittin' mighty pretty
I sleep by the stars, chase that old moon
Fall into the bed hummin' a tune
It's crazy, but I'm in love
These lyrics are expressing the intense feeling of being in love, to the point that everything seems to be exaggeratedly bright and fun. The lyricist jumps, laughs, acts foolishly, and feels no shame because nothing else matters when that person they love is around. The experience of love is so powerful that the lyricist feels like spreading their wings and conquering the world with the person they love by their side. They are so happy and content that they can fall asleep humming a tune, in the midst of all this craziness.
The first two lines set the tone for the rest of the song by emphasizing the sense of euphoria that comes with falling in love. The following lines continue to convey the idea that the person is acting carefree and doing things that would normally be considered silly. However, these actions are justified by the feeling of being in love, as if they give the person the freedom to be themselves without consequences. The notion of conquering the world by being in love is portrayed by metaphors such as flying and sweetness.
Ultimately, the lyrics are an ode to the power of love and how it can make us feel crazy, but in the best way possible.
Line by Line Meaning
I jump up at down, shake out the sun
I'm extremely happy and excited, nothing can bring me down.
Laugh like a loon; everything is fun
I'm so joyful, I can't stop laughing and enjoying every moment of my life.
It's crazy, but I'm in love
Although my behavior might seem irrational or crazy to others, I'm happy and deeply in love.
I act like a fool; what do I care?
I don't mind looking foolish or silly, as long as I can be with the person I love.
I'll be a fool as long as you're there
I'm willing to do anything to be with you, even if it means acting silly or being foolish.
I spread my wings and then I fly
I feel free and liberated, as if I can do anything I want.
All around the city
I explore and experience the world around me with excitement and wonder.
The world's my sweet potato pie
The world is a wonderful and delightful place, filled with happiness and joy.
And I'm sittin' mighty pretty
I'm feeling great and confident about myself and my life.
I sleep by the stars, chase that old moon
I find beauty and wonder in the night sky, and feel a sense of adventure and excitement.
Fall into the bed hummin' a tune
I am so happy and content that I hum a song as I fall asleep.
It's crazy, but I'm in love
Once again I acknowledge that my behavior might seem wild or erratic to others, but I'm still deeply in love and happy.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Al Fields, Jimmie Rogers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dr. Kevin Moore
IMO, this album features Sarah's finest singing. I think that Clifford Brown simply forced her to raise her game to reach it's highest level. Clifford's solo here is simply ridiculously brilliant.
Jack Z.
What an amazing voice! Beautiful song
ManagerGuy1
love this! thanks!
beforeourveryeyes
You are a treasure; thank YOU!
Laura Karst
I am desperately searching for the sheet music for this. Does anybody have a lead? Many thanks!
Sylvie Clément
So am I And have been doing so for years... Maybe you have found it by now. If so, please tell me! Many thanks.
David Coss
@Sylvie Clément I’m looking for this sheet music too. Can’t find it. Can you help?
David Coss
Did you ever find the sheet music to this tune? I can’t find it anywhere.
Laura Karst
@David Coss After searching everywhere, and to no avail, I finally gave up. Very disappointing.
Pamela Chiarappa
oh i was looking for this!thank you!