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.
Alright Okay You Win
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm in love with you
Well, alright, okay, you win
Baby, what can I do?
I'll do anything you say
It's just got to be that way
Well, alright, okay, you win
Well, alright, okay, you win
Baby, what can I do?
Anything you say, I'll do
As long as it's me and you
All that I am askin'
All I want from you
Is just love me like I love you
And it won't be hard to do
Well, alright, okay, you win
I'm in love with you
Well, alright, okay, you win
Well, baby, what can I do?
I'll do anything you say
Oh, it's just got to be that way
All that I am askin'
All I want from you
Just love me like I love you
It won't be hard to do
All night, all day
I'm in, oh, and I'm telling you
Alright, okay, you win
What are you waiting for?
If you're gonna be my man
Sweet baby, take me by the hand
Well, alright, okay, you win
The lyrics of "Alright Okay You Win" by Count Basie Joe Williams express the singer's love and devotion to their significant other. They repeat the phrase "alright, okay, you win" throughout the song, underscoring their willingness to do anything to please their loved one. The lyrics convey a sense of surrender to the power of love, as the singer acknowledges that their partner has won their heart. The repeated refrain also suggests a sense of playfulness and flirtation, underscoring the sense that love should be a joyful and lighthearted experience.
The song presents a classic example of the upbeat, swinging jazz that Count Basie was known for, with bright piano chords and lively horn arrangements. The upbeat tempo and cheery lyrics evoke a sense of happiness and celebration. At the same time, the music also has a depth and complexity that reflects the emotional complexity of the lyrics. The lively instrumentation creates a sense of energy and movement that underscores the passion and intensity of the singer's love.
Overall, "Alright Okay You Win" is a joyful expression of love, featuring classic jazz arrangements and playful lyrics that capture the sense of surrender and joy that comes with falling in love.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, alright, okay, you win
I accept that you have won my love over and I am content with it.
I'm in love with you
You have captured my heart and I am in love with you.
Baby, what can I do?
I am devoted to you and will do anything to make you happy.
I'll do anything you say
I am dedicated to you and will follow your every command.
It's just got to be that way
I know that in order to make this relationship work, I need to put you first and obey your wishes.
Anything you say, I'll do
I am committed to following your every word and fulfilling your wishes.
As long as it's me and you
I know that our love can conquer anything as long as we are together.
All that I am askin'
All I want from you is true love and devotion.
All I want from you
My only desire is for you to love me the same way I love you.
Is just love me like I love you
I am asking for your love to be reciprocated in the same way as mine.
And it won't be hard to do
If you love me the way I love you, our relationship will be effortless and fulfilling.
All night, all day
Every moment of every day, I am consumed with thoughts of you.
I'm in, oh, and I'm telling you
I am completely invested in this relationship and I want you to know it.
What are you waiting for?
I am ready and eager to take our relationship to the next level. What are you waiting for?
If you're gonna be my man
If you are willing to commit to me and our relationship, then you will be my one and only.
Sweet baby, take me by the hand
I am ready for us to take this journey together, hand in hand and heart to heart.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Mayme Watts, Sidney J. Wyche
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@johnanthony9313
Saw these amazing gentlemen in London around 1962...there's never been a better big band...and Joe Williams was a class act. The very best evening of great music
@jimrandolph3361
I don't think that you should try to call this anything more than really great music.
@SuperJAG15
My jazz band playing this song freaking love it♡♡♡
@owgames101
same
@potatoking8770
Same
@sethwexler6910
Man that swings and Joe was so good. I was lucky to see the Basie band three times as a young man. My father made sure that we saw good music.
@jean-philippelarpin8672
Same for me! I saw Basie's band a few times, and even with Joe Williams! All that thanks to my dad who opened my ears to jazz music. And here I am, 50+ years later, still hooked...
@ler5299
The whole album is great
@doreenscheffler1150
I came here to listen and remember my father! Love and miss you so much. Until we’re reunited 😘😘😘
@blackwatchaudio5630
A absolutely badass.