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.
Jump!
Van Dyke Parks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
InstrumentalVan Dyke Parks's song Jump! is a whimsical instrumental piece that exudes a sense of euphoria and playfulness. The lyrics may be absent, but the music itself speaks volumes about the joyful energy that the artist wants to convey. The song begins with an upbeat and cheerful melody that is reminiscent of a carnival ride, with the horns blasting and the percussion keeping the rhythm. The instruments gradually build up and layer upon each other, creating a complex and multilayered soundscape that is both harmonious and chaotic.
As the song progresses, the tempo picks up and the instruments become more animated and frenzied. The saxophones dance around each other, the percussionists create a dizzying array of beats and accents, and the brass section adds a powerful and triumphant edge to the music. There is a sense of anticipation and excitement that permeates through the song, as if the listener is about to embark on an epic adventure or experience a momentous event. Despite the frenetic pace and dynamic range of the music, there is a cohesiveness and fluidity to the arrangement that makes it feel like a well-orchestrated symphony.
Overall, Van Dyke Parks's Jump! is a dazzling showcase of musical virtuosity and creative expression. Even without lyrics, the song has a distinct personality and spirit that is infectious and uplifting. It's a testament to the artist's talents as a composer and arranger, and it's clear that he has poured his heart and soul into every note and rhythm.
Line by Line Meaning
Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump!
Encouraging the listener to get up and move enthusiastically
Gettin' up and down the floor, yeah
Referring to dancing and having a good time
Everybody got to move their feet
A call for everyone to participate and join in the fun
Gettin' good, gettin' neat
The experience of dancing and enjoying oneself is improving and becoming more enjoyable
Movin' fast to the beat
Dancing with energy and enthusiasm, in sync with the rhythm of the music
Jump, everybody, jump!
Another call for the listener to join in on the energy and excitement of the song and dance, by jumping along with the music
Jump! Jump!
The repetition of 'jump' serves as a catchy refrain and a call to action
Get up! Get up! Yeah!
Further encouragement to the listener to get up, move, and join in the fun
Contributed by Jake V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.