Blind since his youth, Roberts began playing piano at an early age and then studied the instrument while attending Florida State University. In 1985, he got his big break when famed trumpeter Wynton Marsalis chose him as his new sideman. He became a close friend and disciple of Marsalis, and collaborated with him on many projects during the ensuing years.
With Marsalis' support and soon after joining him, Roberts began cutting his own records. His albums tend to be homages to past jazz greats, and Roberts has been falsely criticized for a lack of innovation. However, his playing ability and technique have always been highly regarded and his music has added to the vocabulary of modern jazz piano and the piano trio.
When listening to Roberts' music, one cannot help but notice, simultaneously, his utter devotion to his New Orleans roots and his bold strides onto the cutting edge. On a piece such as "Nebuchadnezzar" Roberts lays down all the tradional harmonies and chords, then builds an expansive tonal and melodic structure evoking slyness, joy, confidence, and just a touch of knowing world-weariness.
Roberts excels as an improvisor and re-interpreter in his solo performances and creates interesting and daring arrangments as a large band leader, but his chamber work will endure as his true contribution to American music. If traditional jazz is a juke joint or an urban club, Marcus Roberts builds sonic palaces, inviting his listener to come and pay homage to the living spirits of Monk, Ellington, Morton, Gershwin, and many more of his fellow geniuses.
In 2005, Roberts took a position as a professor of Jazz Studies at Florida State University.
I Got It Bad
Marcus Roberts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell me to save my tears
Well I'm so mad about him
I can't live without him
Never treats me sweet and gentle
The way he should
I've got it bad
My poor heart is so sentimental
Not made of wood
I've got it so bad
And that ain't good
But when the fish are jumpin'
And Friday rolls around
My man an' I, we gin some
We pray some, and sin some
He don't love me like I love him
The way he should
I've got it bad
And that ain't good
Yes I've got it bad
And that ain't good
The lyrics of Marcus Roberts's song "I Got It Bad" explore the complex emotions of a woman who is deeply in love with a man who does not reciprocate her feelings in the same way. She is torn between her love for him and the pain that he causes her by not treating her with the tenderness and affection that she desires. The lyrics capture the idea that the heart is not made of wood, and that love can be a powerful and overwhelming emotion that can take hold of a person and leave them feeling helpless.
The opening lines of the song suggest that the woman has been advised to "save her tears". This implies that she has been hurt before and that others are trying to protect her from experiencing more pain. However, despite this advice, she cannot help but feel deeply attached to the man she loves. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and anger at the situation, yet also a sense of resignation that the woman cannot change her feelings.
The chorus, "I've got it bad and that ain't good", repeats throughout the song, emphasizing the woman's emotional state. The lyrics also suggest that the couple has their own rituals, such as drinking and praying together. The image of the "fish jumpin'" and Friday rolling around conjure up a sense of time passing and life moving on, yet the woman's emotions remain unchanged. In essence, the lyrics convey the pain and the joy that come along with deeply felt romantic love.
Line by Line Meaning
Though folks with good intentions
Tell me to save my tears
Well I'm so mad about him
I can't live without him
People advise me to stop crying for him, but I am too emotionally invested and cannot imagine living without him
Never treats me sweet and gentle
The way he should
I've got it bad
And that ain't good
He does not treat me with the love and care that I deserve, but I still cannot help my strong feelings for him
My poor heart is so sentimental
Not made of wood
I've got it so bad
And that ain't good
My heart is so fragile and emotional, I cannot help but feel this way
But when the fish are jumpin'
And Friday rolls around
My man an' I, we gin some
We pray some, and sin some
Despite our rocky relationship, we still enjoy each other's company, enjoy some alcohol, pray and give in to temptation
He don't love me like I love him
The way he should
I've got it bad
And that ain't good
He does not reciprocate my love in the way that I expect, but my feelings for him are still intense
Yes I've got it bad
And that ain't good
My love for him is causing me pain, and it is not a desirable situation
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON, PAUL WEBSTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind