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.
Are You Havin' Any Fun?
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And nervous indigestion
Rich fellow, eats milk and crackers
I'll ask you one question
You silly so and so
With all your dough
Are you havin' any fun?
What good is what you've got
If you're not havin' any fun?
Are you havin' any laughs?
Are you gettin' any lovin'?
If other people do,
So can you, have a little fun
After the honey's in the cone
Little bees go out and play
Even the old gray mare down home
Has got to have hay, hey!
You better have some fun
You ain't gonna live forever
Before you're old and gray, feel okay
Have your little fun, son!
Have your little fun!
Why do you work and slave and save?
Life is full of ifs and buts
You know the squirrels save and save
And what have they got, nuts!
Better have a little fun
You ain't gonna live forever
Before you're old and gray, still okay
Have your little fun, son!
Have your little fun!
Are you havin' any fun?
Count Basie's "Are You Havin' Any Fun?" is a light-hearted tune that seems to ask a simple question but tackles a profound issue. The lyrics form a series of rhetorical questions directed towards a wealthy man who is plagued by "nervous indigestion." The singer emphasizes that having money is not enough if one does not derive pleasure from life. The refrain of the song, "Are you havin' any fun?" is repeated throughout, urging the wealthy man to step out of his comfort zone and enjoy the pleasures that life offers, such as laughter and love. The song emphasizes that life is fleeting, and it is imperative to make the best of it.
The song is also suggestive of the time in which it was written, the mid- about mid-20th century when the United States was experiencing post-World War II prosperity. The level of affluence was high, and many people accumulated great wealth but forgot the enjoyment that comes with living. The song, therefore, captures the disconnect that often exists between affluence, happiness, and well-being.
Fact 1: "Are You Havin' Any Fun?" was originally released by trumpeter Tommy Dorsey in 1939 and became a popular hit, but it took on a much jazzier feeling when performed by Count Basie and Tony Bennett in 1956.
Fact 2: The tune was composed by Sammy Fain, and the lyrics were written by Jack Yellen, and it was performed by Tony Martin in the film "Wake Up and Live."
Fact 3: The song has been covered by many prominent artists over the years, including Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby, and Michael Feinstein.
Fact 4: The song is a classic example of the swing and jazz genres.
Fact 5: The tune is often associated with Tony Bennett, who made it a staple in his repertoire.
Fact 6: The lyrics of the song were somewhat daring and controversial for the time, as it questioned the purpose of accumulating great wealth in a period of prosperity.
Fact 7: The opening lines of the song, "Hey fellow with a million smackers and nervous indigestion," were inspired by a true-life situation that the songwriter, Jack Yellen, witnessed during a train ride.
Fact 8: The song's melody is catchy and memorable, and its upbeat tempo is irresistible.
Fact 9: The theme of the song is universal and timeless, as it speaks to the human need for fun, enjoyment, and well-being.
Fact 10: "Are You Havin' Any Fun?" has been used in several films and television shows, including "Broadway Melody of 1940," "Always Leave Them Laughing," the animated series "The Simpsons," and the film "Sleepless in Seattle."
Chords:
Verse:
C F7 C E7 A7 D7 G7 C
Chorus:
C B7 Em Ebdim D7 G7 C
Line by Line Meaning
Hey fellow with a million smackers
Addressing someone who is wealthy.
And nervous indigestion
Mentioning the common side effect of excessive worrying.
Rich fellow, eats milk and crackers
Adding a humorous detail about the person's lifestyle.
I'll ask you one question
Introducing the central question.
You silly so and so
Using a lighthearted and affectionate tone to address the listener.
With all your dough
Reminding the listener of their wealth.
Are you havin' any fun?
Asking if the listener is enjoying their life.
What y'gettin' out o' livin'?
Asking what the purpose of life is if it is not enjoyed.
What good is what you've got
Questioning the value of material possessions if they do not bring happiness.
If you're not havin' any fun?
Reinforcing that the lack of fun is the issue being discussed.
Are you havin' any laughs?
Asking if the listener is finding humor in life.
Are you gettin' any lovin'?
Asking if the listener is experiencing love and affection.
If other people do,
Suggesting that fun and enjoyment is not exclusive to some people.
So can you, have a little fun
Encouraging the listener to find joy in life.
After the honey's in the cone
Using a metaphor to illustrate that life should not be solely occupied with work and responsibilities.
Little bees go out and play
Continuing the metaphor and emphasizing that fun and leisure are natural parts of life.
Even the old gray mare down home
Using a folksy saying to point out that everyone needs some rest and relaxation.
Has got to have hay, hey!
Emphasizing the necessity of taking a break and having some fun.
You better have some fun
Encouraging the listener to prioritize enjoyment in their life.
You ain't gonna live forever
Reminding the listener of their mortality.
Before you're old and gray, feel okay
Encouraging the listener to maintain a positive attitude.
Have your little fun, son!
Using a playful and friendly tone to urge the listener to have some fun.
Why do you work and slave and save?
Questioning the importance of excessive work and saving.
Life is full of ifs and buts
Pointing out that life is unpredictable and uncertain.
You know the squirrels save and save
Using a comparison to show that constant saving does not guarantee happiness.
And what have they got, nuts!
Using a humorous twist to reinforce the point that material possessions do not necessarily bring happiness.
Better have a little fun
Reinforcing the importance of enjoying life.
You ain't gonna live forever
Repeating the reminder of mortality to emphasize the urgency of the message.
Before you're old and gray, still okay
Emphasizing that it is never too late to start enjoying life.
Have your little fun, son!
Using a term of endearment to encourage the listener to have fun.
Have your little fun!
Repeating the central message and urging the listener to prioritize enjoyment.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JACK YELLEN, SAMMY FAIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tthomaselli2
Tony Bennett & Count Basie were who my late grand-mother listened to... Jazz musicians that were before my time, yet, I still recommend them over the pop/teeny-bopper crap that the next generation has to offer, if you even wanna call it music! I was born in 1989 & unlike most people from my generation, I have an open mind when it comes to music, I recognize what does & does not suck & I have the utmost respect for jazz music, especially Tony Bennett!
@KentuckyJet
Two icons having fun! The results are just great!
@tthomaselli2
This song was featured in the 2004 film 'Click' & the 1995 film 'Get Shorty'.; Classic stuff!
@biueshound
One of my dads favorites.
@cooperlumsden2131
They had this song at the Williamstown Pantomime 8 years ago.
@LandondeeL
1:34 Special guest vocalist: CHARLIE BROWN'S TEACHER!
@SKYLARKo80
Every adult ever in Peanuts
@legomutantcustoms
Hey fellow with a million smackers
And nervous indigestion
Rich fellow, eats milk and crackers
I'll ask you one question
You silly so and so
With all your dough....
Are you havin' any fun?
What y'gettin' out o' livin'?
What good is what you've got
If you're not havin' any fun?
Are you havin' any laughs?
Are you gettin' any lovin'?
If other people do,
So can you, have a little fun
After the honey's in the cone
Little bees go out and play
Even the old grey mare down home
Has got to have hay....HEY!
You better have some fun
You ain't gonna live forever
Before you're old and gray, feel okay
Have your little fun, son!
Have your little fun!
Why do you work and slave and save?
Life is full of ifs and buts
You know the squirrels save and save
And what have they got.....NUTS!
Better have a little fun
You ain't gonna live forever
Before you're old and grey, still okay
Have your little fun, son!
Have your little fun!
Are you havin' any fun?