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.
You Took Advantage Of Me
Keith Jarrett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It must go to someone of course
It can't be sister or brother
And so I love my horse
But horses are frequently silly
Mine ran from the beach of Okhala
And left me alone for a filly
So I have picked you up
I'm a sentimental sap, that's all
What's the use of trying not to fall?
I have no will, you've made your kill
Cause you took advantage of me
I'm just like an apple on a bough
And you're gonna shake me down somehow
So, what's the use, you've cooked my goose
Cause you took advantage of me
I'm so hot and bothered that
I don't know my elbow from my ear
I suffer something awful each time
You go and much worse when you're near
Here I am with all my bridges burned
Just a babe in arms where you're concerned
So lock the doors and call me yours
Cause you took advantage of me.
I'm a sentimental sap, that's all
What's the use of trying not to fall?
I have no will, you've made your kill
Cause you took advantage of me
I'm just like an apple on a bough
And you're gonna shake me down somehow
So, what's the use, you've cooked my goose
Cause you took advantage of me
I'm so hot and bothered that
I don't know my elbow from my ear
I suffer something awful each time
You go and much worse when you're near
Here I am with all my bridges burned
Just a babe in arms where you're concerned
So lock the doors and call me yours
Cause you took advantage of me
You took advantage of me
The lyrics of "You Took Advantage Of Me" talk about the vulnerability that one can feel when falling in love. The first stanza describes how the singer's affection cannot be given to a sibling and, as a consequence, is directed towards a horse. However, horses are not reliable, and the singer has been left alone after his horse ran away. This is a metaphor to set up the idea that love comes with inevitable risks, but nevertheless, the singer has found someone else to love. The second stanza talks about the singer's feelings of helplessness towards the person he loves. He admits that he is a "sentimental sap," meaning he is susceptible to romantic gestures and easily falls in love. He recognizes that he is powerless to resist the object of his affection, and she has taken advantage of him.
The bridge of the song is repetitive and emphasizes the emotions of the singer. He is hot and bothered and doesn't know what to do. He suffers every time his loved one goes away, and his feelings of helplessness are only exacerbated when she's around. The final stanza describes how the singer has burnt all his bridges and is completely devoted to his lover. He is just a "babe in arms" when it comes to her, meaning he feels vulnerable and inexperienced. He's willing to do whatever it takes to be with her and even begs her to lock the doors and call him hers.
Overall, the song is an expression of the all-consuming nature of love, highlighting its powerlessness and vulnerability. The lyrics are cleverly constructed, with vivid metaphors, and the melody is catchy, providing an excellent canvas for playful improvisation.
Line by Line Meaning
When a girl has the heart of a mother
When a girl loves someone deeply and unconditionally like a mother would
It must go to someone of course
This love must be directed towards someone, it cannot be left unexpressed
It can't be sister or brother
This love cannot be for a sibling
And so I love my horse
Thus, I love my horse as it can be the recipient of my unconditional love
But horses are frequently silly
However, horses can be unpredictable and foolish at times
Mine ran from the beach of Okhala
My horse ran away from me while we were at the Okhala beach
And left me alone for a filly
It abandoned me in favor of a female horse
So I have picked you up
Therefore, I have chosen you as the new recipient of my love
I'm a sentimental sap, that's all
I am emotional and easily swayed
What's the use of trying not to fall?
There is no point in resisting love
I have no will, you've made your kill
I am powerless to your charms, you have conquered me
Cause you took advantage of me
You used my vulnerability to your benefit
I'm just like an apple on a bough
I am vulnerable and exposed, like a hanging fruit waiting to be picked
And you're gonna shake me down somehow
You will extract what you want from me, regardless of the impact on me
So, what's the use, you've cooked my goose
There's nothing left for me to do, you've already ruined my chances
I'm so hot and bothered that
I am so overwhelmed by my feelings for you that
I don't know my elbow from my ear
I am confused and disoriented
I suffer something awful each time
I am in great pain every time
You go and much worse when you're near
When you leave or are close to me, my emotions become more intense
Here I am with all my bridges burned
I have made a commitment and have burned all my other options
Just a babe in arms where you're concerned
I am completely dependent on you and have lost all my independence
So lock the doors and call me yours
Seal our relationship and claim me as yours
Cause you took advantage of me
Because you exploited my feelings for you
You took advantage of me
You exploited my vulnerability and naivety for your benefit
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
jazztemple2
Just listened again...your sense for this kind of music is wonderful! The feel in general, your capturing of so many nuances of the style...you are awesome!
Cyril Mokrani
Very great job !! If it is possible let me know where I can find the transcription :) Great thanks !
Carlo Musca
Bravissima; è possibile avere la trascrizione? c.hiend1@tiscali.it
jazztemple2
A copy of the transcription, pleeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaassssssssssse! (You have an amazing ear to have figured this out!)