In the 1970s, he moved away from his previous hard-bop jazz base and began to record jazz fusion and rhythm and blues. Teaming up with the Mizell Brothers, he produced Black Byrd, which was enormously successful and became Blue Note Records' highest-ever selling album. The follow-up albums, Places and Spaces, Stepping Into Tomorrow, and Street Lady, were also big sellers, and have subsequently provided a rich source of samples for hip-hop artists such as Us3.
He has taught music at Rutgers University, the Hampton Institute, New York University, Howard University, and Oberlin College. In 1974 he created The Blackbyrds, a fusion group consisting of his best students. They scored several major hits, including "Walking In Rhythm" and "Blackbyrds Theme".
Places and Spaces
Donald Byrd Lyrics
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Oh the places and spaces I've been
Oh the places and spaces I've been
Oh the places and spaces I've been
Oh the places and spaces I've been
Oh the places and spaces I've been
Well the places and spaces I've been
Down on the west-side
Where all the girls hide
All you have to do is east-side
What you gon' buy?
Sliding on the east coast
The very sleep coast
People getting high
Had a lot of women
Seen a lot of land
Takes a little while
Then you'll understand
Had a lot of women
Seen a lot of land
Takes a little while
Then you'll understand
Had a lot of women
Seen a lot of land
Takes a little while
Then you'll understand
Had a lot of women
Seen a lot of land
Takes a little while
Then you'll understand
Had a lot of women
Seen a lot of land
Takes a little while
Then you'll understand
The lyrics of Donald Byrd's song "Places and Spaces" describe the singer's experiences traveling to different locations and seeing various sights. The repetition of the phrase "Oh the places and spaces I've been" emphasizes the sense of exploration and adventure. The lyrics are reflection on the experiences that the singer has had, both good and bad, and how those experiences have shaped who he is.
The first verse mentions the "west-side" and "east-side", which may refer to different neighborhoods or regions within a city. The lyrics suggest that there are different cultures and lifestyles that can be experienced depending on the location. The second verse mentions the "east coast" and people "getting high", perhaps referring to the drug culture that was prevalent in certain parts of America during the time the song was written in the 1970s. The repeating lines of "had a lot of women, seen a lot of land" suggest that the singer has had many romantic encounters and has traveled extensively.
Overall, the lyrics of "Places and Spaces" convey a sense of freedom, excitement, and a desire for exploration. The song celebrates the diversity of experiences that life can offer, and suggests that these experiences are valuable because they help us understand ourselves and the world around us.
Line by Line Meaning
Places and spaces I've been
Reflecting on all the different locations and environments I've had the privilege to visit and experience
Oh the places and spaces I've been
Recalling with excitement the unique and diverse places and spaces I have had the privilege to explore
Down on the west-side
Referring to a specific part of a city where people and their lifestyles are different from other parts of the city
Where all the girls hide
Suggesting that there are certain areas in the city where ladies flock to enjoy their leisure time and avoid scrutiny
All you have to do is east-side
Pointing out that the same principles of social differentiation apply on the east side of the city, albeit in different ways
What you gon' buy?
Asking what goods or services someone intends to purchase, possibly suggesting the importance of using one's resources wisely
Sliding on the east coast
Traveling up and down the east coast of the country or simply having a good time there
The very sleep coast
Observing that the east coast seems to be very relaxed or laid back
People getting high
Noticing and acknowledging the prevalence of drug use along the east coast
Had a lot of women
Acknowledging the many sexual relationships or encounters the artist has had or witnessed
Seen a lot of land
Acknowledging the vast array of environments and terrains the singer has set foot on or observed in their travels
Takes a little while
Suggesting that it takes time and experience to fully understand and appreciate the great diversity that exists on this planet
Then you'll understand
Contemplating the idea that with enough exposure to different people and places, one can develop a much deeper and nuanced appreciation of the world we live in
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALPHONSO MIZELL, LARRY MIZELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@cynthiascott3200
I am 59 years old. I'm number 8 of 9 kids. My mom dad and older brothers loved music. We were a dancing family. Yet I only remember hearing this particular song 1.5 mos ago on a Zoom party! I've loved it ever since. I play it often. This is my genre! Listening to it now as I reminisce . Mom, dad and my brother who bought the most albums & Donald Byrd are all gone now, but this amazing music is comforting and a blessed reminder of those good times.
@chiefxx8259
🎵🌤️You're walking in rythym as you reminisce 🗣️🎙️🔊🎼👍
@Robert-qm5so
I feel you Cynthia, God bless you 🌟🙏
@adnilrummut105
harvey mason drumming and chuck rainey doing the basslines🙂one of the best rhythm sections in those times!!!
@benjamlnlewis6836
Jazz man makes U think back on good things n our life time. & it will help us focus on the future.
@TyStephens
I totally feel you! This music made you dream and promised something beautiful in Life. <3
@acarter105
Awww man ! The tears of joy are starting to roll down my face. Suddenly I'm transported back to 1970's Philly. Soooo many good memories with tunes like this. Just a young man enjoying the beauty of life with family and good friends. Dear God, can we all just get a rewind before we leave this earth ?
@55Ariz
Damn! We did it up right in the 70's ! all these talented artists of the day..... They were our friends, neighbors , family, We were all part of the magic and we still are! I thank God above for putting me here at just the right time. I think ya'll know what I'm talking about! If you don't , listen to this song and then listen to a Justin Bieber joint. I promise it will become crystal clear!! Shout out to all you folks commenting ! I probably knew some of you back in the day! Let's just hope Apple will, instead of a new phone , will come out with a time machine. We out!
@deborahking4226
Wishful thinking time machine would be nice. I wouldn't mind going back. Unfortunately that's not going to happen, so we keep on reminiscing on beautiful memories.
@seno1534
I try to tell people, that music like this will never die. I love real musicians playing real instruments with their soul, and this is a prime example of how real grown folks music sounds like.