Erroll Louis Garner was born on 15th June 1921 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and began playing the piano at the age of three. At the age of seven he began appearing on radio station KDKA in Pittsburgh with a group called the Candy Kids. By the age of eleven he was playing on the Allegheny riverboats. At the age of fourteen in 1937 he joined local saxophonist Leroy Brown.
He played locally in the shadow of his older pianist brother, Linton Garner, and moved to New York in 1944. He briefly worked with the bassist Slam Stewart, and though not a bebop musician, in 1947 he played with Charlie Parker on the famous "Cool Blues" session. Although his admission to the Pittsburgh music union was initially refused because of his inability to read music, they eventually relented in 1956 and made him an honorary member. Garner is credited with having a superb memory for music; after attending a concert by the Russian pianist Emil Gilels, Garner returned to his apartment and was able to play a large portion of the performed music.
His 1955 recording Concert by the Sea ranks among his very best work. Ironically this recording of a performance at an army base in Carmel, California, featuring Eddie Calhoun on bass and Denzil Best on drums, was made using relatively primitive sound equipment, but Garner's inventiveness and swing made its point in each tune. Other notable works include 1951's Long Ago and Far Away and 1974's Magician, both of which see Erroll perform a number of classic standards in his own style. Often the trio was expanded to add Latin percussion, usually a conga, with electric results.
What made Erroll easy to recognise were his trademark introductions, that seemed to make no sense but broke dramatically into his exposition of the tune he was to play, and the guitar strumming sound of his left hand, playing crotchet accompaniment to his rich-sounding right hand. This approach suggests that he was influenced by the iconic rhythm guitar work of Count Basie's long time guitarist, Freddie Green. But discerning listeners could find that while his even-four left hand was a fixture, it was far from being the only rhythmic approach he took to playing.
Spinning Wheel
Erroll Garner Lyrics
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Spinning Wheel got to go 'round
Talkin' 'bout your troubles
It's a cryin' sin
Ride a painted pony
Let the Spinning Wheel spin
You got no money, you got no home
Spinning Wheel all alone
You never learn
Ride a painted pony
Let the Spinning Wheel turn
Did you find your directing sign
On the straight and narrow highway
Would you mind a reflecting sign?
Just let it shine within your mind
And show you the colors that are real
Someone is waiting just for you
Spinning Wheel spinning true
Drop all you troubles by the river side
The lyrics of Erroll Garner's "Spinning Wheel" remind us that life is full of ups and downs. We can't avoid the hardships and troubles that come our way, but we can choose to ride our way through them. The spinning wheel represents the cycle of life, and indicates that we must keep moving forward. The line "ride a painted pony" is a metaphor for the acceptance of life's challenges as we keep moving forward.
The lyrics also speak to the importance of reflection in our lives. We need to take time to consider our actions and the path we take in life. The line "did you find your directing sign" suggests that we need to take control of our own lives and not just drift along aimlessly. We need to be aware of our surroundings and make conscious decisions about our future. The "reflecting sign" indicates that we need to reflect on our past experiences to inform our future choices.
Overall, the song urges us to release our troubles by the river side, and to embrace the cycle of life as we ride the spinning wheel. Life is unpredictable and we must learn to live with the challenges that come our way.
Line by Line Meaning
What goes up must come down
Things that go up eventually come down.
Spinning Wheel got to go 'round
The cycle of life continues.
Talkin' 'bout your troubles
Focusing on your problems.
It's a cryin' sin
It's not productive or helpful to dwell on your issues.
Ride a painted pony
Take a journey or enjoy the journey of life.
Let the Spinning Wheel spin
Accept the ups and downs of life.
You got no money, you got no home
Feeling financially and/or emotionally unstable.
Spinning Wheel all alone
Feeling isolated in your struggles.
Talkin' 'bout your troubles and you
Focusing on your own issues and not seeking help.
You never learn
Not growing or changing from your experiences.
Did you find your directing sign
Have you found your purpose or passion in life?
On the straight and narrow highway
Working towards your goals without wavering.
Would you mind a reflecting sign?
Are you open to self-reflection and learning?
Just let it shine within your mind
Allow yourself to grow and learn.
And show you the colors that are real
Helping you to see the true nature of your experiences.
Someone is waiting just for you
There are people who care about you and want to help.
Spinning Wheel spinning true
Life continues to go on and bring new experiences.
Drop all you troubles by the river side
Let go of your problems and enjoy the present moment.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: David Clayton-Thomas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jolyon de Fossard
The break Garner makes at 1:40 is the best I've heard anywhere by anyone. He made it sound so easy. He was amazing.
Jolyon de Fossard
Yes. It's my favourite break. My second favourite is in Phineas Newborn's Double Play on The Newborn Touch.
G B
I did an entire paper for a music class on that bit of genius improv
Simon Garrett
I found this record in a market back in the mid-90s - just liked the cover, never even heard of Garner. What a joyful, lyrical, magical player and this cut is pure perfection.