Wilson studied piano and violin at Tuskegee Institute. After working in the Speed Webb and Louis Armstrong bands, he joined Benny Carter's Chocolate Dandies in 1933. In 1935 he joined the Benny Goodman Trio (which consisted of Goodman, Wilson and drummer Gene Krupa, later expanded to the Benny Goodman Quartet with the addition of Lionel Hampton). The trio performed during the big band's intermissions. By joining the Trio, Wilson became the first black musician to perform in public with a previously all-white jazz group.
In the 1930s and 1940s he recorded fifty hit records with various singers such as Lena Horne and Helen Ward, including many of Billie Holiday's most successful records. During these years he also recorded many highly regarded sessions with a wide range of important swing musicians, such as Lester Young, Roy Eldridge, Charlie Shavers, Red Norvo, Buck Clayton and Ben Webster.
Wilson formed his own short-lived big band in 1939, then led a sextet at Cafe Society from 1940 to 1944. In the 1950s he taught at the Juilliard School. Wilson performed as a soloist and with pick-up groups up until the final years of his life.
Nice Work If You Can Get It
Teddy Wilson Lyrics
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Lives a life that isn't necessarily sunny
Likewise the man who works for fame
There's no guarantee that time won't erase his name
The fact is, the only work that really brings enjoyment
Is the kind that is for girl and boys meant
Fall in love you won't regret it
That''s the best work of all if you can get it
Holding hands at midnight
'Neath the starry sky
Nice work if you can get it
And you can get it if you try
Scrolling with the one girl
Sighing after sigh
Nice work if you can get it
And you can get it if you try
Just imagine someone waiting at the cottage door
Where two hearts become one
Who could ask for more
Loving one who loves you
And taking that vow
Nice work if you can get it
And you can get it if
Won't you tell me how?
In Teddy Wilson's song "Nice Work If You Can Get It," the lyrics are centered around the idea that there are different types of work that people engage in, some of which bring more joy and fulfillment than others. The first verse talks about how the man who only lives for making money may have a life that's not necessarily happy, and that the same goes for someone who works for fame. The chorus then reveals that the only true work that brings enjoyment is falling in love, and that it's the best work of all if you can get it. The second verse goes on to paint the picture of hand-holding at midnight, stargazing with a significant other, and taking a vow to love and be loved. The song concludes with the question of how one can obtain this type of work.
The lyrics of this song speaks to the idea that we should seek work that brings joy and meaning to our lives, rather than simply working for money or fame. The song's message of finding fulfillment through love and companionship is timeless, and can be applied to anyone's life regardless of time period. It also demonstrates that working hard to find true love, and nurturing that love, is how to lead a joyful life.
Line by Line Meaning
The man who only lives for making money
A person who is solely focused on earning money often leads a life that isn't necessarily pleasant.
Lives a life that isn't necessarily sunny
Their life is not always filled with joy and positivity.
Likewise the man who works for fame
Similarly, a person who strives for fame is not guaranteed to achieve it or maintain it.
There's no guarantee that time won't erase his name
The passage of time may cause a person's fame to fade or disappear altogether.
The fact is, the only work that really brings enjoyment
The truth is that the only work that truly brings happiness and pleasure is the kind that is meant for both genders.
Is the kind that is for girl and boys meant
The work that brings enjoyment is not limited to a particular gender, it is meant for everyone.
Fall in love you won't regret it
You will be happy if you fall in love, and you won't regret it.
That''s the best work of all if you can get it
Being in love is the most rewarding and fulfilling experience, if you are able to find it.
Holding hands at midnight
Holding hands with someone you love at midnight is a wonderful feeling.
'Neath the starry sky
This experience is made even more magical by the presence of stars in the sky.
Nice work if you can get it
This is a wonderful experience to have.
And you can get it if you try
You can experience this too, if you put in the effort and try to find love.
Scrolling with the one girl
Walking together with a special someone, often while holding hands.
Sighing after sigh
Feeling content and happy with each other's company, often letting out a happy sigh.
Just imagine someone waiting at the cottage door
Imagining a loved one waiting for you at home, welcoming you back with open arms.
Where two hearts become one
A place where two people are united in their love for each other.
Who could ask for more
This is already such a wonderful thing to have, what more could one ask for?
Loving one who loves you
Being loved by someone you love is an indescribable feeling.
And taking that vow
Making a commitment to remain faithful and loving towards each other through thick and thin.
Nice work if you can get it
This is an incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable aspect of life.
And you can get it if
This is something that can be achieved if...
Won't you tell me how?
Can you please tell me how to achieve this kind of love?
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., RALEIGH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind