MacArthur Park

Richard Harris

About MacArthur Park

"MacArthur Park" is a song written and composed by Jimmy Webb. Richard Harris was the first to record it in 1968; his version peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number four on the UK Singles Chart. "MacArthur Park" was subsequently covered by numerous artists, including a 1969 Grammy-winning version by country music singer Waylon Jennings, and a number one Billboard Hot 100 disco arrangement by Donna Summer in 1978. In 1967, producer Bones Howe had asked Webb to create a pop song with classical elements, different movements, and changing time signatures. Webb delivered "MacArthur Park" to Howe with "everything he wanted", but Howe did not care for the ambitious arrangement or unorthodox lyrics and the song was rejected by the group The Association, for whom it was originally intended. 


Year:
1979
7:20
560 
#4

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Spring was never waiting for us, girl
It ran one step ahead
As we followed in the dance
Between the parted pages and were pressed
In love's hot, fevered iron
Like a striped pair of pants

MacArthur's Park is melting in the dark
All the sweet, green icing flowing down
Someone left the cake out in the rain
I don't think that I can take it
'Cause it took so long to bake it
And I'll never have that recipe again
Oh no!

I recall the yellow cotton dress
Foaming like a wave
On the ground around your knees
The birds, like tender babies in your hands
And the old men playing checkers by the trees

MacArthur's Park is melting in the dark
All the sweet, green icing flowing down
Someone left the cake out in the rain
I don't think that I can take it
'Cause it took so long to bake it
And I'll never have that recipe again
Oh no!

There will be another song for me
For I will sing it
There will be another dream for me
Someone will bring it
I will drink the wine while it is warm
And never let you catch me looking at the sun
And after all the loves of my life
After all the loves of my life
You'll still be the one

I will take my life into my hands and I will use it
I will win the worship in their eyes and I will lose it
I will have the things that I desire
And my passion flow like rivers through the sky
And after all the loves of my life
Oh, after all the loves of my life
I'll be thinking of you
And wondering why

MacArthur's Park is melting in the dark
All the sweet, green icing flowing down
Someone left the cake out in the rain
I don't think that I can take it
'Cause it took so long to bake it
And I'll never have that recipe again
Oh no!

Oh no
No
Oh no!

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Richard Harris

Richard St John Harris (1 October 1930 – 25 October 2002) was an Irish actor, singer, theatrical producer, film director and writer. He appeared on stage and in many films, and is perhaps best known for his role as King Arthur in the 1967 film Camelot and the subsequent 1982 Broadway revival of the show. He is also known for playing Albus Dumbledore in the first two films in the Harry Potter series, his final works. He played an aristocrat and prisoner in A Man Called Horse (1970), Emperor Marcus Aurelius in Gladiator (2000), Saint John in Apocalypse Revelation (2002), gunfighter and Dom Frollo in the 1997 TV movie version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Harris had a top ten hit in the UK and the US with his 1968 recording of Jimmy Webb's song "MacArthur Park… more »

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Written by: Jimmy Webb

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Creation
"MacArthur Park" was first created and recorded by Richard Harris in 1968. Its composition was done by famed music industry prodigy Jimmy Webb.
Lyrics Inspiration
The lyrics of "MacArthur Park" were inspired by a relationship between Jimmy Webb and Susie Horton. The two would often meet at MacArthur Park in Los Angeles, after which the song is named.
Long Duration
Originally, the song had a relatively long duration of around 7 minutes, which was unconventional at that time. Most radio hits were restricted to around 3 minutes.
Donna Summer's Version
In 1978, Donna Summer covered the song with a disco theme. The song was a hit and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, earning her a Grammy nomination.
Music Composition
The song is considered one of Webb's greatest compositions and a classic in the pop genre. Despite being unusual in its structure - with complex movements, different tempo speeds, and a lack of continuous chorus - it has been much loved by the audiences.
Iconic Lines
The song's most iconic line - "Someone left the cake out in the rain," is often cited and parodied in pop culture. Nevertheless, it is known for its deeply emotive and poignant delivery.
Cover Versions
Many other popular artists like Waylon Jennings, Glen Campbell, and in more recent years, the Choir! Choir! Choir! have covered "MacArthur Park". This is a testament to its popularity and enduring impact.
Chart Success
Richard Harris's original version reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US. In addition, it topped the charts in several other countries including Australia and Canada. Donna Summer's version also saw similar chart success.
Grammy Recognition
While Webb did not receive a Grammy for the composition, Donna Summer’s rendition did earn her a nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1979.
Divided Reception
Despite its success, "MacArthur Park" has divided opinion over the years. While some hail it as a masterpiece of the 70s, others have criticised its cryptic lyrics and elaborate structure. In nonetheless remains a classic hit in popular music history.

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1968

    Billboard #2


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