Jack Kerouac Charlie Parker lyrics

Charlie Parker by Jack Kerouac

Charlie Parker lyrics

Charlie Parker looked like Buddha 
Charlie Parker, who recently died 
Laughing at a juggler on the TV 
After weeks of strain and sickness, 
Was called the Perfect Musician. 
And his expression on his face 
Was as calm, beautiful, and profound 
As the image of the Buddha 
Represented in the East, the lidded eyes 
The expression that says "All Is Well" 
This was what Charlie Parker 
Said when he played, All is Well. 
You had the feeling of early-in-the-morning 
Like a hermit's joy, or 
Like the perfect cry of some wild gang 
At a jam session, 
"Wail, Wop" 
Charlie burst his lungs to reach the speed 
Of what the speedsters wanted 
And what they wanted 
Was his eternal Slowdown.