Kirk was born Ronald Kirk on 7th August 1935, in Columbus, Ohio, but felt compelled by a dream to transpose two letters in his first name to make Roland. After another dream in about 1970 he added Rahsaan to his name.
His playing was generally rooted in soul jazz or hard bop, but Kirk's encyclopedic knowledge of jazz history allowed him to draw convincingly on any element of the music's history, from ragtime to swing and free jazz. Kirk also regularly explored classical and pop music.
Kirk played and collected a vast number of musical instruments, mainly various saxophones, clarinets, and flutes. His main instruments were tenor saxophone, and two obscure saxophones: the manzello (similar to a soprano sax) and the stritch (a straight alto sax lacking the instrument's characteristic upturned bell). Kirk modified these instruments himself to accommodate his simultaneous playing technique. He typically appeared on stage with all three horns hanging around his neck, as well as a variety of other instruments, including flutes and whistles. Kirk also played harmonica, cor anglais, recorders, and was a competent trumpeter. He often used unusual instruments or combinations of instrument parts, using a saxophone mouthpiece on a trumpet or playing nose flute. He additionally used many extramusical sounds in his music, such as alarm clocks, whistles, sirens, and even primitive electronic sounds (before such things became commonplace).
In addition to the saxophones, Kirk was also an influential flautist, employing several novel techniques that he developed himself. One technique was to sing or hum into the flute at the same time as playing. (This technique was adopted later by many other players, including Jeremy Steig and Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull.) Another was to play the standard transverse flute at the same time as a nose flute.
Alfie
Rahsaan Roland Kirk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is it just for the moment we live?
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
Are we meant to take more than we give
Or are we meant to be kind?
And if only fools are kind, Alfie
Then I guess it′s wise to be cruel
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie
I know there's something much more
Something even non-believers can believe in
I believe in love, Alfie
Without true love we just exist, Alfie
Until you find the love you′ve missed you′re nothing, Alfie
When you walk let your heart lead the way
And you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie
The lyrics to Rahsaan Roland Kirk's song Alfie ask profound philosophical questions about the meaning of life and the nature of human existence. Alfie, who is the subject of the questions, can be interpreted as anyone who is searching for answers about their purpose and the choices they make in life. The lyrics suggest that life is more than just temporary moments, and encourage Alfie to think about the big picture: what is the purpose of taking more than we give? Should we be kind, even if it means looking foolish? Should we be cruel if that means we will succeed?
The lyrics also hint at the idea of spirituality, as Alfie is reminded that there is something beyond physical existence. The reference to heaven suggests that there is a higher power at work, and this is supported by the idea that there is "much more" than what we can see. However, the ultimate message of the song is one of love. Even those who don't believe in a higher power can still believe in love, which is portrayed as the ultimate goal of human existence. Without love, we are nothing more than existences who lack purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
What's it all about, Alfie?
What does life truly mean, Alfie?
Is it just for the moment we live?
Is life only temporary, meant to be lived in the present?
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
Once you've figured out life's meaning, Alfie, what is it really about?
Are we meant to take more than we give, or are we meant to be kind?
Do we exist to achieve more for ourselves, or should we focus on being kind to others?
And if only fools are kind, Alfie, then I guess it's wise to be cruel.
If being kind is looked down upon, Alfie, then it might be better for one to act heartlessly.
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie, what will you lend on an old golden rule?
If life only favors those who are strong, Alfie, what will you do when it comes to following established morals?
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie, I know there's something much more.
I'm certain that there's a place beyond this life, Alfie, and I think there's something beyond that as well.
Something even non-believers can believe in; I believe in love, Alfie.
Even those who doubt religion can believe in love, Alfie. And I believe in it strongly.
Without true love we just exist, Alfie.
Without genuine love, our lives are empty, Alfie.
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie.
If you haven't experienced love, Alfie, then you haven't really lived.
When you walk, let your heart lead the way, and you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie.
If you follow your heart, Alfie, you'll come across love eventually. Trust me, Alfie.
Writer(s): Burt Bacharach, Hod David
Contributed by Leo E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.