Her first album, Abbey Lincoln's Affair, A Story of a Girl in Love was released in 1956. Also that year Lincoln starred in the film The Girl Can't Help It, for which she famously wore a dress worn by Marilyn Monroe.
Lincoln sang on the 1960s landmark jazz civil rights recording, We Insist! - Freedom Now Suite in 1960 by jazz musician and Lincolns husband from 1962-1970, Max Roach. Especially since this album, Abbey Lincoln was connected to the political fight against racism in the United States.
She co-starred with Sidney Poitier and Beau Bridges in 1968's For Love of Ivy and received a 1969 Golden Globe nomination for her appearance in the film. She also starred in the 1990 Spike Lee movie Mo' Better Blues.
In 2003, she received the National Endowment for the Arts NEA Jazz Masters Award.
Lincoln died on August 14, 2010 in Manhattan at the age of 80. Although no official cause of death was given, Lincoln had suffered deteriorating health following open heart surgery in 2007. She passed away in a Manhattan nursing home.
Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe
Abbey Lincoln Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He got a smile that make the lilac wanna grow
He got a way that make the angels heave a sigh
When they know little Joe's passing by
Sometime the cabin gloomy and the table bare
Soon he kiss me and its Christmas everywhere
Trouble fly away and life is easy go
Does he love me good? that's all I has to know
(repeat above)
Little Joe, little Joe, little Joe
The song "Happiness is a Thing Called Joe" by Abbey Lincoln is an ode to a person named Joe, who brings immense joy and happiness to the singer. The lyrics describe Joe as having a smile that can make flowers grow and a presence so angelic that it makes the angels sigh. The song's central theme is the transformative power of love and affection. The singer goes on to describe how, even in the darkest moments when she feels alone and empty, Joe can bring a sense of warmth and comfort to her life.
The song's lyrics are deceptively simple, but they convey a wealth of emotions and themes. The metaphor of happiness being a "thing" called Joe is a powerful one, as it suggests that happiness is not something that can be bought or earned, but something that comes from a deep, personal connection with another person. The song speaks to the universal human desire for love and companionship, and the idea that these relationships can provide a sense of purpose and meaning to our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
It seem like happiness is just a thing called Joe
The singer finds happiness in the presence of Joe, as he has a positive impact on their life
He got a smile that make the lilac wanna grow
Joe has a contagious smile that brings joy and positivity to those around him
He got a way that make the angels heave a sigh
Joe's presence is so calming and comforting that even angels are affected by it
When they know little Joe's passing by
Joe's presence is impactful and noticeable to even those not directly interacting with him
Sometime the cabin gloomy and the table bare
Even when surroundings aren't ideal, Joe's presence fills the room with positivity
Soon he kiss me and its Christmas everywhere
Joe's affection and presence makes everything feel like a holiday celebration
Trouble fly away and life is easy go
Joe's presence makes problems feel smaller and life feel easier to manage
Does he love me good? that's all I has to know
The artist's happiness relies solely on Joe's love for them
Seem like happiness is just a thing called Joe
The artist repeats the idea that Joe is the source of their happiness and joy
Little Joe, little Joe, little Joe
The artist repeats Joe's name, emphasizing his impact on their life
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: E.Y. Harburg, Harold Arlen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@samuelgates5935
Drop dead gorgeous 😎😎😎
@michaelchapman6466
Heavenly Music, Lyrics & Vocal Interpretation & Jazz Coloring .........
@TheJazsinger
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!!
@francescosilvestri5
It seems it has been written for you, Abbey
@rochellewarren5008
💜💥🥂