Work
Thelonious Monk / Sonny Rollins 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 song "Nice Work If You Can Get It" by Thelonious Monk portrays a message about the true value of work and how society views it. The lyrics suggest that people who focus solely on making money or seeking fame may not find happiness or fulfillment, as either factor can easily be taken away. Instead, the song suggests that true joy comes from falling in love and all the little moments that come with it, such as holding hands at midnight or strolling with the one you love. Ultimately, the song suggests that if you can find love and commitment, that is the most important "work" you can do.
The lyrics of the song ultimately suggest that while other forms of work can be fulfilling, working towards love and commitment is truly the best work. The song uses imagery of walking with a significant other and standing under a starry sky to emphasize the importance of love and companionship. The line "And if you get it, won't you tell me how?" emphasizes the idea that true love can be elusive and hard to find, making it all the more valuable when you do ultimately find it. This song ultimately resonates with the idea that the best things in life are not things, but people and experiences that bring joy.
Line by Line Meaning
The man who only lives for making money
A person who solely dedicates their life to earn money
Lives a life that isn't necessarily sunny
Their life might not be joyful, but rather obscure
Likewise the man who works for fame
Similarly, an individual trying excessively to gain popularity
There's no guarantee that time won't erase his name
No assurance that his name will live on after time
The fact is, the only work that really brings enjoyment
In reality, the only work that provides true pleasure
Is the kind that is for girl and boy meant
Is the kind that is destined for partners in love
Fall in love and you won't regret it
The experience of falling in love is always a worthy one
That's the best work of all, if you can get it
It is the ultimate work that brings the most satisfaction
Holding hands at midnight
Holding hands under the moon's light
'Neath a starry sky
Underneath the night sky filled with stars
Nice work if you can get it
It's an excellent experience if you're lucky enough to have it
And you can get it if you try
It is achievable if you put in the effort
Strolling with the one girl
Walking leisurely with a loved one
Sighing sigh after sigh
Letting out sighs of contentment
Just imagine someone
Picture somebody
Waiting at the cottage door
Anticipating at the door of a cottage
Where two hearts become one
Where two individuals' mutual love turns into one
Who could ask for anything more?
What more could you want?
Loving one who loves you
Loving someone who loves you back
And then taking that vow
And then committing to a lifetime promise
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?
If you do achieve it, would you mind sharing how?
Lyrics © RALEIGH MUSIC PUBLISHING, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
emtube
My favorite of all Monk's compositions and performances. This is fantastic, how anyone could conceive of such a unique masterpiece. I can't understand why he never seems to have recorded it or played it again...but I'm really grateful that he recorded it this once!
Arthro92
@noahvale939
lol...you jiving?! :-D
noahvale939
emtube, Another one is "Introspection", also a one-time-only masterpiece - it's on an early Blue Note album. Steve Lacy also recorded "Work" but, after playing with and learning from Monk, admitted that he had played it incorrectly.
Tom Maciel
Then, i recommend you to listen to Vijay Iyer version of this song!
John Stewart
He always reminds me of Eric Satie, but with bells on.
Lorenz Müller
emtube Chick Coreas favorite Monk tune.
Postatility
None other than Peter Frampton recorded this on a Monk by others collection entitled"That's The Way I Feel Now" Frampton's version shows a great deal of understanding and musicianship.
noahvale939
It's definitely Blakey on drums. Some of Monk's most assured and fleet playing. Great composition and wonderful improvisations.
Gerard Ross
@soukous25Actually, it is, as the style of drumming and Ira Gitler's notes both confirm.
Gerard Ross
Yep, that's Art Blakey, with Percy Heath on bass, two of the very few musicians who could navigate this Monk masterpiece.