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.
I Say a Little Prayer
Rahsaan Roland Kirk Lyrics
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They shot him down
Whoa, they shot him down to the ground
Well we gon' say a little prayer for him anyway
Gon' say a little prayer (say a little prayer)
Gon' say a little prayer (say a little prayer)
Ohh (gonna say a little prayer for him)
One, two, one two, three, four
(Get it, get it, get it, get it)
Woo
The lyrics to Rahsaan Roland Kirk's song I Say a Little Prayer contain a mournful theme, portraying the tragic death of someone who has been shot and killed. The repetition of the phrase "They shot him down" emphasizes the shock and sorrow felt by those who witnessed the event. Despite the tragedy, the singer encourages listeners to say a little prayer for the fallen, indicating the desire to honor and remember his life. The upbeat rhythm and beatboxing towards the end of the lyrics suggest an attempt to uplift themselves and celebrate the person's life, even amidst their grief.
Overall, the song is a reflection of the grief and hope that often accompany tragedy. It acknowledges the pain and sadness of loss, while also recognizing the importance of honoring and remembering the life of the deceased.
Line by Line Meaning
They shot him down
Someone had shot a person and he has fallen down
They shot him down
The shooter had successfully taken down the victim
Whoa, they shot him down to the ground
The victim had been shot and fell to the ground
Well we gon' say a little prayer for him anyway
Despite the unfortunate event, the singer and others will keep the victim in their thoughts and prayers
Gon' say a little prayer (say a little prayer)
The singer will take a moment to pray for the victim
Gon' say a little prayer (say a little prayer)
The singer reiterates his intention of saying a prayer
Ohh (gonna say a little prayer for him)
The singer expresses his feeling of deep sympathy towards the victim and will indeed pray for him
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Burt Bacharach, Hal David
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind