Born in Oakland, California, McKuen ran away from home at the age of eleven to escape an alcoholic stepfather and to send what money he could to his mother. After a series of jobs, from lumberjack, ranch hand, railroad worker to rodeo cowboy, throughout the west, McKuen began in the 1950s to excite audiences with his poetry readings, appearing with such well-known poets as Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg; during this time, he often used the pseudonym "Dor". He moved to New York City in 1959 to compose and conduct for the TV show "The CBS Workshop." By the 1960s he had achieved fame, far surpassing in sales the works of the Beat poets who preceded him. During the early 1960s he spent most of his time in France. This began his project to translate the work of legendary singer/songwriter Jacques Brel, into English.
He became an icon across college campuses for his ability to capture in verse the feelings of anxiety, love, confusion, and hope that were common during the Vietnam era. His public readings had the drawing power of a rock concert.
McKuen’s commercial success was unparalleled in the field of modern poetry. His poetic works have been translated into a dozen languages and sold over 65 million copies. Throughout his career he continued to enjoy sell-out concerts around the world and appeared regularly at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall.
As a songwriter, he contributed to the sale of over 100 million records. His material has been recorded by such artists as Love's Been Good To Me (1969), Waylon Jennings, The London Philharmonic, Greta Keller, Perry Como, and Madonna. Perhaps his most well-known song is Jean (1969).
McKuen proved to be a prolific songwriter, penning over 1,500 songs. He collaborated with a variety of internationally renowned composers, including Henry Mancini and John Williams, and a highly successful series of albums with Anita Kerr. His symphonies, concertos, and other classical works have been performed by orchestras around the globe. His suite for narrator and orchestra, "The City", was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in Music. His work as a composer in the film industry garnered him two Academy Award nominations.
Throughout his multi-award-winning career, McKuen paired his artistic endeavors with a spirit for social reform. Before a tour of South Africa in the 1970s, McKuen demanded “mixed seating” among white and black concert-goers, opening the doors for successful tours by a variety of African-American performers, including Sammy Davis, Jr. and Ella Fitzgerald. He also spearheaded efforts to raise AIDS awareness and fund charities for children and senior citizens. His humanitarian efforts twice won him the prestigious Freedoms Foundation Award.
One By One
Rod McKuen Lyrics
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I've settled revolutions in Spain
And the North Pole I have charted
Still I can't get started with you
On the golf course, I'm under par
Metro Goldwyn have asked me to star
I've got a house, a showplace
'Cause you're so supreme
Lyrics I write of you, I dream
Dream day and night of you
And I scheme just for the sight of you
Baby, what good does it do?
I've been consulted by Franklin D
Greta Garbo has had me to tea
Still I'm broken-hearted
'Cause I can't get started with you
The lyrics of the song "I Can't Get Started" by Rod McKuen express the struggles of the songwriter in trying to win the affection of the person he desires. Despite all his achievements and successes - flying around the world in a plane, settling revolutions in Spain, charting the North Pole, being under par in golf, being asked to star by Metro Goldwyn, and having a showplace house, he still can't win the heart of the person he longs for. He emphasizes his admiration for this person, but all of his daydreams and schemes cannot make him successful in winning their love.
The songwriter is consumed with his infatuation with the person and is unable to focus on anything else. He describes how he has met and consulted with many famous people such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Greta Garbo, but he is still broken-hearted because he cannot get started with the person he desires. He laments that writing lyrics about this person, dreaming of them day and night, and scheming just for the sight of them are of no good. The song conveys a sense of yearning, frustration, and longing for someone who is seemingly unattainable.
Line by Line Meaning
I've flown around the world in a plane
I have traveled extensively and experienced many things.
I've settled revolutions in Spain
I have been involved in political conflicts and helped bring about change.
And the North Pole I have charted
I have explored remote and challenging regions.
Still I can't get started with you
In spite of all my achievements, I cannot build a relationship with you.
On the golf course, I'm under par
I am skilled at golf and my score is below average.
Metro Goldwyn have asked me to star
I have been offered a leading role by a major movie studio.
I've got a house, a showplace
I have a beautiful and impressive home.
Still I can't get no place with you
Despite all that I have, I still cannot win your affection.
'Cause you're so supreme
You are the ultimate and the best.
Lyrics I write of you, I dream
I am inspired to write songs about you and I fantasize about you in my dreams.
Dream day and night of you
I constantly think about and imagine being with you.
And I scheme just for the sight of you
I come up with plans and strategies just to catch a glimpse of you.
Baby, what good does it do?
Despite my efforts, I am not making progress and it is frustrating.
I've been consulted by Franklin D
I have had the opportunity to advise a former president of the United States.
Greta Garbo has had me to tea
I have been invited to have tea with a famous and reclusive actress.
Still I'm broken-hearted
Despite these exciting experiences, I am still deeply upset and unhappy because of my unrequited feelings for you.
'Cause I can't get started with you
I cannot build a successful relationship and begin a life with you.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ira Gershwin, Vernon Duke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Albert Wong
on The Women (Les Biches)
Where can I find the lyrics of "The Women"