Among the hundreds of artists he's worked with include Phil Ochs, Tim Buckley, Haruomi Hosono, The Byrds, Rufus Wainwright, Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman, Ry Cooder, U2, Joanna Newsom, Inara George, Keith Moon, Frank Zappa, Harpers Bizarre, Little Feat, Ringo Starr, Silverchair, and Skrillex.
In addition to producing, Parks has released seven studio albums of his own recordings: Song Cycle, Discover America, Clang of the Yankee Reaper, Jump!, Tokyo Rose, Songs Cycled, and with Brian Wilson, Orange Crate Art. He has also released a live album, Moonlighting: Live at the Ash Grove. His first official release was the 1966 single Number Nine, a modernized version of Beethoven's 9th backed with Do What You Wanta.
Parks has also established himself in film scores, and over the years has directed, arranged, produced, and composed soundtracks for a great number of motion pictures and television shows.
During his childhood, Parks became extremely fond of old-style American music, most notably the sounds of Tin Pan Alley. This interest in Depression-era songwriting would correlate heavily with his artistic goals and interests during the 1960s and beyond. He was also deeply affected by musicians Spike Jones and Les Paul, which led him to develop an interest with studio experimentation in the form of pop music.
An Invitation to Sin
Van Dyke Parks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Doubtless you wanna know
I been a queen and I seen high society
Climb the stairs so many times with milionaires just to
Help them chase their cares away
These are the does I suppose you all knows how to play
An invitation to sin and begin to be gay
Sinner or help yourself to some quail
We got a covey, a bevy of love for sale
If she suit you fancy if you need romancin
Don't let this chance pass you by
This ain't no dime a dance so let that old eagle fly
An invitation to sin and begin to be gay
I done some time back in my prime
My crime was that I didn't know when to quit
Times was unkind to me now I don't mind a bit
Face you can't forget night of love you won't regret
Feelin you ain't felt before
If you can't pay sonny just make you way out the door
An invitation to sin and begin to be gay
The song "An Invitation to Sin" by Van Dyke Parks seems to be an invitation to join in on a sinful lifestyle. The lyrics suggest that the singer, who seems to be a former queen, is inviting someone to join her in a world of high society and wealth, where they can indulge in whatever pleasures they desire. The lines "Pick a winner red hot chicken dinner, Sinner or help yourself to some quail," suggest that they have access to expensive food and lavish parties.
The singer goes on to encourage the listener to take advantage of the opportunity, which is presented as a rare chance to experience something extraordinary. She goes on to say "This ain't no dime a dance, so let that old eagle fly." Here, she is telling the listener that this is not a chance to be missed, and they should take it all in and enjoy themselves to the fullest.
Overall, the song seems to be a celebration of a glamorous and sinful lifestyle. Parks' use of clever word choices and vivid imagery transports the listener to the world he is painting. The song has a catchy melody and a jazzy tone that makes it easy to listen to and enjoy.
Line by Line Meaning
Stretch yourself out let me tell you what it's all about
Get comfortable and listen to me explain what this is all about
Doubtless you wanna know
I'm sure you want to know
I been a queen and I seen high society
I have been a high-class woman and have experienced the elitist lifestyle
Climb the stairs so many times with millionaires just to
I have accompanied millionaires up the stairs many times just to
Help them chase their cares away
help them forget their worries
These are the does I suppose you all knows how to play
These are the types of people that I assume everyone knows how to deal with
An invitation to sin and begin to be gay
This is an invitation to indulge in sinful and carefree behavior
Pick a winner red hot chicken dinner
Choose a winner for a delicious meal of hot, spiced chicken
Sinner or help yourself to some quail
Indulge in sin or take a serving of small game birds for yourself
We got a covey, a bevy of love for sale
We have a collection of attractive individuals available for purchase
If she suits your fancy, if you need romancin
If you are interested and looking for some romance
Don't let this chance pass you by
Make sure you take advantage of this opportunity
This ain't no dime a dance so let that old eagle fly
This is not a cheap offer, so go all out and fully enjoy yourself
An invitation to sin and begin to be gay
This is an invitation to indulge in sinful and carefree behavior
I done some time back in my prime
I have had my share of experiences in the past
My crime was that I didn't know when to quit
My fault was not knowing when to stop
Times was unkind to me now I don't mind a bit
In the past, times were tough for me, but now I am fine with it
Face you can't forget night of love you won't regret
A face you won't be able to forget and a night of love that you won't regret
Feelin you ain't felt before
A feeling that you have never felt before
If you can't pay sonny just make your way out the door
If you can't pay, just leave
An invitation to sin and begin to be gay
This is an invitation to indulge in sinful and carefree behavior
Contributed by Ava P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.