Goodman was regarded by some as a demanding taskmaster, by others an arrogant and eccentric martinet. Many musicians spoke of The Ray, Goodman's trademark glare that he bestowed on a musician who failed to perform to his demanding standards. Anita O'Day and Helen Forrest spoke bitterly of their experiences singing with Goodman. "The twenty or so months I spent with Benny felt like twenty years," said Forrest. "When I look back, they seem like a life sentence." He could also be incredibly self-absorbed; it is reported that when eating an egg onto which a ketchup bottle cap had fallen, Goodman simply ate around it. At the same time, there are reports that he privately funded several college educations and was sometimes very generous, though always secretly. When a friend asked him why one time, he reportedly said, "Well, if they knew about it, everyone would come to me with their hand out."
Some suggest that Elvis Presley had the same success with rock and roll that Goodman achieved with jazz and swing. Without Goodman there would not have been a swing era. It is true that many of Goodman's arrangements had been played for years before by Fletcher Henderson's orchestra. While Goodman publicly acknowledged his debt to Henderson, many young white swing fans had never heard Henderson's band. While most consider Goodman a jazz innovator, others maintain his main strength was his perfectionism and drive. Goodman was a non - pariel virtuoso clarinetist and -along with only Artie Shaw, amongst the most technically proficient jazz clarinetists of all time.
Goodman is also responsible for a significant step in racial integration in America. In the early 1930s, black and white jazz musicians could not play together in most clubs or concerts. In the Southern states, racial segregation was enforced by the Jim Crow laws. Benny Goodman broke with tradition by hiring Teddy Wilson to play with him ] in the Autumn of 1936. He then added Lionel Hampton on vibes in December, 1936, and in the early Summer of 1939 he augmented the famous "quartette" with pioneering jazz guitarist Charlie Christian to his band and small ensembles, who played with him until his untimely death from tuberculosis less than three years later. To give an understanding of American history at this time, Goodman's integration of popular music happened ten years before Jackie Robinson entered Major League Baseball. "[Goodman's] popularity was such that he could remain financially viable without touring the South, where he would have been subject to arrest for violating Jim Crow laws." By the mid- Summer of 1941, Benny had hired the incomparably rhythmic and show-man drummer, legendary "Big Sid" Catlett, the (later) famous John Simmons on bass, and still possessed the incomparable Charlie Christian on electric guitar -plus Cootie Williams was in the middle of his one-year contract... This amounted to virtually one-quarter of the orchestra of black heritage, but of course -following Jimmy Munday and Fletcher Henderson (who also joined the band as pianist for 6 months in July, 1939) it was really an orchestrated white extension of black big band jazz -only, curiously -better.
Shady Lady Bird
Benny Goodman Lyrics
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But if you tell me that my heart's on fire, I'm gonna let it burn
I'm gonna be a shocking mocking bird, I'm gonna mingle with the best
I'm try to find my hearts desire, I'm gonna rob the nest
Just like Little Miss Muffet eating away her curd
When I act a bit tough I find no way the bird
I'm gonna be slumming, hummingbird, I'm gonna pass along the word
That's because I've never been a shady lady bird
I'm gonna be a shady lady bird, I hope the payment is deferred
Or if the fly back's simply to my first
You'll find the worst has not occurred
That's because I've never been a shady lady bird
The lyrics to Benny Goodman's song "Shady Lady Bird" tell the story of a woman who desires to be part of high society, even if it means doing shady things to get there. She admits that she has a lot to learn and is willing to do whatever it takes, even if it means robbing the nest. The song speaks to the idea of social climbing and the lengths some people will go to in order to achieve their dreams, no matter how shady or immoral their actions may be.
The woman in the song describes herself as a "shocking mocking bird" who wants to mingle with the best. She wants to be seen as tough and cool, but when she tries to act that way she realizes it doesn't get her anywhere. She also mentions that she'll be "slumming, hummingbird" which implies that she's willing to lower herself in order to achieve her goals.
Overall, the lyrics of "Shady Lady Bird" speak to the desperation people can feel when trying to achieve their dreams, as well as the moral compromises some may be willing to make in order to succeed. The song is a reflection of the societal pressures people face to conform and be part of the "in" crowd, at any cost.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna be a shady lady bird, I've got an awful lot to learn
I am going to be a crafty and deceitful woman, but I acknowledge that I still have much to discover and understand about this life.
But if you tell me that my heart's on fire, I'm gonna let it burn
If you inform me that I am in love or passionate about something, I will embrace it with all my heart and soul.
I'm gonna be a shocking mocking bird, I'm gonna mingle with the best
I will be a stunning and impressive bird, socializing with the most elite, wealthy, and respected individuals in society.
I'm try to find my hearts desire, I'm gonna rob the nest
I am searching for what truly fulfills me, and will not hesitate to take it from others if necessary, even if it causes harm to them.
Just like Little Miss Muffet eating away her curd
Similar to the character Little Miss Muffet consuming her food, I too will indulge in my desires.
When I act a bit tough I find no way the bird
Whenever I put on a brave and confident facade, I am unstoppable and cannot be harmed.
I'm gonna be slumming, hummingbird, I'm gonna pass along the word
I will lower myself to the level of the less fortunate, but still keep up-to-date with the latest rumors and gossip in high society.
I'm gonna have my fun and never tire and if the technique seems absurd
I will pursue my pleasures without rest, and not be deterred even if my methods seem unconventional or bizarre.
That's because I've never been a shady lady bird
This is all new for me, as I have never acted so dishonestly or mischievously before.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HUGH MARTIN, RALPH BLANE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind