Jarrett began piano lessons at the age of two and played for the first time on stage at the age of seven. In 1962 he played a self-composed two-hour concert, without the benefit of any prior formal instruction in orchestration or composition. After working with a wide variety of musicians, beginning in 1966, including Chet Baker, Lee Konitz and Art Blakey, he founded his own band in 1968 with Charlie Haden and Paul Motian. In 1971-76 Dewey Redman (saxophone) joined the group and they played under the name of the "American Quartet". His work with Miles Davis between 1969 and 1971 gave his career an additional boost, as well as the opportunity to play solo concerts such as the "Köln Concert" (1975, Cologne, Germany), honoured by Time Magazine as album of the year.
Since the early 1970s, he has enjoyed a great deal of success, both artistic and commercial, in both classical and jazz music as a group leader and a solo performer. His improvisation technique combines jazz, classical, gospel, blues, and various ethnic-folk musics. He is considered by some, to be the "Bach" of jazz music; this title may have come from his recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations, which, although it received many awards, was not entirely approved by critics.
In the 1990s he suffered chronic fatigue syndrome only to take up the piano again in 1998. He worked in a trio form with Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette until 2014.
Jarrett stated in a 2005 TV interview that his music is influenced by the teachings and philosophy of Georges I. Gurdjieff, whom he honoured in "Sacred Hymns" (ECM, 1980). This philosophy informs many of his non-musical beliefs as well.
In 2008, he was inducted into the Down Beat Hall of Fame in the magazine's 73rd annual readers' poll.
In 2010, to coincide with his 65th birthday he released his first studio album in 12 years - Jasmine. It reunited Jarrett with his old bassist colleague Charlie Haden; the two had not recorded together for over 30 years.
My Foolish Heart
Keith Jarrett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Beware my foolish heart
How wise the ever constant moon
Take care my foolish heart
There's a line between love and fascination
That's hard to see on an evening such as this
For they both give the very same sensation
Her lips are much too close to mine
Beware my foolish heart
But should her eager lips meet mine
Then let the fire start
For this time it isn't fascination
Nor a dream that will fade and fall apart
It's love, this time it's love
My foolish heart, whoa
For this time it isn't fascination
Nor a dream that will fade and fall apart
Truly, it's love, this time it's love
My foolish heart
The opening lines of this song describe the night as being like a lovely tune, however, the singer warns their own foolish heart to be careful. They are aware that despite the beauty of the night, they need to be cautious with their emotions. The constant moon is personified as being wise, providing some guidance and reason to the situation.
The lyrics then go on to describe the ambiguity between love and fascination, particularly in the context of being lost in the magic of a kiss. The singer is aware that the sensations of love and fascination can be very similar, making it difficult to differentiate between the two feelings. However, the confusion between the two emotions is put aside when the singer declares that this time it truly is love.
As a whole, the lyrics of My Foolish Heart signify the delicacy and uncertainty of emotions, particularly in the early phases of a romantic relationship. The singer is aware of the potential risks and consequences of following their heart blindly, hence the cautionary tone of the song. However, they also acknowledge that there is a time when emotions can't be held back, and love takes over.
Line by Line Meaning
The night is like a lovely tune
The peacefulness of the night has a melody that's sweet
Beware my foolish heart
Be careful, heart of mine, not to fall foolishly
How wise the ever constant moon
The moon has an enduring and intuitive demeanor
Take care my foolish heart
Protect yourself, my fragile heart, from any harm
There's a line between love and fascination
Love and infatuation are distinct, but their distinction isn't simple
That's hard to see on an evening such as this
During a night as charming as this, it's difficult to differentiate
For they both give the very same sensation
Both love and infatuation produce a similar feeling
When you're lost in the magic of a kiss
When experiencing the enchantment of a kiss, it's hard to determine which is which
Her lips are much too close to mine
Her lips are dangerously close to mine
But should her eager lips meet mine
If her passionate lips touch mine
Then let the fire start
Let the flame of passion ignite within us
For this time it isn't fascination
This isn't a mere attraction
Nor a dream that will fade and fall apart
It's not a fleeting fantasy that will crumble
It's love, this time it's love
It's true love, and it's here to stay, oh my heart
My foolish heart
Although naive, this heart of mine is consumed with love
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Ned Washington, Victor Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@julieswiss1
💜⭐
@levipugh470
every moment just sparkles and gleams. this song ages like wine.
@jeanlucchapelon
There is no words……👏👏
@MrRickywallace
Wonderful!
@jennifer86010
Compare Keith's version of My Foolish Heart to Bill Evan's piano trio version. Both are harmonically great but different. Keith starts walking the tune in 4/4 tempo which adds energy after he plays the head. The great film score composer Victor Young wrote this piece in simple harmony. Bill and Keith were two pianists who reharmonized it into this touching and elegant tune.