Hopkins was particularly adept at using jazz themes, rhythms, and orchestrations in his scores, often paralleling the down-and-out subjects and settings on screen with what Basic Hip has called, "smoky,gritty, rotten-to-the-core jazz." Carroll Baker's backwoods Lolita in "Baby Doll," Paul Newman's pool shark in "The Hustler," and Ben Gazzara's military school sadist in "The Strange One" are all characterizations that Hopkins complemented with distinctive motifs.
He teamed with producer Creed Taylor on a series of atmospheric albums--Shock!, Panic!: Son of Shock, Nervous Beat: Lonelyville, New York, New York, and Ping Pang Pong--for ABC-Paramount. Because Hopkins was on an exclusive artist contract to Capitol Records at the time, he suggested releasing the albums under the name of "the Creed Taylor Orchestra." Ping Pang Pong rates among the best titles ever used on a percussion showcase album, but stays well within the limits of restraint and taste. The best items on it are two original compositions, "Argument" and "Lovers" that were composed for "interpretive dance" pieces performed on "The Perry Como Show."
In the early 1960s, Hopkins arranged and conducted a tame but delightful collaboration between Verve Records and Esquire Magazine. This series of four albums of "impressions in sound of an American on tour" included a mix of stereotypical tunes associated with a country (such as "La Paloma," "Arrivaderci Roma," and "Hawaiian War Chant") and Hopkins originals, played by ace group of New York session men such as Doc Severinsen and pianist Hank Jones. Tossed in amongst the music are evocative sound effects like street traffic (Italy) and bullfight noises (Spain).
Hopkins also wrote modern classical music, including two symphonies and chamber pieces.
The Fight
Kenyon Hopkins & Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And yet, I'm still afraid to let it flow
What started out as friendship, has grown stronger
I only wish I had the strength to let it show
And I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
It's time to bring this ship into the shore
'Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore
And even as I wander, I'm keeping you in sight
You're a candle in the window on a cold, dark winter's night
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might
And I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
It's time to bring this ship into the shore
And throw away the oars, forever
'Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
And if I have to crawl upon the floor
Come crashing through your door
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore
The lyrics of "The Fight" by Kenyon Hopkins & Orchestra speak to the internal struggle of a person who is grappling with their growing feelings for someone. The singer states that they can no longer suppress these feelings and are hesitant to let them flow freely. What initially began as a friendship has developed into something stronger, causing the singer to long for the courage to express their true emotions.
The repetition of the line "I can't fight this feeling anymore" underscores the singer's internal conflict and the overwhelming nature of their emotions. They have lost sight of the original purpose of their resistance and are now unsure of what they were even fighting against. The metaphorical image of bringing the ship into the shore and throwing away the oars suggests a surrender to these feelings, a relinquishment of control, and the acceptance of what is to come.
The singer continues to keep the person in their sights even as they wander, emphasizing the significance of this individual in their life. The comparison of this person to a candle in the window on a cold, dark winter's night suggests that they provide warmth, comfort, and guidance to the singer. As their connection deepens, the singer finds themselves unexpectedly drawing closer to this person they never thought they would.
The song concludes with a declaration that the singer can no longer resist their feelings. They are willing to humble themselves, even if it means crawling on the floor or crashing through the person's door. The desperation in their voice and the repetition of "I can't fight this feeling anymore" suggest that the singer has reached a breaking point and is ready to embrace these emotions fully, regardless of the consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't fight this feeling any longer
I am unable to resist this emotion for any more time
And yet, I'm still afraid to let it flow
However, I am still scared to allow it to be expressed freely
What started out as friendship, has grown stronger
What initially began as a platonic connection, has become more intense
I only wish I had the strength to let it show
I simply desire to possess the bravery to reveal my true feelings
And I can't fight this feeling anymore
Furthermore, I am no longer capable of resisting this emotion
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
I have lost sight of the reasons I initially opposed it
It's time to bring this ship into the shore
The moment has arrived to steer this relationship towards a conclusion
And throw away the oars, forever
And discard any means of resistance permanently
'Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore
Due to my incapability to resist this emotion any further
And even as I wander, I'm keeping you in sight
Even while I roam, I am ensuring that you remain within my line of vision
You're a candle in the window on a cold, dark winter's night
You symbolize a source of warmth and hope amidst a bleak and gloomy period
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might
Furthermore, I am approaching you with an intensity I did not expect
And if I have to crawl upon the floor
And in the event that I must move forward in a humbling manner
Come crashing through your door
I will burst through your door with great force
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore
My dear, I am no longer able to resist this overwhelming emotion
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kevin Patrick Cronin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind