Marsh was tutored by Lennie Tristano, and along with Lee Konitz became one of the pre-eminent saxophonists of the Tristano-inspired "Cool School"... read more
A site devoted to the life and music of jazz tenor saxophonist Warne Marsh including a comprehensive discography: www.warnemarsh.info/
There is also a wonderful book, a fictional autobiography of Warne Marsh's musical life, which was written by Marcus M Cornelius and has been very favourably received. The title is "Out of Nowhere - the musical life of Warne Marsh" and it is available through amazon.com and i-universe.com.
Along with Lee Konitz, Warne Marsh was the most successful "pupil" of Lennie Tristano and, unlike Konitz, Marsh spent most of his career exploring chordal improvisation the Tristano way. The cool-toned tenor played with Hoagy Carmichael's Teenagers during 1944-1945 and then after the Army, he was with Buddy Rich (1948) before working with Lennie Tristano (1949-1952). His recordings with Tristano and Konitz still sound remarkable today with unisons that make the two horns sound like one. Marsh had occasional reunions with Konitz and Tristano through the years, spent periods outside of music, and stayed true to his musical goals. He moved to Los Angeles in 1966 and worked with Supersax during 1972-1977, also filling in time teaching. Marsh, who collapsed and died on stage at the legendary Donte's club in 1987 while playing "Out of Nowhere," is now considered legendary. He recorded as a leader for Xanadu, Imperial, Kapp, Mode (reissued on V.S.O.P.), Atlantic, Wave, Storyville, Revelation, Interplay, Criss Cross, and Hot Club. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi
Without a Song
Warne Marsh Lyrics
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Without a song the road would never bend
When things go wrong, a man ain't got a friend
Without a song
That field of corn would never see a plow
That field of corn would be deserted now
A man is born but he's no good no-how
I got my troubles and woe but sure as I know that Jordan will roll
I'll get along as long as a song is strong in my soul
I'll never know what makes the rain to fall
I'll never know what makes the grass so tall
I only know there ain't no love at all
Without a song!!
The lyrics to Warne Marsh's "Without A Song" delve into the importance of music and how it can impact a person's life. The opening lines "Without a song the day would never end, without a song the road would never bend" establish the notion that music is something that keeps people going, even in the toughest of times. The second line, "When things go wrong, a man ain't got a friend" emphasizes the fact that music can be a friend in times of need; it can serve as a form of solace and can help turn around a person's day.
The following lines illustrate the impact music has on nature as well, portraying a field of corn that would never see a plow, and how it would be deserted now. The lyrics continue to emphasize the importance of music and how it keeps people going. "A man is born but he's no good no-how without a song" further reinforces the idea that music is an integral part of human life, without which people may fail to achieve their full potential.
The final lines "I only know there ain't no love at all without a song!!" paint the picture that love and music go hand in hand, and a life without music is a life without love. Overall, the lyrics convey the importance of music in life, emphasizing that it is not just a mere form of entertainment or a hobby, but something that can help people get through the toughest times.
Line by Line Meaning
Without a song the day would never end
The day would seem endless and unbearable if there was no music to make the hours pass more pleasantly.
Without a song the road would never bend
Traveling would be a boring, monotonous task without the accompaniment of music to make it more interesting and enjoyable.
When things go wrong, a man ain't got a friend
In times of trouble, people often find solace and comfort in music when they have no one else to turn to.
Without a song
Overall, music plays an essential role in making life worth living and providing a source of joy and inspiration.
That field of corn would never see a plow
Without music, the simple pleasures of life, such as farming and agriculture, would be dull and joyless affairs.
That field of corn would be deserted now
People would abandon the countryside and the land if there was no music or art to enrich their lives.
A man is born but he's no good no-how
Without the soul-stirring effects of music on human emotions and psyche, human beings would be lost and unfulfilled creatures, existing but not truly living.
I got my troubles and woe but sure as I know that Jordan will roll
Although life is full of setbacks and difficulties, music has the ability to lift our spirits and remind us that there is still hope and joy to be found.
I'll get along as long as a song is strong in my soul
No matter how difficult life may become, an unyielding love for music will help us persevere and continue moving forward.
I'll never know what makes the rain to fall
While many things in life remain a mystery to us, we can always find comfort in the beauty and harmony of music.
I'll never know what makes the grass so tall
Amidst the uncertainties and complexities of life, music remains a source of constancy and clarity that we can always rely on.
I only know there ain't no love at all
Ultimately, without music, love and joy would be impossible to find, and life would be devoid of the beauty and richness that makes it worth living.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EDWARD ELISCU, BILLY ROSE, VINCENT YOUMANS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind