Rava's career started at an early age, when he played in clubs in Turin. From the beginning, he was a great admirer of Miles Davis and Chet Baker. During those years, Rava met Don Cherry, Mal Waldron and Steve Lacy, with whom he played free jazz in a quartet, appearing alternately between London and Buenos Aires.
As of late 2008, Rava plays with his new quintet Enrico Rava Quintet, which is composed of such young talents as Gianluca Petrella and Stefano Bollani as well as established musicians Rosario Bonaccorso and Roberto Gatto.
The Man I Love
Enrico Rava Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's not a joke, kid, it's a curse.
My luck is changing, it's gotten from
simply rotten to something worse
Who knows, some day I will win too.
I'll begin to reach my prime.
Now though I see what our end is,
I can't give you anything but love, baby.
That's the only thing I've plenty of,baby.
Dream awhile, scheme awhile
We're sure to find
Happiness and I guess
All those things you've always pined for.
Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, baby.
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby.
Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby.
I can't give you anything but love.
Rome wasn't built in a day, kid.
You have to pay, kid, for what you get.
But I am willing to wait, dear,
Your little mate, dear, will not forget.
You have a lifetime before you.
I'll adore you, come what may.
Please don't be blue for the present,
When it's so pleasant to hear you say
I can't give you anything but love, baby.
That's the only thing I've plenty of,baby.
Dream awhile, scheme awhile
We're sure to find
Happiness and I guess
All those things you've always pined for.
Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, baby.
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby.
Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby.
I can't give you anything but love.
The lyrics of Enrico Rava's The Man I Love may initially seem to be a romantic message, but upon closer inspection, it reveals a deeper meaning. The singer speaks of their financial struggles, noting that it is difficult to be broke, and that they only have time to offer their partner. They express hope for the future, but in the present, they are unable to provide material wealth.
The line "Rome wasn't built in a day, kid" suggests that the singer is aware of the necessity of hard work and patience. They recognize that things take time, but they are willing to wait and be devoted to their partner. The reference to diamond bracelets from Woolworth's further emphasizes the financial limitations of the singer, but they assure their partner that they will not forget them.
The lyrics are ultimately about the power of love and the sacrifices one makes for it. Even when things are tough, the singer is willing to go through it all with their partner. They recognize that love is what they have to offer, and that is enough.
Line by Line Meaning
Gee, but it's tough to be broke, kid.
It's really difficult to be financially unstable.
It's not a joke, kid, it's a curse.
Being broke is a serious and unfortunate circumstance.
My luck is changing, it's gotten from simply rotten to something worse
Things were already bad, but somehow they're getting even worse.
Who knows, some day I will win too.
Maybe one day things will turn around for me.
I'll begin to reach my prime.
Things will get better and I'll start to thrive.
Now though I see what our end is, All I can spend is just my time.
I know what our future looks like, but I don't have the resources to change it.
I can't give you anything but love, baby.
I may not have money or material possessions, but I can offer you love.
That's the only thing I've plenty of,baby.
Love is the one thing I have in abundance and can freely give.
Dream awhile, scheme awhile We're sure to find Happiness and I guess All those things you've always pined for.
Let's dream and come up with plans to find joy and the things you've always wanted.
Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, baby.
I would love to see you looking your best and happiest.
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby.
I want to give you gifts that are truly special and valuable, not just cheap store-bought trinkets.
Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby.
Until the day when I can give you those things, you already know.
Rome wasn't built in a day, kid.
Great things take time and effort to achieve.
You have to pay, kid, for what you get.
You have to work hard and make sacrifices to achieve your goals.
But I am willing to wait, dear, Your little mate, dear, will not forget.
I'm willing to be patient and stick by you, my dear, and I won't forget my love for you.
You have a lifetime before you.
You have your whole life ahead of you to achieve your dreams.
I'll adore you, come what may.
No matter what happens, I'll always love and cherish you.
Please don't be blue for the present, When it's so pleasant to hear you say
Don't be sad right now when it's so nice to hear your voice and have you with me.
Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby.
Until that day when our luck changes, you already know.
I can't give you anything but love.
No matter what, I can always offer you my love and affection.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind