In his teens, Charlie attended the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and played in the school orchestra before joining the Army in 1943. He saw combat, but was eventually stationed in Jazz infused 1945 Paris as part of the Army Special Services band. At this time, he saw Django Reinhardt perform whom he accredited to being one of his earliest influences.
At the end of WW II, he moved to New York to study composition and jazz theory at the Manhattan Harnett National Music School which eventually led to his life-long interest in classical guitar. Starting with a move to Washington, D.C. in 1950, he studied classical guitar with Sophocles Papos and then in 1954 he traveled to Italy to become a pupil of the classical guitarist legend Andres Segovia.
By 1957 he was recording with Savoy as The Charlie Byrd Duo with Tom Newson on flute. The same year he meets double bassist Keter Betts which marks the beginning of a long collaboration. Other musicians associated with the Charlie Byrd trio include Vince Guaraldi, Bill Harris, Nat Adderley and drummer Jimmy Campbell. Key associates include Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis with whom he published as The Great Guitars. His discography is too long to list, but recordings of note are:
* Au Courant
* Bossa Nova years
* Byrd At The Gate
* Byrd in the Wind
* I've Got the World on a String
Through his trio and otherwise, Charlie Byrd is widely know for having brought together Classical, Jazz, Blues and later, most notably, with Stan Getz, Bossa Nova. One important distinction to note is how Charlie was not motivated by a desire to create what was to later become fusion. Rather, he sought to contain the integrity of each form while contrasting their complementary features. The hot blooded swing of Jazz should not be inhibited by classical technical purity; nor should the delicate and precise lyricism of classical form be washed away by out of context Jazz riffs.
Street of Dreams
The Charlie Byrd Trio Lyrics
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Come on and trade in your old dreams for new
Your new dreams for old
I know where they're bought
I know where they're sold
Midnight, you've got to get there at midnight
And you'll be met there by others like you
Brothers as blue
Love laughs at a king
Kings don't mean a thing
On the street of dreams
Dreams broken in two can be made like new
On the street of dreams
Gold, sliver and gold
All you can hold is in the moonbeams
Poor, no one is poor
Long as love is sure
On the street of dreams
Midnight, look at the steeple, it's midnight
Unhappy people, it's ringing with joy
It's ringing with cheer
'Cause yesterday's gone
Tomorrow is near
Midnight, the heart is lighter at midnight
Things will be brighter the moment you find
More of your kind
Smiling on the street of dreams
Love laughs at a king
Kings don't mean a thing
On the street of dreams
Dreams broken in two can be made like new
On the street of dreams
Gold, sliver and gold
All you can hold is in the moonbeams
Poor, no one is poor
Long as love is sure
On the street of dreams
The song "Street of Dreams" by The Charlie Byrd Trio transports the listener to a magical world where one can trade in old dreams for new, and broken dreams can be made into something precious. At midnight, the heavy laden are invited to join others like them to find solace in the street of dreams. The lyrics provide hope for those who are unhappy and lost, and encourages them to seek a brighter tomorrow by finding their own kind on the street of dreams.
The song portrays love as the greatest power, as it can make someone feel rich in a world where wealth is measured by gold and silver. The lyrics reveal that love can make sure no one feels poor as long as it is present. In a world where kings reign, love laughs at them as they are reminded that they do not mean anything on the street of dreams. The song highlights the importance of finding one's own kind and being surrounded by people who understand.
Line by Line Meaning
Midnight, you heavy laden, it's midnight
It's midnight, and you are burdened with worries and stress.
Come on and trade in your old dreams for new
Don't be afraid to let go of old aspirations and embrace new ones.
Your new dreams for old
Similarly, you must be willing to trade new dreams for old if they no longer serve you.
I know where they're bought
The artist knows where dreams are available for purchase.
I know where they're sold
The artist knows where dreams are sold, as well.
Midnight, you've got to get there at midnight
To find these dreams, you must seek them out at midnight.
And you'll be met there by others like you
Others who are similarly seeking dreams will be there to meet you.
Brothers as blue
These individuals are feeling blue or sad.
Smiling on the street of dreams
Despite their sadness, they are content and even happy on the street of dreams.
Love laughs at a king
The power of love is greater than that of a king or ruler.
Kings don't mean a thing
This reminds us of the transient and ephemeral nature of power and status.
Dreams broken in two can be made like new
Even if your dreams have been shattered or broken, there is still hope for them to be restored and rejuvenated.
Gold, silver and gold
All of the riches one could desire are available.
All you can hold is in the moonbeams
These riches are not necessarily tangible and concrete, but instead more ethereal like the moonbeams.
Poor, no one is poor
No one is truly poor as long as they have love.
Long as love is sure
As long as you have love, you are rich beyond measure.
Midnight, look at the steeple, it's midnight
The artist is pointing out the time and a nearby church steeple to emphasize the magical nature of the situation.
Unhappy people, it's ringing with joy
Despite the fact that people may be unhappy or struggling, the church bells ring with joy and hope.
It's ringing with cheer
These sounds of joy and hope can uplift even the most despondent soul.
'Cause yesterday's gone
Yesterday is in the past and cannot be changed or undone, so it's important to focus on the present and future.
Tomorrow is near
There is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Midnight, the heart is lighter at midnight
At this magical time, people's hearts feel lighter and more hopeful.
Things will be brighter the moment you find
Finding what you are looking for can instantly make your life seem brighter and more positive.
More of your kind
Being surrounded by people who share your values and aspirations is key to leading a fulfilling life.
Smiling on the street of dreams
Together, everyone can find happiness and contentment on the street of dreams.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Sam Lewis, Victor Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind