There is some disagreement about the chord progression in the bridge. On many club dates and jam sessions, musicians play the tune as it was transcribed in the original Real Book:
G7 | G7 | Ab7 | Ab7 | A7 Bb7 | B7 Bb7 | A7 Ab7 | G7 C7 |
The wide proliferation of the Real Book makes this progression the de facto standard for the bridge. The "New Real Book" shows alternate bridge chords:
Db9 | Db9 | D9 | D9 | Eb9 E9 | Eb9 D9 | Db9 C9 | B9 C7 |
These could be considered tritone substitution chords for the most part.
Aside from Monk's recordings, versions have been recorded by Miles Davis (on his album Steamin'), Herbie Hancock, and many others. Mike Ferro wrote lyrics for the song in the 1970s.
Well You Needn't
Thelonious Monk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 boy meant
Fall in love and you won't regret it
Holding hands at midnight
'Neath a starry sky
Nice work if you can get it
And you can get it if you try
Strolling with the one girl
Sighing sigh 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 anything more?
Loving one who loves you
And then taking that vow
It's nice work if you can get it
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?"
Just imagine someone
Waiting at the cottage door
Where two hearts become one
Who could ask for anything more?
Loving one who loves you
And then taking that vow
Nice work if you can get it
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?"
The lyrics of Thelonious Monk, Gene Ramey, and Art Blakey's song "Nice Work If You Can Get It" talks about how only taking pleasure in making money or aiming for fame isn't the key to happiness, and the only thing that brings real enjoyment is love. The first verse of the song states that a person who is solely focused on making money might not have a joyous life; whereas, the person who works for fame also doesn't have a guaranteed happy ending. The song speaks about the fact that love is the only true source of fulfillment; holding hands at midnight, walking with a loved one, and sighing sigh after sigh are all forms of work that are enjoyable, especially when you love the work you do.
The second verse talks about the level of happiness that comes with finding true love. The lyrics express the importance of finding somebody special and taking a vow to love them. Moreover, the lyrics talk about how nice it would be to have someone waiting for you, and the idea of two hearts becoming one is a beautiful thing to behold. The song closes with the plea to the listeners to share their experience of finding true love - "And if you get it, won't you tell me how?"
Line by Line Meaning
The man who only lives for making money
A person who prioritizes making money above all else
Lives a life that isn't necessarily sunny
Their life may not be fulfilling or enjoyable
Likewise the man who works for fame
Someone who strives for fame may not be satisfied
There's no guarantee that time won't erase his name
Fame may not last forever or have any lasting impact
The fact is, the only work that really brings enjoyment
The truth is that the only work that brings true satisfaction
Is the kind that is for girl and boy meant
Is work related to love and relationships
Fall in love and you won't regret it
Falling in love brings happiness and fulfillment
That's the best work of all, if you can get it
Being in love is the most enjoyable and rewarding experience
Holding hands at midnight
Sharing a romantic moment with a loved one
'Neath a starry sky
Under the night sky illuminated by stars
Nice work if you can get it
An enjoyable experience not easily obtained
And you can get it if you try
But it's possible to attain if you make an effort to find it
Strolling with the one girl
Taking a leisurely walk with a loved one
Sighing sigh after sigh
Feeling content and peaceful while enjoying each other's company
Just imagine someone
Consider the possibility of someone who
Waiting at the cottage door
A loved one eagerly waiting to be reunited
Where two hearts become one
The place where two people connect in love
Who could ask for anything more?
What more could one desire in life?
Loving one who loves you
Being in a mutual and reciprocated state of love
And then taking that vow
Committing to one another through marriage
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?
Asking for advice on how to achieve a fulfilling love life
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@johngulino2651
Beyond the beyond. Monk, Trane, Art Blakey…wow.
@comealgo8638
and Coleman Hawkins!
@TintarellaDiLuna64
Monk is still relevant in our days! Covid gave us more hometime, I've used my time on listening to good, marvellous JAZZ...
@TboneWertman
Smart man
@postatility9703
Tiina-Maija.
Well, you---spent your time wisely!😁
@DonLusher
good use of time... Monk would wear fancy hats... but I don't think he would wear a mask... way too smart for that... well you needn't!
@ChaotikDawg
@@DonLusheras an avid jazz lover and monk enthusiast this is a stupid comment
@DonLusher
@@ChaotikDawg yes you are right... it's irrelevant crossover of topics... I'm a burned out trombone player... people talking about Covid times triggered it....I'm sorry I am sometimes stupid.
@user-sv9uc8ci1y
❤два гения
@postatility9703
Interesting tidbit:While doing dj work on Temple University's beloved jazz station, WRTI, I used to talk to the late, wonderful Wilbur Ware,who happens to be the bassist on this date.He told me that it was he that shouted "Coltrane" the second time (after Monk) to wake up the great saxophonist, who proceeded to launch a brilliant solo.Maybe 'Trane was dreaming of that solo-he was certainly ready when called.
What an incredible session!