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.
Palm Desert
Van Dyke Parks Lyrics
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Tenderfoot up to date palms of the real estate.
By Palm Desert springs often run dry.
I came west unto Hollywood, never-never land. Juxtaposed to B.B.D. and O. Beyond San Fernando on hillside manors on the banks of toxicity those below and those above the same.
Dreams are still born in Hollywood I don't understand.
Just suppose the youngster knows he's had a good deal of fortune
buy your leave or stay beyond the game.
Palm Desert not fade away.
Palm Desert I wish I could stay.
Palm Desert sages abound.
So head your head to the ground round.
Meanwhile in the wild west of Hollywood age is losing hold.
Inasmuch as you are touched to have withstood by the very old search for the truth within the bounds of toxicity.
Left unsung so I have strung the frame.
The lyrics to Van Dyke Parks's song "Palm Desert" can be interpreted as a reflection on the contrast between the glamour and opportunities of Hollywood and the real estate market in Palm Desert, California. The song seems to be narrated by someone who has traveled from Hollywood to Palm Desert to buy land, highlighting the importance of keeping up with the latest trends in the real estate world. The line "By Palm Desert springs often run dry" suggests that this area has its own set of problems, such as water scarcity.
The singer goes on to describe the dreamlike atmosphere of Hollywood, which can be both alluring and confusing ("Dreams are still born in Hollywood I don't understand"). However, he also acknowledges the importance of recognizing a stroke of luck when it comes one's way, and being mindful of one's involvement in the "game" of show business. Meanwhile, the "wild west of Hollywood" is losing its appeal, as advancing age makes it harder to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry. Through it all, the singer seems to find solace in the "sages" of Palm Desert, and perhaps even sees them as an antidote to the toxicity of Hollywood.
Line by Line Meaning
By Palm Desert to market to buy.
I headed to the market in Palm Desert to purchase something.
Tenderfoot up to date palms of the real estate.
Newcomers, such as myself, are intrigued by the modern real estate in Palm Desert.
By Palm Desert springs often run dry.
The springs in Palm Desert tend to dry up periodically.
I came west unto Hollywood, never-never land.
I moved to Hollywood, which seems like a fantasy land.
Juxtaposed to B.B.D. and O. Beyond San Fernando on hillside manors on the banks of toxicity those below and those above the same.
Hollywood is compared to Brains, Beauty, Developments, and Opportunity that are located beyond San Fernando valley in toxic hillside areas where inequalities exist among people living there.
Dreams are still born in Hollywood I don't understand.
Despite not understanding how, people's dreams come true in Hollywood.
Just suppose the youngster knows he's had a good deal of fortune and up through the babble on the fair banks complicity, buy your leave or stay beyond the game.
Youngsters likely realize their fortune in Hollywood and wade through confusing situations before deciding to leave or stay.
Palm Desert not fade away.
Palm Desert won't disappear.
Palm Desert I wish I could stay.
I want to stay in Palm Desert.
Palm Desert sages abound.
There are many wise people in Palm Desert.
So head your head to the ground round.
Be attentive and keep your head low to the ground.
Meanwhile in the wild west of Hollywood age is losing hold.
In Hollywood, people are aging and losing their grip on youthfulness.
Inasmuch as you are touched to have withstood by the very old search for the truth within the bounds of toxicity.
People become compelled to seek truth in toxic places despite the adverse effects of that search.
Left unsung so I have strung the frame.
Some things are left unspoken, so I created an outline of my thoughts.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: VAN DYKE PARKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind