As a pianist, he had a distinctive and influential style (the song title "Splanky" is an onomatopoetic reference to the sound of his playing), equally at home in the barrelhouse and the concert hall. Willie "The Lion" Smith, James P. Johnson, and Fats Waller were among his influences.
As a bandleader, he created an organization (built upon the remains of Bennie Moten's Kansas City Orchestra) that was a favorite both of dancers and of vocalists such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and, of course, Billie Holiday. Equally important, it kept many musicians employed through lean years. Many jazz musicians of note built their chops and earned their bread and butter in Basie's organization.
In addition to Basie, the swinging "All American Rhythm Section" of his orchestra included greats such as Walter Page (bass), Jo Jones (drums), and Freddie Green (guitar). It was the greatest, most swinging rhythm sections in the history of jazz. Chief among its vocalists were, first, Jimmy Rushing and, later, Joe Williams. Over the years it boasted sidemen and soloists like Herschel Evans (tenor sax), Lester Young (tenor sax), Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis (tenor sax), Buddy Tate (tenor sax), Illinois Jacquet (tenor sax), Earle Warren (alto sax), Jack Washington (alto & baritone sax), Harry "Sweets" Edison (trumpet), Buck Clayton (trumpet), Thad Jones (trumpet), Snooky Young (trumpet), Benny Morton (trombone), Benny Powell (trombone), and Dicky Wells (trombone).
Basie also collaborated with artists such as Zoot Sims and Oscar Peterson, and recorded with ensembles large and small, including the Count Basie Trio, the Count Basie Sextet, and the Kansas City Seven. Notable arrangers included Eddie Durham (who helped shape the Basie Orchestra's sound) and Neal Hefti.
A Hard Day
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's been a hard day's night, I should be sleeping like a log
But when I get home to you I find the things that you do
Will make me feel alright
You know I work all day to get you money to buy you things
And it's worth it just to hear you say you're going to give me everything
So why on earth should I moan, 'cause when I get you alone
When I'm home everything seems to be right
When I'm home feeling you holding me tight, tight
It's been a hard day's night, and I been working like a dog
It's been a hard day's night, I should be sleeping like a log
But when I get home to you I find the things that you do
Will make me feel alright, ow
So why on earth should I moan, 'cause when I get you alone
You know I feel OK
When I'm home everything seems to be right
When I'm home feeling you holding me tight, tight
It's been a hard day's night, and I been working like a dog
It's been a hard day's night, I should be sleeping like a log
But when I get home to you I find the things that you do
Will make me feel alright
You know I feel alright
You know I feel alright
The song "A Hard Day's Night" by Count Basie is an interpretation of The Beatles' original song of the same title. The lyrics portray a man who has had a long and grueling day at work but finds solace and comfort in being with his partner. The singer explains how he has been working hard all day to earn money to buy his partner things, and although he is exhausted, he feels satisfied when he sees the pleasure it brings to his significant other. He states that he shouldn't complain because he ultimately gets to come home to his partner and feel okay once again.
The song captures the essence of the working man's dilemma and the need for love and companionship. The long hours, the hard work, and the exhaustion can take a toll on an individual. But the comfort of being with someone who understands and supports them can make everything worthwhile. The singer's expression of appreciation towards his partner is evident in lines like "…when I get home to you I find the things that you do will make me feel alright" and "…it's worth it just to hear you say you're going to give me everything."
In conclusion, while The Beatles' original version is more guitar-driven and sentimental, Count Basie's version enhances the piece with his unique flair and jazz interpretation. The lyrics remain the same, but the musical arrangement changes, making it a piece worth listening to.
Line by Line Meaning
It's been a hard day's night, and I been working like a dog
The day has been long and tiring and I have worked hard the entire time, just like a dog.
It's been a hard day's night, I should be sleeping like a log
After such a hard day, I should be sleeping very soundly, like a log.
But when I get home to you I find the things that you do
Will make me feel alright
When I come home to you, the things you do for me make me feel better and everything seems okay.
You know I work all day to get you money to buy you things
I work all day to earn money so that I can purchase things for you.
And it's worth it just to hear you say you're going to give me everything
It is worth all the effort just to hear you say that you are going to give me everything I want.
So why on earth should I moan, 'cause when I get you alone
You know I feel OK
So there is really no reason for me to complain because when it is just the two of us, I feel okay.
When I'm home everything seems to be right
When I'm home feeling you holding me tight, tight
When I am home with you, everything feels right and I feel content just holding you tightly.
It's been a hard day's night, and I been working like a dog
The day has been long and tiring and I have worked hard the entire time, just like a dog.
It's been a hard day's night, I should be sleeping like a log
After such a hard day, I should be sleeping very soundly, like a log.
But when I get home to you I find the things that you do
Will make me feel alright, ow
When I come home to you, the things you do for me make me feel better and everything seems okay.
So why on earth should I moan, 'cause when I get you alone
You know I feel OK
So there is really no reason for me to complain because when it is just the two of us, I feel okay.
When I'm home everything seems to be right
When I'm home feeling you holding me tight, tight
When I am home with you, everything feels right and I feel content just holding you tightly.
It's been a hard day's night, and I been working like a dog
The day has been long and tiring and I have worked hard the entire time, just like a dog.
It's been a hard day's night, I should be sleeping like a log
After such a hard day, I should be sleeping very soundly, like a log.
But when I get home to you I find the things that you do
Will make me feel alright
When I come home to you, the things you do for me make me feel better and everything seems okay.
You know I feel alright
I feel good and content.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind