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.
simone
Rahsaan Roland Kirk Lyrics
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What more is there to say?
Here's to your eyes and my final demise
Oh, Simone, it's you
I knew from the start that my easily-touched heart
Was about to go out for a ride
Conquer the room with a touch of perfume
Oh, Simone, it's you
Oh, Simone, my heart is breakin'
Yes, my dear, I think it's goin' fast
Gotta let me know
Gotta let it show, for it to last
Oh, Simone, to hold you
Dance you into the night
And on into the dawn
And on and on and on to make it right
Make it romantic, make it up I don't care
Look up and sigh even if it's a lie
Oh, Simone, what can I do?
What charm could sway me
Then burn and betray me
But thrill me the way that you do
Second to none, so completely undone
Oh, Simone, it's you
Oh, Simone, my heart is breakin'
Yes, my dear, I think it's goin' fast
Gotta let me know
Gotta let it show, for it to last
Oh, Simone, to hold you
Dance you into the night
And on into the dawn
And on and on and on to make it right
It's time they told you, it's about time you knew
Straighten your gown, throw a Manhattan down
Yes, Simone, it's true
What do you think, you're foolin' somebody?
Do you think that I can't see?
There's no doubt, not a trace
It's all over your face
Oh, Simone, it's me, ooh
Oh, Simone, my heart is breakin'
Yes, my dear, I think it's goin' fast
Gotta let me know
Gotta let it show, for it to last
Oh, Simone, to hold you
Dance you into the night
And on into the dawn
And on and on and on to make it right, oh
Yes, my dear, I think it's goin' fast
The song "Simone" by Rahsaan Roland Kirk is a beautiful and poignant love song that tells the story of a love affair between the singer and a woman named Simone. The lyrics convey the message that the singer is hopelessly in love with Simone, and he is unable to keep up the pretense of being just friends. The singer is aware that his heart is fully invested in this relationship and he can't hide his feelings anymore. He wants Simone to know how he feels, and he wants to make sure that they can make their love last.
The verses are filled with vivid imagery that paint a picture of a love affair that is both passionate and tumultuous. The singer is aware that his heart is easily touched, and it is bound to go out for a ride. He is completely smitten by Simone, and he is ready to conquer the room with a touch of her perfume. The chorus is a plea to Simone to let him know how she feels, and to let their love show so that it can last. The singer wants nothing more than to hold Simone, dance with her into the night, and make everything right.
The song is a classic love ballad that showcases the beautiful and effortless way that Kirk was able to blend elements of jazz and soul music. He was a pioneer in his field, and this song is one of his most beloved creations. The song is a testament to the strength and power of love, and it is a beautiful reminder that the heart wants what it wants.
Line by Line Meaning
Darling, let's stop this pretending
Let's be honest with each other
What more is there to say?
There's nothing else to talk about
Here's to your eyes and my final demise
I will love you until I die
Oh, Simone, it's you
You are the one for me
I knew from the start that my easily-touched heart
I knew that I was falling for you quickly
Was about to go out for a ride
I was ready to take a chance on love
Conquer the room with a touch of perfume
Your presence fills the room with love and passion
Oh, Simone, it's you
You are the one who has my heart
Oh, Simone, my heart is breakin'
My heart is hurting because of you
Gotta let me know
Please tell me your true feelings
Gotta let it show, for it to last
We must be honest with each other if we want this relationship to work
Oh, Simone, to hold you
I want to embrace you
Dance you into the night
I want to dance with you until morning
And on into the dawn
I want to spend the whole night with you
Make it romantic, make it up I don't care
Let's make this special, no matter what it takes
Look up and sigh even if it's a lie
Let's pretend that everything is perfect, even if it's not
Oh, Simone, what can I do?
I don't know what to do without you
What charm could sway me
No one else can capture my heart like you do
Then burn and betray me
You could hurt me deeply, but I would still love you
But thrill me the way that you do
You excite and delight me in ways that no one else can
Second to none, so completely undone
You are the best, and you make me feel alive
Oh, Simone, it's you
You are my everything
It's time they told you, it's about time you knew
Someone needs to tell you the truth
Straighten your gown, throw a Manhattan down
Let's get dressed up and have a drink
Yes, Simone, it's true
Everything I feel for you is real
What do you think, you're foolin' somebody?
Do you really think you can hide your feelings?
Do you think that I can't see?
I know you better than you think
There's no doubt, not a trace
I am sure of our love for each other
It's all over your face
Your love for me is written all over your face
Oh, Simone, it's me, ooh
I am the one who understands you
And on and on and on to make it right, oh
We will do whatever it takes to make our love last
Yes, my dear, I think it's goin' fast
Our love is moving quickly, but I am ready for it
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: David W. Foster, William R. Royce Scaggs
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind