"Jazzman" is a song by Eric Burdon, released in 1978. The song reflects on Burdon's personal experiences and observations of the jazz scene in Paris and New York City. The lyrics describe a specific moment in Paris, where Burdon witnesses the decline of the "sweet life" as portrayed by the jazz musicians. He sees a talented trumpet player, referred to as the "Adonis of the horn," waiting for his dealer, symbolizing the destructive nature of drug addiction. This scene highlights the contrast between the superficial glamour of the jazz world and the underlying struggles faced by its artists. In the next verse, the song shifts to New York City, particularly Broadway and Harlem. Burdon recalls his time at the Copper Rail club, where jazz drummer Philly Joe aptly raps about his desire to stop the ongoing war, referencing both the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War. This suggests that, despite the passage of time, societal issues remain unresolved. Burdon mentions his childhood and how his dreams were influenced by his family's aspirations. He reminisces about watching Billie Holiday perform on Sunday night TV and how her music resonated with him, providing solace in his solitude. Burdon acknowledges that, like Lady Day, Holiday's nickname, he too carries a sense of melancholy and pain. Throughout the song, the chorus repeats the phrase "Jazz man, Jazz man blowing the blues away; Jazz man, Jazz man don't blow yourself away," serving as a cautionary message to the jazz musicians not to let the hardships and pressures of their world consume them. Overall, "Jazzman" portrays a vivid picture of the jazz scene, exposing both its allure and its underlying struggles. It explores themes of addiction, societal issues, and the power of music to transcend personal hardships.
