Mark Isham (born September 7, 1951) is an American trumpeter, synthesist, a… Read Full Bio ↴Mark Isham (born September 7, 1951) is an American trumpeter, synthesist, and composer. He works in a variety of genres, including jazz, electronic, and film.

Isham was born in New York City. He studied classical music at an early age and played trumpet, piano and violin. The Isham family later moved to San Francisco, where Mark found work in several of the local orchestras. He also became actively involved in the Bay Area rock and roll scene of the 1960s, performing live with several of the local groups.

One of his early recordings "Group 87" was released as a demo LP to college radio stations. Few commercially available pressings of this first release are available > though several custom CD burns (CBS/Sony denies existence, but providing the label & issue number through their custom burn service known as [SONY MUSIC SPECIAL PRODUCTS] can be had)!> I believe this is "THE DEFINITIVE ISHAM" against all others will be judged! One other Group 87 album followed titled "A Career in Dada Processing", a reflection attesting to the learning curve associated with the emerging CD Format. It was released with very limited availability. Both albums in the "Group 87" moniker are a bit mechanical, utilizing heavy sampling, forceful sequencing, strong percussion and a progressive edginess as compared to the later Isham releases. Mark Isham next released his self-titled "Vapor Drawings", softening the stylings of the group, but with a emphasis on his trumpeting skills, that as they matured developed into the sound that would be identified as his own unique sound. He has a MYSPACE page currently, where all available recordings can be ordered.

His albums Castalia (1988) and Tibet (1989) were both Grammy-nominated. He won in 1990 with his album Mark Isham.

In 1992 he published his first orchestral work Five Stories for Trumpet and Orchestra. The same year he earned an Academy Award nomination for the soundtrack of the film A River Runs Through It. During the following years he became a prolific film score composer. Some of his film scores include: Save the Last Dance, Men of Honor, October Sky, Point Break, and the critically acclaimed Crash which won well over 30 awards worldwide, including the Oscar for Best Achievement in Editing, Best Motion Picture of the Year and Best Writing/Original Screenplay, and many soundtrack awards.

In 1995 he released an album titled Blue Sun. This was his first album to follow a mainstream contemporary jazz format.

In 1999 he formed a group to interpret the music of Miles Davis's late 1960s through mid-1970s electric jazz fusion and released an album, Miles Remembered: The Silent Way Project, which was recorded live.

It's All in the Game
Mark Isham Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Many a tear has to fall but it's all in the game
All in the wonderful game that we know as love
You have words with him and your future's looking dim
But these things your hearts can rise above

Once in a while he won't call but it's all in the game
Soon he'll be there at your side with a sweet bouquet
And he'll kiss your lips and caress your waiting fingertips

And your heart will fly away

(Soon he'll be there at your side) with a sweet bouquet

Then he'll kiss your lips and caress your waiting fingertips
And your heart will fly away

Overall Meaning

The song "It's All In The Game" by Mark Isham is a poignant love song that explores the trials and tribulations of romantic relationships. The opening line, "Many a tear has to fall but it's all in the game," acknowledges that heartache is often a part of love. However, the singer contends that all of the pain and drama are worth it because they are part of the "wonderful game that we know as love." The song goes on to describe how, even when things seem bleak, lovers can rise above their conflicts and find happiness.

The second verse describes a particularly challenging moment in a relationship: "You have words with him and your future's looking dim." However, the chorus reminds listeners that these struggles are temporary and that love will ultimately triumph. The final verse offers a romantic image of a partner showing up with a bouquet of flowers and expressing his love physically. The line "And your heart will fly away" evokes the idea that love can be transformative and transportive, enabling people to transcend their everyday existence.

Overall, "It's All In The Game" offers a message of hope and resilience in the face of love's obstacles. While heartbreak is inevitable, the song suggests that love is worth pursuing despite the potential for pain.

Line by Line Meaning

Many a tear has to fall but it's all in the game
Love involves sadness and pain, but it's all a part of the unpredictable journey we call love

All in the wonderful game that we know as love
Love is full of wonder and uncertainty that makes it akin to a game

You have words with him and your future's looking dim
If you have a quarrel with your partner, you may feel like your future together looks bleak

But these things your hearts can rise above
However, if your love is strong, you can overcome these challenges and difficulties

Once in a while he won't call but it's all in the game
It's common for partners to miss communication once in a while, but it's part of the unpredictable nature of love

Soon he'll be there at your side with a sweet bouquet
But if your love is true, your partner will eventually make it up to you with romantic gestures

And he'll kiss your lips and caress your waiting fingertips
Your partner's kisses and touches can make all the heartache worthwhile

And your heart will fly away
Your love for each other will take you to new heights of happiness

Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Written by: Carl Sigman

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS