In Walked Bud
Thelonious Monk Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Dizzie, he was screaming
Next to O.P. who was beaming
Monk was thumping
Suddenly in walked Bud and then they got into Somethin'

Oscar played a mean sax
Mr. Byers blew a mean axe
Monk was thumping
Suddenly in walked Bud
And then the joint started jumping

Every hip stud really dug Bud
Soon as he hit town
Takin’ that note nobody wrote
Putting it down

Dizzie he was screaming
Next to O. P. who was beaming
Monk was thumping




Suddenly in walked Bud
And then they got into something

Overall Meaning

Thelonious Monk's "In Walked Bud" is a jazzy tribute to the legendary jazz pianist/composer, Bud Powell. The song starts with a lively arrangement, where Monk is heard thumping the piano keys, while Dizzie Gillespie and O.P. (Oscar Pettiford) are in a spontaneous exchange of scat words and jazz shout-outs. Next, Powell (Bud) makes his entrance and the mood suddenly shifts to a more upbeat tone. "In Walked Bud" is a song that celebrates the jazz style that characterized the Harlem Renaissance.


The lyrics of this song narrate the experience of Powell's arrival in Harlem and his contribution to jazz music through his unique style of improvisation. Powell's arrival was highly anticipated by jazz aficionados in Harlem, and upon his arrival, everyone welcomed him with open arms. The song mentions Powell's influence on the music industry and his ability to evoke emotions in listeners with his mastery of the piano. Thelonious Monk also gears towards the concept of camaraderie, where Powell walked into a room where friends and fellow musicians were already enjoying themselves, and his contribution to the music only made it more electrifying.


Line by Line Meaning

Dizzie, he was screaming
Dizzie Gillespie was playing his trumpet with great passion and intensity, hitting high notes with precision and loudness.


Next to O.P. who was beaming
Oscar Peterson was sitting next to Dizzie, enjoying the music and smiling from ear to ear as he listened to the great performance.


Monk was thumping
Thelonious Monk was playing his piano with a strong and rhythmic touch, striking the keys with force and intensity.


Suddenly in walked Bud and then they got into Somethin'
When Bud Powell entered the room, the musicians started playing together and created something new and exciting, improvising on the spot.


Oscar played a mean sax
Oscar Peterson was playing the saxophone with skill and precision, hitting all the right notes and making each one count.


Mr. Byers blew a mean axe
The trombonist Curtis Byers was playing his instrument with great skill, creating a deep and resonant sound that blended well with the other instruments.


Monk was thumping
Thelonious Monk was still playing his piano with great intensity and rhythm, keeping the beat going and inspiring the other musicians to play along.


Suddenly in walked Bud
Bud Powell, a legendary jazz pianist, entered the room and immediately caught the attention of the other musicians, who were eager to start playing with him.


And then the joint started jumping
As soon as Bud Powell started playing, the energy in the room picked up and the musicians started improvising and creating a lively, exciting sound.


Every hip stud really dug Bud
Bud Powell was well-respected and admired by other jazz musicians, who recognized him as a talented and innovative pianist.


Soon as he hit town
As soon as Bud arrived in the city, word of his talent spread quickly among jazz fans and other musicians who were eager to hear him play.


Takin’ that note nobody wrote
Bud Powell was known for his ability to improvise on the spot, creating new melodies and harmonies that had never been played before.


Putting it down
Bud Powell was able to play his improvised notes with precision and accuracy, making his music sound as if it had been carefully rehearsed and written out.




Contributed by Riley O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

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@funsp

My heart is sad and lonely
For you I sigh, for you dear only
Why haven't you seen it
I'm all for you body and soul

I spend my days in longing
And wondering why it's me you're wronging
I tell you I mean it
I'm all for you body and soul

I can't believe it
It's hard to conceive it
That you'd turn away romance
Are you pretending
It looks like the ending
Unless I could have just one more chance to prove, dear

My life a wreck you're making
You know I'm yours for just the taking
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul

My life a wreck you're making
You know I'm yours for the very taking
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul



All comments from YouTube:

@nathanmattor401

Just so you know, Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell were best friends.

This one is about how he felt when Bud walked into the room. Just listen to the first few notes. Off tone and at a very strange timing. Just like when a certain friend of mine walks into the room and ups the conversation several notches and more.

I hope everyone is lucky enough to have a friend like that.

@aeneasstrozier8944

anarcho communist jazz fans unite!

@SAHBfan

I've heard a different version of how this song came about. Apparently Bud walked into a jam session very late one night when he was extremely drunk and started a fight which turned into a bar room brawl. I have no idea if that is true - but it is the story our guitar player gave us when he introduced us to the song... I always thought it was a happy song, so I'm not so sure ;)

@Elkfoe

@aeneas strozier commie kropotkin fan I'm here for dat

@tertialmule3309

Ill jam with you my guy :D

@likethesunshine

apparently bud powell tried to defend him from the police when he refused to show identification

6 More Replies...

@stevemcneal5207

Stunning! My favorite Monk song and 11 minutes worth with Johnny Griffin's sax masterpiece as a bonus. Lead with joy and everything else will fall into place.

@markbridwell8972

Griffin was aptly referred to as the "Little Giant"

@previtalle

Johnny Griffin is an excellent saxophonist.

@abstractbrainscans

This is SUCH a sick song - I can't wait till I'm at the level where I can jam it out with my buddies!

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