Manteca
Gil Evans and His Orchestra Lyrics
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Crab in my shoe-mouth
Crab in my shoe-mouth
Crab in my, crab in my, crab in my shoe-mouth
Crab in my shoe-mouth
Crab in my shoe-mouth
Crab in my shoe-mouth
The lyrics to Gil Evans and His Orchestra's song Manteca are often described as nonsensical or arbitrary. However, upon closer inspection, they may hold a deeper meaning. The repetition of "Crab in my shoe-mouth" could symbolize feeling stuck or trapped, as crabs are known for their sideways movement and their ability to pinch with their claws. The shoe-mouth could represent a symbol of temptation or desire, as shoes are often associated with fashion and style. Overall, the lyrics may be seen as a commentary on the struggle between wanting freedom and being held back by our own desires.
Despite the ambiguity of the lyrics, Manteca remains an important song in jazz history. It was written by Dizzy Gillespie, Chano Pozo, and Gil Fuller in 1947, and is considered one of the earliest examples of Afro-Cuban jazz. The song features a fusion of Latin rhythms and jazz improvisation, with notable contributions from percussionist Pozo. The song's title means "lard" in Spanish, a reference to Cuban slang for cannabis.
Line by Line Meaning
Crab in my shoe-mouth
I am experiencing discomfort, as there is a crab in my shoe and it has made its way into my mouth.
Crab in my, crab in my, crab in my shoe-mouth
Repetition of the line emphasizes the frustration and annoyance of the situation.
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