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.
Sweet Trinidad
Van Dyke Parks Lyrics
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Darling keep the home fires burning
Use gas, don't burn any wood
Well, I've traveled the USA from north to south
I didn't meet a single girl to shout about
They worked me very hard but they paid me good
I put on a little weight eating Yankee food
From Miami to New York to Los Angeles
Wherever I play the people mighty pleased
Yankee dollar really appeals to me
Never forget sweet la Trinity
I'll remember
Sweet Trinidad, sweet sweet Trinidad
Darling keep your home fires burning
Use gas, don't burn any wood
The lyrics to Van Dyke Parks's song "Sweet Trinidad" portray the singer's nostalgic longing for his beloved home, Trinidad. He affectionately describes it as "sweet" throughout the song and implores his lover to "keep the home fires burning" in his absence. Perhaps the most curious part of the lyrics is the repeated warning to "use gas, don't burn any wood." This is likely a reference to the environmental concerns that plagued Trinidad at the time, with deforestation leading to a shortage of firewood. The singer's plea to use gas instead serves as a nod to the need for sustainable energy solutions.
Throughout the verses, the singer talks about his travels throughout the United States, expressing disappointment in not meeting any notable women, but enjoying the good pay that came with his work. Despite this, he maintains that nothing compares to his home in Trinidad, where the people and landscape fill him with joy. The song's chorus repeats a longing for Trinidad, urging his lover to take care of their home while he is away.
Overall, "Sweet Trinidad" is a nostalgic love letter to the island nation and a reminder of the importance of homes and the environment.
Line by Line Meaning
Sweet Trinidad, sweet sweet Trinidad
A soothing chant for the paradise island of Trinidad, rich in beauty and culture.
Darling keep the home fires burning
Stay faithful and committed even when the songwriter is away, as the flame of love will continue to burn.
Use gas, don't burn any wood
Practical advice to preserve resources by avoiding wood for fuel and consuming gas instead.
Well, I've traveled the USA from north to south
The songwriter has taken a long journey through the length and breadth of the United States.
I didn't meet a single girl to shout about
Despite meeting several women in his travels, none captured his heart or imagination.
They worked me very hard but they paid me good
Although his travels were strenuous, he was compensated fairly for his labor and effort.
I put on a little weight eating Yankee food
While indulging in American cuisine, the songwriter gained a few pounds.
From Miami to New York to Los Angeles
A mention of three major American cities on different coasts during his travels.
Wherever I play the people mighty pleased
The songwriter's audience was always entertained and satisfied with his performance.
Yankee dollar really appeals to me
The American currency is attractive and significant to the songwriter in terms of its value and economic benefits.
Never forget sweet la Trinity
The songwriter recalls and cherishes Trinidad, an unforgettable place close to his heart.
I'll remember
A vow to treasure and recollect the memories of Trinidad forevermore.
Sweet Trinidad, sweet sweet Trinidad
A reaffirmation of the island's unique beauty and charm, worth reminiscing and celebrating.
Darling keep your home fires burning
A repeated call for faithfulness and persistence in love, despite distance and absence.
Use gas, don't burn any wood
A reiterated message to conserve resources and use gas as fuel, not wood.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: VAN DYKE PARKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind