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.
Orange Crate Art
Van Dyke Parks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Orange crate art was a world apart
Home for two with view of sonoma
Where there's aroma and heart
Memories of her orange crate art
Orange crate table and a rockin' chair
Barnyard gate waiting some repair
You could go bust to replace
Just what is here by the case
Hear the lonesome locomotion roar
Hobo hop on if you dare
And it rolls where grapes of wrath are stored
Stops on a bracero's prayer
On the dawn of a vintage cruise
Calms the wine of this rendezvous
Room for two in view of sonoma
Back when ramona had heart
Memories of her orange crate art
Room for two in view of sonoma
Back when ramona had heart
Memories of her orange crate art
Van Dyke Parks's song Orange Crate Art depicts a nostalgic picture about two people living in a world separated from the hustle and bustle of the city. The orange crate art symbolizes the simple life and the unusual beauty that they found in everyday things like an orange crate table and a rocking chair. They lived in a peaceful home, with a view of Sonoma, a place filled with both aroma and heart. The memories of their time together are represented by the fleeting moments of sweetness and mystery that they shared.
The song talks about trust, fate, and inspiration, perhaps referring to the past that gave this couple the courage and motivation to keep on going despite the adversities. The message that the song suggests is that a person can find contentment in simple things, and it is these humble pieces of furniture that will bring us joy in life. The song's melancholic, nostalgic tone perfectly captures the losses and the bittersweetness that come with the passage of time. Orange Crate Art is a heartwarming song that touches the heart of anyone who has gone through a similar experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Orange crate art was a place to start
The art on an orange crate served as a beginning for something new.
Orange crate art was a world apart
The art on an orange crate was a unique and distinct world of its own.
Home for two with view of sonoma
A residence for two people that looks out over the Sonoma region of California.
Where there's aroma and heart
A place where there are pleasing scents, and a sense of emotion and feeling.
Memories of her orange crate art
Recollections of a woman's artwork on crates.
Orange crate table and a rockin' chair
A table made from an orange crate, accompanied by a chair that rocks.
Barnyard gate waiting some repair
A gate in need of fixing outside a barnyard.
Trust in fate and sweet inspiration
Believing that destiny will work out for the best, with the assistance of pleasant inspiration.
You could go bust to replace
It would cost a lot of money to replace everything in this place.
Just what is here by the case
What is available here is in plentiful supply.
Hear the lonesome locomotion roar
Hearing the sad sound of a train engine in motion.
Hobo hop on if you dare
A homeless person could hitch a ride on the train if they are brave.
And it rolls where grapes of wrath are stored
The train travels through where grapes are grown for wine, which may be very difficult to harvest.
Stops on a bracero's prayer
The train stops near where Braceros, temporary workers from Mexico, might say a prayer.
On the dawn of a vintage cruise
At the break of day on a trip through an area known for producing excellent wine.
Calms the wine of this rendezvous
The meeting place is made more peaceful by the presence of the wine produced in this area.
Room for two in view of sonoma
A small space available for two people, with a picturesque view of Sonoma.
Back when ramona had heart
During the time when Ramona had a strong spirit.
Memories of her orange crate art
Recalls of the artwork made by Ramona on orange crates.
Room for two in view of sonoma
A limited area for two individuals with a beautiful view of Sonoma.
Back when ramona had heart
During the time when Ramona had fervor and vitality.
Memories of her orange crate art
Remembrances of the artwork made by Ramona on crates.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: VAN DYKE PARKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Steve Clapham
I listen to this album and I love it. It helped me when I had cancer .I remember listen to it in hospital. And I still love it. Thankyou Brian and van dyke 😀😀😀😀
Peep Peep
The harmony that artists like Van Dyke Parks, Randy Newman, Harry Nilsson and Brian wilson used is unmatched, wonderfully complex but simple at the same time
Blend42
One of the best Beach Boys related songs of the 90's. Brian's vocals sound as good as he did in the 90's. One of the best examples of his late era falsetto post Landy.
Chris Weaver
There is a comfort and joy that Brian Wilson taps into. His voice and music sound good but better still they touch the soul like no other. Peace and Love to all.
port land
Just a perfect song. thanks to these 2 giants for all they've made for us
terrypussypower
This is such a great album! I recommend it to everyone I know who's into music.
Bruce Harwood
Brilliant, Brian did all the vocals on this album.
DenkyMan
A deeply weird, eccentric album. Which is a great thing. I got it from the library in the 90s. Recorded it to cassette. I did eventually buy it on CD.
Chad Pittman
Go out and get the vinyl
Michael McGonnell
love this track,great album too.