Pick Yourself Up
Benny Carter · Other Songs - Benny Carter
Nice teacher, teach me something.
I'm as awkward as a camel, that's not the worst,
My two feet haven't met yet,
But I'll be teacher's pet yet,
'Cause I'm gonna learn to dance or burst.
Nothing's impossible I have found,
For when my chin is on the ground,
I pick myself up,
Dust myself off,
Start all over again.
Don't lose your confidence if you slip,
Be grateful for a pleasant trip,
And pick yourself up,
Dust yourself off,
Start all over again.
Work like a soul inspired,
Till the battle of the day is won.
You may be sick and tired,
But you'll be a man, my son!
Will you remember the famous men,
Who had to fall to rise again?
So take a deep breath,
Pick yourself up,
Dust yourself off,
Start all over again.
I'll get some self assurance
If your endurance is great.
I'll learn by easy stages
If you're courageous and wait.
To feel the strength I want to,
I must hang on to your hand,
Maybe by the time I'm fifty
I'll get up and do a nifty.
Nothing's impossible I have found,
For when my chin is on the ground,
I pick myself up,
Dust myself off,
Start all over again.
Don't lose your confidence if you slip,
Be grateful for a pleasant trip,
And pick yourself up,
Dust yourself off,
Start all over again.
Work like a soul inspired,
Till the battle of the day is won.
You may be sick and tired,
But you'll be a man, my son!
Will you remember the famous men,
Who had to fall to rise again?
So take a deep breath,
Pick yourself up,
Dust yourself off,
Start all over again.
Pick Yourself Up
Benny Carter's rendition of 'Pick Yourself Up' stands as a testament to his enduring mastery within the jazz tradition. As a pioneering alto saxophonist, trumpeter, and arranger, Carter cultivated a sophisticated style that bridged the swing era with modernist sensibilities. This recording captures his signature elegance, blending lyrical phrasing with a refined harmonic approach that defined his extensive discography. The song, a classic standard, serves as a vehicle for Carter's expressive improvisation, showcasing his ability to imbue familiar material with fresh emotional depth. His work on this track reflects a broader commitment to musical excellence that influenced generations of instrumentalists. Through such performances, Carter solidified his reputation as a vital architect of American jazz, leaving an indelible mark on the genre's evolution.

