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.
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Rahsaan Roland Kirk Lyrics
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People who need people,
Are the luckiest people in the world
We're children, needing other children
And yet letting a grown-up pride
Hide all the need inside
Acting more like children than children
Lovers are very special people
With one person one very special person
A feeling deep in your soul
Says you were half now you're whole
No more hunger and thirst
But first be a person who needs people
People who need people
Are the luckiest people in the world
With one person one very special person
A feeling deep in your soul
Says you were half now you're whole
No more hunger and thirst
But first be a person who needs people
People who need people
Are the luckiest people in the world
Rahsaan Roland Kirk's song Medley: We'll Be Together Again / People From Funny Girl is a beautiful medley that comprises two different songs. The first song is "We'll Be Together Again," written by Carl Fischer and Frankie Laine in 1945. The song is a sentimental ballad about longing for a lost love and hoping to be reunited again. The second song is "People" from the Broadway musical "Funny Girl," written by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill. The song is about the importance of human connection and how we all need each other.
The lyrics of the song "People" are particularly powerful in their message. The first verse talks about how people who need people are the luckiest people in the world. It emphasizes the importance of human connection, stating that we all need other people in our lives to feel complete. The second verse goes on to say that lovers are very special people because they have found that one person who completes them. The song ends with the message that before we can find that special person, we must first be a person who needs people.
The combination of these two songs in Rahsaan Roland Kirk's medley creates a beautiful and emotive musical experience. He weaves the two songs together seamlessly, highlighting their similarities and differences to create a cohesive and moving piece of music.
Line by Line Meaning
People,
Human beings,
People who need people,
Individuals who require companionship,
Are the luckiest people in the world
Are fortunate to find solace in each other
We're children, needing other children
We are all vulnerable and require others to lean on
And yet letting a grown-up pride
But we often let our ego cloud our relationship with others
Hide all the need inside
Suppress our true emotions and keep others at bay
Acting more like children than children
Behaving immaturely despite having grown up
Lovers are very special people
Romantic partners have a unique and important bond
They're the luckiest people in the world
They are fortunate to have found each other
With one person, one very special person
With a significant other who is unique and deserving of love
A feeling deep in your soul,
An intense emotion within oneself
Says you were half, now you're whole
Signifies that one now feels complete with their partner
No more hunger and thirst
No longer yearning or searching for someone to fulfill their emotional needs
But first be a person who needs people
To be a good partner and to form meaningful connections with others, one must first be open to needing others
People who need people
Individuals who seek human connection and support
Are the luckiest people in the world
Fortunate to have found companionship and fulfillment in others
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bob Merrill, Jule Styne
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind