Works
Thelonious Monk / Sonny Rollins 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 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., RALEIGH MUSIC PUBLISHING
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.