At the time, it was still rare for radio stations to play songs longer than 3 minutes, so Harris' label, MCA, didn't release the song as a single. The language isnt elevated so much as stilted. Song Lyric Sunday | "MacArthur Park" - Donna Summer We fell in love and had a brief affair. I say affair because sadly that is what it was. Starting in Virginia City, Nevada and rippling out to the Haight-Ashbury, LSD reshaped popular music. Moroder asked Neil Bogart, president of Casablanca Records, to provide him with a copy of the Richard Harris version of "MacArthur Park" to serve as the basis for Moroder's envisioned discofied reinvention: Bogart obliged with an 8-track tape containing Harris's version, prompting Moroder to buy an 8-track player in order to hear it. But that location doesnt serve any specific function in the song itself besides being its title and where the whole dilemma is apparently set. When the song's writer, Jimmy Webb, recorded it for his 1996 album. In September 1978, American singer Donna Summer released a multi-million selling vinyl single disco version of "MacArthur Park". Some people go their entire lives without knowing what that feeling is and the only thing worst is never knowing or feeling that undying love for someone. The 12" Special One-Sided Disco DJ Single has been digitally remastered and included on the Bad Girls digipak double CD release. MacArthur Park, in Los Angeles, was where the couple would occasionally meet for lunch and spent their most enjoyable times together. Best Answer. Specially if you dont have the recipe, another Patrick hereyour analysis is too harsh the striped pants does not work for me at all. It eventually peaked at #2 that year. what were and are you to think? Ooh! May I offer my experience because I am dam sure it will be very similar experience for you as well. While Richard Harris, who was a British soap opera actor, was chosen to sing the song is unusual, it didn't stop the song from becoming a huge hit in 1968. It seems like at least a misdemeanor to narrow this list to ten versions. Aha!I recall the yellow cotton dress, foaming like a wave, on the ground beneath your knees. Marie was the mother of Dean Pitchford, who co-wrote it. Record World reported that this version produces a "dazzling" effect and that "the syn-drums and inspired production techniques are occasional and dramatic."[22]. In 2013, the song was remixed by Laidback Luke for the Donna Summer remix album Love To Love You Donna (it was also remixed by Ralphi Rosario and Frank Lamboy), which was released to dance clubs all over America, having a successful peaking at No. The track was recorded on December 21, 1967, at Armin Steiner's Sound Recorders in Hollywood. June 10, 2007 12 AM PT. I know the lyrics are dramatic and sad The songwriter, Jimmy Webb, was in love with a girl, and they went for a walk in MacArthur Park. cookies The answer to your question is: Laugh it off, dont take it serious that he played MacArthur Park. Hes got no business talking to you either if he is married. I now have an understanding of why their marriage was so difficult its because of him. A girl I met introduced me to Jim Webb. Jimmy Webb discusses famous lyrics in 'MacArthur Park' It was written by Jimmy Webb and originally intended as an interpretation of a personal breakup he had with his girlfriend at MacArthur Park in Los Angeles. There have been various explanations given concerning the meaning of this classic tune (MacArthur Park). Harris's version peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number four on the UK Singles Chart. Dont look back, you arent going in that direction anymore. As for the title of this song, there is in fact a MacArthur Park located in Los Angeles. I cant remember the score or the away team but I can clearly see myself standing there listening and stuck to the floor with amazement. X. McArthur Park is MELTING in the dark! They had their first nibble on the charts with a minor hit for Chubby Checker called "Lazy Elsie Molly" in 1964, but had their greatest success as the musical masterminds of The Monkees - they wrote the theme song to their famous TV show and became the group's . 'MacArthur Park': How The Four Tops Got That Recipe Again He told Mojo magazine : "It was like, 'Why can't we get it together- our piano can. Jennings would record the song again in 76. Jolly Good! "MacArthur Park" is a song written by Jimmy Webb. It's since. It having taken so long to bake apparently alludes to the time and energy he put into building the romance up. singer Richard Harris "MacArthur Park" is a song written by American singer-songwriter Jimmy Webb that was recorded first by Irish actor and singer Richard Harris in 1968. My ex just posted a new, very cool, and humorous version of this by Dr John Cooper Clarke another great contribution to the lexicon. I was around 9yrs old when it was first released and I remember how much sadness I felt with some of the lyrics. McArthur Park by The Burtons (1979) Electronic / Dance. Date First Available : December 7, 2006. The orchestral-pop belter with multiple movements has inspired a great rolling of eyes for decades, but by now its a standard and part of the American pop-culture landscape. Press ESC to cancel. The breakup was also the primary influence for "By the Time I Get to Phoenix", another song written and composed by Webb.[1]. Now that I have grown up I can relate too being on the receiving end in many relationships and 2 marriages. Singer Donna Summer became known as the Queen of Disco, defining the genre with her sultry vocals and pulsing rhythms. Body and soul, you took me out of control. Additional troubleshooting information here. McCourt claims Webb explained to him the song's meaning - cake in the rain and all. So he played MacArthur Park Well, all I can say is this was Jimmy Webbs story about his first love, and even though they got back together later on, it didnt last. Bizarrely, this metaphor is actually the tamest one in the whole song. This answer is: Study guides. Sinatra did a very good version. Ive just played it to my 34 year old daughter and she thinks its hysterical. The catch, of course, was how to make a radio hit out of a 17 -minute experimental opus. The songwriter talks about some of his greatest hits, including "MacArthur Park" and "By the Time I Get to Phoenix." His latest album, Just Across the River, features a series of duets with some . The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words. Never to be shared again ever. You are a genuine and undiluted id*ot. In the 12-inch version, "Heaven Knows" was extended to incorporate the instrumental string introduction and the bridge horn solo of the single version for radio stations, but left out the second verse, and "One of a Kind" was trimmed of a large part of the instrumental break but included the second verse. Have to have been there, I suppose, for this song to click. And no, it doesnt contain the worst lyrics. The versions of this medley in Live and More and in the 12-inch recording are notably different in the presentation of the two original songs. And thereve been a number of new versions recorded this century. I think an entire book could be written about the song and its various meanings. The whole song is perfection. And what a surprise they were! The original version of this epic Jimmy Webb tune is melodramatic mush by Irish actor-singer Harris, but in one of the all-time transformations, the Queen of Disco made it a regal display of. Right from the start you tore me apart, you took the best part of my heart, Aah! MacArthur Park, trash or masterpiece? : r/crappymusic - Reddit And the fact that he will never have that recipe again seems to confirm this. The idea to write and compose a classically structured song with several movements that could be played on the radio came from a challenge by music producer Bones Howe, who produced recordings for the Association. The birds, like tender babies in your hands and the old men playing Chinese checkers by the trees. I think all of the previous comments say it all. I thoroughly love the song. Very moving. He married & has 2 grown up children & I have a husband, Recently Ive found my musician again playing online each week because of the pandemic. I wasted precious time and years thinking about him. Richard Harris - MacArthur Park [HD] - YouTube Richard Harris sings 'MacArthur Park' from his 1968 Dunhill album 'A Tramp Shining'. Who sang the original version of macarthur park? - Helping QnA 2 in 1976. It's very simple. Being commercially successful does not make it good. Im 86 and got most of the metaphors as a lost love lived rent free in my mind for over 40 years. MacArthur Park was penned by American singer-songwriter Jimmy Webb at the behest of producer Bones Howe in 1967. And after all the loves of my life, you will still be the one. Webb delivered "MacArthur Park" to Howe with "everything he wanted", but Howe did not care for the ambitious arrangement and unorthodox lyrics and the song was rejected by the group The Association, for whom it had been intended.[2]. Arrangement, the music, the strings were not That part is the genius of jimmybwebb, I agree. All the sweet, green icing flowing down. Lyrics are a bit overrated.. A cover version of "MacArthur Park" was recorded by Scottish progressive rock band Beggars Opera on their 1972 album Pathfinder. Absolutely love this song. Webb produced this song for Richard Harris, crossing the Atlantic Ocean several times in the process. I will have the things that I desire and my passion flow like rivers from the sky. He knows I am listening because we have exchanged some brief messages online. After researching this song my money is on metaphor for sure. Her name Was Suziejust like Webbs love! Does his partner not have the recipe? Nice song, but never a favourite of mine. You might be right. Webb. 1978 Donna Summer - MacArthur Park (US:#1 & UK:#5) Her "MacArthur Park," produced by Giorgio Moroder, topped the Billboard Hot 100 in November of '78, and earned Summer her first Grammy nomination. It ran one step ahead, This is a magnificent song and sung even more magnificantly by Richard Harris. I am now 73 and still play the song every once and awhile and it brings back the pain and emotions that have lingered in my heart for over 50 years. "Lady Marmalade" is the only song to hit #1 twice in both the UK and US. Almost all of the images in the video are by Nika Akin on Pixabay. Printer Friendly . The inspiration for the song was Webbs relationship (and breakup) with one Susie Horton. Hope Park Girl takes your advice. today. Buster, I am 72. When it proved popular, many AM stations also jumped on it. I would love to read something into it but he has been very happily married for 26 years with two awesome children and so all I can tell myself is dont. MacArthur Park is a song by Donna Summer from the album Live and More MacArthur Park is a cover song, originally sang by Richard Webb .