Brubeck's style ranged from refined to bombastic, reflecting his mother's attempts at classical training and his improvisational skills. Much of his music employed unusual time signatures, a fact jokingly referred to by his greatest hits album 'Time Signatures: A Career Retrospective'. Upon his death, a number of commentators noted his crossover appeal to mainstream pop audiences, something putting him in the company of other jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong and Herbie Hancock among others.
I
Dave Brubeck Lyrics
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You know you want to be free
Darling, you know I'll let you go
You'd do the same for me
I understand
And darling, you are not to blame
If when we kiss it's not the same
It's not your fault because your heart has changed it's mind
You didn't mean to be unkind
I understand
Forgetting you will be far from easy
I've grown so used to your charms
I'll miss that old thrill and no one can fill
The place here in my arms
But if you find our love was really meant to be
Then darling, hurry back to me
And I'll understand
I understand
And darling, you are not to blame
If when we kiss it's not the same
I understand.
It's not your fault because your heart has changed it's mind
You didn't mean to be unkind
I understand
Forgetting you will be far from easy
I've grown so used to your charms
I'll miss that old thrill and no one can fill
The place here in my arms
But if you find our love was really meant to be
Then darling, hurry back to me
The lyrics of Dave Brubeck's song "I Understand" are about the end of a romantic relationship. The singer is aware that the person they are addressing is no longer in love with them, and they are willing to let them go. Despite the pain that they are feeling, they are acknowledging that the other person deserves to be free and happy, even if it means leaving the relationship behind. The singer says that they understand and that the other person is not at fault for changing their heart. They recognize that forgetting the other person will not be easy, but they hope that if their love is meant to be, the other person will come back.
The lyrics of "I Understand" are both sincere and bittersweet. The singer is acknowledging the end of the relationship and showing compassion for the other person, even though they are hurting. The tone of the song is reflective and melancholic, but there is also a sense of hope that the relationship might be salvaged if it is truly meant to be.
Overall, "I Understand" is a poignant song about the end of a relationship and the bittersweetness that comes with letting go.
Line by Line Meaning
Why do you go on pretending
Questioning why the partner keeps pretending and not being honest about wanting to be free
You know you want to be free
Acknowledging that the partner desires to be free and not tied down
Darling, you know I'll let you go
Assuring the partner that they are free to leave without any repercussions or hard feelings from the singer
You'd do the same for me
Reminding the partner that in the same situation, the singer would let them go without any second thoughts
I understand
Reaffirming that the singer acknowledges and comprehends the situation
And darling, you are not to blame
Assuring the partner that they are not to be blamed for the changes in their feelings
If when we kiss it's not the same
Acknowledging that the intimacy has changed and is no longer the same as before
It's not your fault because your heart has changed its mind
Explaining that the partner's changed heart is natural and not to be blamed
You didn't mean to be unkind
Assuring the partner that their actions were not meant to be hurtful or unkind
Forgetting you will be far from easy
Expressing the difficulty of moving on and forgetting the partner
I've grown so used to your charms
Admitting that the singer has become accustomed to the partner's endearing qualities
I'll miss that old thrill and no one can fill the place here in my arms
Expressing the significance of the loss and how no one can replace the partner
But if you find our love was really meant to be
Hoping that the partner comes back if their love was truly meant to be
Then darling, hurry back to me
Urging the partner to come back if they realize their love was true
And I'll understand
Reiterating that the singer will continue to be accepting and understanding of the partner's choices
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: WILLIAM PAT BEST
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
panbe
I'm Polish. I once told my grandfather (who used to organize musical events) I was listening to Brubeck. His reaction: "I hosted him in Poland - what a charming young man!" Whenever I listen to him, since then, I think of the charming young man.
Juna
Jak to powiedział po polsku? 🥰
Samantha James
You just have to look at all the different languages in the comments to see that this is one of the worlds all time greatest musicians. Good music just touches your soul.
Matthew Kelly
Was just thinking that same thing. Sure is nice.
Just Data
@Samantha, that is a beautiful comment you made.
J S
Simple,amazing. Will never die
Aaron Abernethy
it doesn't matter what language you speak, what color your skin, what ever religion, gender, sexuality, faith or opinion, Jazz is a Language anyone can speak...
Ken Reed
As a Brubeck fan over the last 60 years or so, I applaud your selections. Thanks.
Boris Brođanac
Shame that Koto song didn't end up on this track list :(
Linda Fung
This never gets old. Love it :)