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.
Van Dyke Parks
Van Dyke Parks Lyrics
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Nearer to Thee.
These lyrics form the final lines of Van Dyke Parks's self-titled song "Van Dyke Parks." The mention of "nearer my God to Thee" is a clear reference to the Christian hymn of the same name. The original lyrics of "Nearer, My God, to Thee" express the desire to draw closer to God and to finally meet him in Heaven. In Parks's song, this line could be interpreted as a similar aspiration, perhaps suggesting that even though the troubles he has faced in life have left him feeling small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things, his dreams are still rooted in a hope for spiritual transcendence.
The repetition of "nearer to Thee" at the end of the song could also be seen as a mantra or prayer-like refrain, emphasizing the importance of this relationship with God to the singer. In this way, the song may be viewed as a reflection on a spiritual journey or a search for meaning in uncertain times.
Line by Line Meaning
Yet all my dreams shall be nearer my God to Thee.
Despite the struggles and hardships I may face, I will still strive to be closer to God in everything I do and achieve in life.
Nearer my God to Thee.
My ultimate goal is to become closer to God, both spiritually and emotionally, and to let that bond guide me in all aspects of my life.
Nearer to Thee.
To be in the presence of God is my greatest aspiration, and I will do whatever it takes to reach that point in my life.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: VAN DYKE
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