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.
Bing Crosby
Van Dyke Parks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On the moving screen
Lawrence Tibbett and Nelson Eddy
Donald Nobis and Morton Downey
Kenny Baker and Rudy Vallee
But the crooning prodigy is Bing Crosby
Bing has a way of singing with his very heart and soul
His millions of listeners never fail to rejoice
At his golden voice
They love to hear his la di da di da
So sweetly with such harmony
Thrilling the world with his melody
I wonder if you heard him singing the song
May I Be the One to Say I
I wonder if you heard again
Everytime It Rains It Rains Pennies from Heaven
But Love Thy Neighbor was a most thrilling song
And Get Along Little Dogie Get Along
Unanimously three cheers for
Mr Bing Crosby
The lyrics to Van Dyke Parks's song, Bing Crosby, are a tribute to the famous singer, and highlight his talent and charisma as a performer. The song begins with the singer listing all the famous singers he has ever seen on the moving screen, including Lawrence Tibbett, Nelson Eddy, Donald Nobis, Morton Downey, Kenny Baker, and Rudy Vallee. However, the crooning prodigy that captivates the world with his golden voice and soulful singing is Bing Crosby. The singer describes how Bing has a way of singing from his very heart and soul which has endeared him to millions of listeners worldwide.
The singer notes that Bing's songs are characterized by sweet harmonies and melodies that are both thrilling and captivating. He mentions a few of Bing's songs, such as "May I Be the One to Say I," "Everytime It Rains It Rains Pennies from Heaven," "Love Thy Neighbor," and "Get Along Little Dogie Get Along," which the world has loved and appreciated. Overall, the song is a fitting tribute to Bing Crosby, who is regarded as one of the greatest singers of all time and whose music continues to be enjoyed by generations.
Line by Line Meaning
Of all the world's famous singers that I have ever seen
Out of all the renowned singers that I have witnessed on the silver screen
On the moving screen
In movies or on TV
Lawrence Tibbett and Nelson Eddy
Singers from the early 20th century
Donald Nobis and Morton Downey
Lesser-known singers of their time
Kenny Baker and Rudy Vallee
Singers that had some fame, but not as much as Crosby
But the crooning prodigy is Bing Crosby
Despite all these other singers, Crosby is the true master of crooning
Bing has a way of singing with his very heart and soul
Crosby sings with a deep passion that comes from within
Which captivates the world
People around the globe are mesmerized by his voice
His millions of listeners never fail to rejoice
Crosby's fans are always grateful for his music and never disappointed
At his golden voice
People truly admire Crosby's voice, describing it as pure gold
They love to hear his la di da di da
Audiences enjoy his playful ad-libs and scatting
So sweetly with such harmony
Crosby's voice is always melodious and full of harmony
Thrilling the world with his melody
He enchants the entire world with his music
I wonder if you heard him singing the song
One might wonder if you have heard Crosby singing these next songs
May I Be the One to Say I
He sang a song titled 'May I Be the One to Say I Love You'
I wonder if you heard again
Another song he is known for is 'Pennies from Heaven'
Everytime It Rains It Rains Pennies from Heaven
This song is about how even in tough times, there is always hope and good fortune on the horizon
But Love Thy Neighbor was a most thrilling song
A stand-out song in Crosby's career was 'Love Thy Neighbor'
And Get Along Little Dogie Get Along
He also sang 'Get Along Little Dogies' which was a classic cowboy song
Unanimously three cheers for
Everyone unanimously agrees that
Mr Bing Crosby
Crosby is a true legend and master of the craft of singing and performing
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DURRIE PARKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind