"Victor Should Have Been A Jazz Musician" is a song by Grace Jones that pays homage to jazz musicians and reflects on the potential and passion that could have been in the life of a fictional character named Victor. The lyrics suggest that Victor possesses the talent and ability to be a great jazz musician but for some reason, he never pursued this path. The song begins with the narrator attending a concert to see Nina Simone but finds that even after the concert is over, there is still a band playing. The "booguh" (possibly a reference to an instrument or sound) played by someone named Victor catches the narrator's attention. The lyrics then express the narrator's admiration for Victor's talent and suggest that Victor should have pursued a career as a jazz musician. The repeated phrase "Victor should have been a jazz musician" emphasizes this sentiment. The narrator is captivated by Victor's face, smile, and hair, further reinforcing the belief that he possesses the qualities of a jazz musician. The song also highlights the energy and joy that the people on the dance floor experience while Victor plays. The lyrics describe the crowd as being "so high" and the narrator mentions Victor's smile in response to their dancing. This suggests that Victor's music has the power to uplift and bring happiness to people. The lyrics then delve into Victor's personal life, mentioning his connection to Latino and Puerto Rican communities. The song hints that despite appearing happy, Victor may not fully understand or know himself. The lyrics suggest that he needs to look within himself to find his true passion and purpose, represented by his "first love." Overall, "Victor Should Have Been A Jazz Musician" is a reflection on the potential and talent of an imaginary character named Victor. Grace Jones expresses admiration for his musical abilities and muses about the path he could have taken as a jazz musician. The song also touches on the power of music to bring happiness and suggests the importance of self-realization and pursuing one's true passion.
