Composer

:

Jimmy Webb

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1968

Average_duration

:

6:23

"MacArthur Park" is a song composed by Jimmy Webb, an American songwriter, composer, and singer. The song was first recorded by Richard Harris in 1968 and has since been covered by numerous artists, including Donna Summer, Waylon Jennings, and Maynard Ferguson. The song was composed in 1967 and was inspired by Webb's breakup with his girlfriend. The lyrics describe a failed relationship and the emotions that come with it. The title of the song comes from a park in Los Angeles, where Webb and his girlfriend used to spend time together. "MacArthur Park" is a seven-minute-long song that is divided into four movements. The first movement is an instrumental introduction that features a prominent horn section. The second movement is the first verse of the song, which is sung by Harris. The third movement is an instrumental section that features a guitar solo and a string section. The fourth movement is the chorus of the song, which is repeated several times. The song is known for its complex orchestration and unconventional structure. The lyrics are poetic and metaphorical, with lines like "Someone left the cake out in the rain" and "I don't think that I can take it, 'cause it took so long to bake it." The song has been interpreted in many different ways, with some people seeing it as a commentary on the Vietnam War and others seeing it as a simple love song. "MacArthur Park" premiered in 1968 and quickly became a hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has since become a classic and is often included on lists of the greatest songs of all time. It has been covered by artists in many different genres, including rock, pop, and jazz. Overall, "MacArthur Park" is a unique and memorable song that showcases Jimmy Webb's talent as a songwriter and composer. Its complex structure and poetic lyrics have made it a favorite among music fans for over 50 years.

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