Better Git It In Your Soul: The Story Behind the Music

Join us as we explore the story behind the music of one of the most influential jazz composers of all time, Charles Mingus.

Introduction

In the world of jazz, there are few pieces of music more iconic than Charles Mingus’ “Better Git It In Your Soul.” The piece, which was composed in 1959, is a perfect example of Mingus’s unique style of composition, which blended elements of bebop, gospel, and blues. “Better Git It In Your Soul” quickly became a staple of the jazz canon, and has been recorded by some of the biggest names in the genre, including Miles Davis and John Coltrane.

Despite its popularity, “Better Git It In Your Soul” is not without its share of controversy. The piece was originally written as a response to what Mingus saw as the stifling atmosphere of the jazz world at the time. In particular, Mingus was frustrated with what he perceived as the unwillingness of most jazz musicians to experiment with new styles and ideas. As a result, “Better Git It In Your Soul” is an intentionally chaotic piece of music that challenged many of the conventions of jazz at the time.

While “Better Git It In Your Soul” may have been controversial when it was first released, it is now widely considered to be one of Mingus’s greatest achievements. The piece remains an important part of the Jazz repertoire, and continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

The Birth of a Genre

In the early 1950s, a new type of music was born. Called “soul,” this music combined elements of gospel, R&B, and pop to create a sound that was both accessible and distinctly African American. The genre would go on to dominate the charts for decades, producing some of the most iconic and influential artists of all time. But what was the story behind this revolutionary sound?

In the late 1940s and early 1950s, a number of factors came together to create the perfect storm for soul music. First, there was the rise of gospel music. Gospel had always been popular among African Americans, but it entered the mainstream in the postwar years thanks to artists like Mahalia Jackson and James Cleveland. At the same time, a new style of R&B was emerging, one that emphasized danceability and catchy melodies over raw emotion. Finally, there was a growing African American middle class that had disposable income and was looking for music that reflected their experiences.

All of these elements came together in the early 1950s to create soul music. The genre’s pioneers included Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Stevie Wonder. These artists took elements from all three parent genres — gospel, R&B, and pop — and created something new: a sound that was spiritual but sensual, sophisticated but down-to-earth, soulful but still catchy enough to get your feet moving.

Soul music would go on to dominate the American charts for decades. In the 1960s and 1970s, artists like Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Curtis Mayfield, and Sly & The Family Stone continued to pushing boundaries and expanding the genre’s sonic possibilities. And in the 1980s and 1990s, soul laid claim to a new generation of superstars including Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Prince, Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey, and TLC.

Today, soul remains one of America’s most beloved musical genres. Thanks to its ability to cross racial and cultural boundaries, it has left an indelible mark on popular culture around the world.

The Birth of a Song

It was the early 1960s, and jazz was evolving. Musicians were exploring new ways to express themselves, and one of those ways was through extended improvisation. This new style of jazz was known as “free jazz,” and it was led by visionary artists like Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis.

One day, saxophonist Charles Lloyd was jamming with his friend, pianist Keith Jarrett. They were playing in the “free” style, improvising without restraints. Suddenly, Jarrett started playing a simple melody that he had been thinking about for some time. Lloyd joined in on the saxophone, and they began to spontaneously build upon the melody, improvising around it.

As they played, the melody began to take shape and form into a song. Lloyd and Jarrett quickly realized they had something special on their hands. They continued to play the tune over and over again, fleshing it out more each time. After a few hours of jamming, they had created a fully formed song: “Better Git It In Your Soul.”

The Music Behind the Lyrics

The music for “Better Git It In Your Soul” was written by Charles Mingus in 1959. The lyrics were added later by Joni Mitchell. The song is a bluesy, gospel-influenced tune that has become one of Mingus’ most popular and enduring compositions.

Mingus wrote the music while he was living in New York City and working as a jazz musician. He was influenced by the city’s energy and vibrancy, as well as the sounds of the gospel music he heard in Harlem. The song reflects Mingus’ view that music should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or experience.

“Better Git It In Your Soul” was first recorded by Mingus’ band, The Charles Mingus Quintet, in 1960. The song quickly became a staple of the band’s live performances, and it has been covered by many other artists over the years.

The lyrics to “Better Git It In Your Soul” are simple but powerful, urging listeners to find their own inner strength and power. The song’s message of self-empowerment is timeless and universal, making it an enduring classic for fans of all ages.

The Message of the Song

“Better Git It In Your Soul” is a song written by Charles Mingus. The song was first recorded by Mingus’ band on March 2, 1960, and released on the album The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady. The song has been covered by a number of artists, including Miles Davis, Al Jarreau, and Steve Coleman.

The message of the song is about being true to oneself and not being afraid to express one’s own unique identity. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is trying to find his place in the world and is searching for his “soul.” The song encourages the listener to “git it in” their soul, meaning to find their own inner strength and power.

The music of “Better Git It In Your Soul” is based on a simple 12-bar blues chord progression. However, the feel of the song is more like a jazz waltz or bossa nova rather than a traditional blues. The slow, relaxed tempo and Brazilian-influenced rhythms create a laid-back vibe that belies the intense lyrics.

This contrast between the light-hearted feel of the music and the weighty message of the lyrics is what makes “Better Git It In Your Soul” such a powerful and timeless song.

Conclusion

Though “Better Git It In Your Soul” is one of Mingus’ most popular compositions, its story is somewhat shrouded in mystery. Mingus himself claimed that the song was inspired by a dream he had, in which he saw a line of people waiting to get into heaven. The people in front of him were able to pass through the gates without any trouble, but when Mingus tried to enter, he was stopped by a guard who told him he needed to “git it in his soul” before he could enter.

While we may never know exactly what inspired Mingus to write this song, one thing is for sure — its power lies in its ability to make us feel. Whether we’re listening to it on a sunny day or dancing to it on a rainy one, “Better Git It In Your Soul” always manages to lift our spirits and fill us with joy.