On Green Dolphin Street
Miles Davis Lyrics


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It seems like a dream, yet I know it happened
A man, a maid, a kiss, and then goodbye
Romance was the theme
And we were the players
I never think of this without a sigh

Lover, one lovely day
Love came, planning to stay
Green Dolphin Street supplied the setting
The setting for nights beyond forgetting
And through these moments apart memories live in my heart
When I recall the love I found on
I could kiss the ground on Green Dolphin Street

Lover, one lovely day
Love came, planning to stay
Green Dolphin Street supplied the setting
The setting for nights beyond forgetting
And through these moments apart memories live in my heart




When I recall the love I found on
On Green Dolphin Street

Overall Meaning

Miles Davis's "On Green Dolphin Street" is a beautiful ballad that narrates a romance that happened long ago. The lyrics suggest that the singer is reminiscing about a love affair from the past-- a quick tryst with a man or a maid that featured a kiss and a goodbye. The song describes how the setting of Green Dolphin Street played a significant role in keeping the wonderful memories of love and the romance alive. The song mentions that while the couple is now apart, the memories of their time together are still very much alive in the heart of the singer.


In addition to the song's jazzy melodies and smooth rhythms, the lyrics themselves are filled with metaphors and dreams that could be interpreted in different ways, depending on the listener's perspective. For example, while the singer claims to know that the love affair wasn't just a dream, the entire song's vibe could be interpreted as a dream, where the setting of Green Dolphin Street serves as the backdrop for the singer's fantasies, and the love affair is nothing more than a fleeting thought that the singer holds onto.


"On Green Dolphin Street" is an excellent example of how jazz music can evoke different moods and emotions, depending on the listener's interpretation. While the song's lyrics may appear to be straightforward, the melodies that accompany them suggest a dreamy landscape that could be subject to different interpretations.


Line by Line Meaning

It seems like a dream, yet I know it happened
Although it feels surreal, I acknowledge that what occurred truly happened


A man, a maid, a kiss, and then goodbye
There were two individuals, a man and a woman, who had a moment of intimacy but then parted ways


Romance was the theme
The central focus of this experience was love and emotional connection


And we were the players
The man and the woman were the ones who participated in this romantic encounter


I never think of this without a sigh
This memory always evokes a feeling of sadness or longing within me


Lover, one lovely day
Addressing the person who was involved in the romantic encounter, on a specific day


Love came, planning to stay
Love arrived with the intention of being a sustained presence in their lives


Green Dolphin Street supplied the setting
The location where these romantic events took place was on Green Dolphin Street


The setting for nights beyond forgetting
The location on Green Dolphin Street was where unforgettable romantic evenings occurred


And through these moments apart memories live in my heart
Despite being separated from the other person, the memories of these romantic experiences remain vivid in my heart


When I recall the love I found on
When I reminisce about the affection that was shared


I could kiss the ground on Green Dolphin Street
Expressing the depth of love and appreciation for the location where these romantic moments occurred


On Green Dolphin Street
Repetition of the location where the romantic experiences took place




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Tratore, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: BRONISLAW KAPER, NED WASHINGTON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Boyang Zhu

Paul Chambers, Jimmy Cob, Bill Evans, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, and Miles Davis. Did a more legendary group ever exist? This is the very epitome of jazz.

Stuart k. Nelson

I AGREE, WHOLEHEARTEDLY!

Mauricio

Well put!

Mank Hobley

@icecreamforcrowhurst the bebop and the cool definitive groups, absolute legends.

icecreamforcrowhurst

How about Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, Charles Mingus, and Max Roach?

The Lincoln Penny

I remember when I first heard this performance of On Green Dolphin Street. I sat in my room for hours in total silence,unable to move. All I could think was “this is absolute perfection “. 35 years later, my opinion is unchanged . This is absolute perfection.

Alan Kirkby

I bought this album in 1960 in Manchester, U.K. ( album entitled: Jazz Track) loved ever since, through vinyl/ cd.
Peace to all.

Tony Gleeson

Same here. Manhattan, 1975.

Fred Schmidt

Got it right 1st time man. He was a subtle genius. Soo smooth and precise.

seaape

Miles takes you though every corner of the house on Green Dolphin Street and just when you are ready to settle down, Coltrane jumps out of the closet, and starts running up and down the stairs. And Cannonball is in the kitchen, showing you his recipe for dolphin. (it's also a type of edible fish.) Bill Evans is out by the pool, and plays the waterfall. And they all join in.... What a monumental track!

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