Evidence
T. Monk & John Coltrane Lyrics
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Picking through books that you won't read again
Keeping your promises vague
Lost in the crowd in the circus parade
Keeping your Polaroids dry
Delirious fevers burn night after night
The cryptic malaise that you're in
To focus attention on books you might write
Ripped off from diaries, kept out of sight
The evidence you hide
Keeping your bed warm at night
It's not an illusion it glows very bright
With the young coal the fire is fed
Who you keep with you is best left unsaid
On finding particular friends
Remember that all moral fiber will bend
To put them in letters you burn as you write
Seen in reflections and not with your eyes
Cultivating lies
The song "Evidence" by Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane appears to describe a person who is lost, both literally and in their emotional state. The opening lines, "Lost in a paperback rain, picking through books that you won't read again" suggest a feeling of aimlessness or confusion, as the person is searching through discarded or forgotten books. The next line, "Keeping your promises vague," adds to the sense of uncertainty and lack of direction in the person's life. They seem to be adrift in a crowd, represented by the "circus parade."
The next stanza continues this theme of confusion and malaise, with references to "Delirious fevers burn night after night" and a "cryptic malaise" that the person is in. However, the final lines suggest that there may be some hope for this person, as there is "art that may come of it" and a recommendation to "focus attention on books you might write." Despite the difficulties and challenges that the person is facing, there is a sense that creativity and self-expression may be a way forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Lost in a paperback rain
Feeling aimless and uncertain, surrounded by an abundance of literature that seems to hold no meaning or relevance to your life
Picking through books that you won't read again
Sorting through things in your life that no longer serve a purpose, but for whatever reason, you can't seem to let go of them
Keeping your promises vague
Going through life without making any firm commitments or promises, so as to avoid disappointing others or having to be accountable for your actions
Lost in the crowd in the circus parade
Feeling like just another face in the crowd, a part of the performance but not the star attraction
Keeping your Polaroids dry
Protecting your memories and experiences from the damp, looming threat of forgetfulness or loss
Delirious fevers burn night after night
Battling an internal restlessness and turmoil that never seems to subside, leading to exhaustion and feverishness
The cryptic malaise that you're in
Suffering from an inexplicable, mysterious condition that leaves you feeling listless and disconnected from the world around you
The art that may come of it I'd recommend
Despite the discomfort and pain of your situation, you may be able to tap into your life experiences and create something beautiful or worthwhile from them
To focus attention on books you might write
Directing your energy and attention towards a creative pursuit that has the potential to yield something tangible and satisfying
Ripped off from diaries, kept out of sight
Drawing inspiration from personal writings and insights that are not meant for public consumption, and keeping the source of those ideas concealed
The evidence you hide
The clues and hints about your true self that you keep guarded and concealed from others
Keeping your bed warm at night
Taking comfort and solace in the familiar, especially during times of uncertainty or loneliness
It's not an illusion it glows very bright
This sense of comfort and warmth is not just a figment of your imagination, it is a real and meaningful part of your life
With the young coal the fire is fed
Fanning the flames of your inner life force and passion, using the energy and vitality of youth to fuel your pursuits
Who you keep with you is best left unsaid
The people with whom you share your life and your innermost thoughts are precious and private, and not meant for casual or idle discussion
On finding particular friends
In your search for meaningful connections and relationships, you may encounter people who share your interests or outlook on life
Remember that all moral fiber will bend
In these relationships, you may be faced with challenges or situations that test your core beliefs and values
To put them in letters you burn as you write
Expressing these complex emotions and experiences in words can be deeply painful and cathartic, requiring you to dig deep into your soul
Seen in reflections and not with your eyes
The true essence of these relationships and experiences can only be glimpsed through reflections, subtle signals, and hints of meaning
Cultivating lies
At times, you may feel that the only way to protect yourself or maintain a sense of control is to fabricate or manipulate the truth, leading to a sense of deceit or falseness in your life
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRIS C. PEDERSON, DAVID A. IMMERGLUCK, GREG A. LISHER, VICTOR H. KRUMMENACHER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
FamousJazzman
I never get tired of listening to the GREAT Monk. Add Coltrane and you hit it out of the park!
Mikhail Schmokloff
Seems to me that Monk is the most ruthless pianist ( at least as long as bebop is concerned ) that ever existed. I really think that he wrote the chords down for the rest of the band to play on, while he just sat there, being musically rude. Pure musical genius
miranda c
He's one of the handful of American geniuses. Whitman, him, Frank Lloyd Wright... I guess Armstrong (well, of course Armstrong) but it's a very short list.
postatility
Why do so many people love(and play)Monk's tunes? Because they are so direct--no waste--and they say so much,in so many different moods and colors!!
Alexander Covelli
This is by far the best version of the song
__salas__
Such fluidity in trane's solos...incredible
Linda Dellorto
Holy geniuses....what a rare, fabulous find! I love it!!!
Contemplativeman
Music aside.....There ain't nothin' cooler than watching Monk walk around in counter-clockwise circles before he sits down to play. The performance is nothing short of brilliant.
Mario Gandolfo
Una obra maestra tocada por dos genios.
Mary Marino
this is why I always return to jazz.great jazz tunes.i leave but joyfully return.i have to be honest about that .I bounce around but this is so brilliant.!!!