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.
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
I forgive you, 'cause I can't forget you
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
[Repeat: x2]
I ought to cross you off my list
But when you come a-knocking at my door
And I come running back for more
I should hate you, but I guess I love you
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
The devil and the deep blue sea
The lyrics to Count Basie's "The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea" explore the complex emotions of a person who finds themselves stuck in a difficult situation with someone they can't resist. The song's title itself speaks to a feeling of being caught between two equally daunting options. The first verse sets up the tension of the situation: "I don't want you, but I'd hate to lose you/You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea." The singer feels trapped by their own love for the other person, but also knows that staying in the relationship could cause them harm.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want you, but I'd hate to lose you
Although I don't desire a relationship with you, I still fear the thought of losing you
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
Your presence in my life is causing me to face a difficult situation that has no clear solution
I forgive you, 'cause I can't forget you
Even though you may have caused me pain, I am unable to let go of my feelings for you
I ought to cross you off my list
I should remove you from my life, but I am finding it hard to do so
But when you come a-knocking at my door
When you come back into my life, I begin to feel conflicted again
Fate seems to give my heart a twist
My emotions become tangled and confusing when I see you again
And I come running back for more
Despite my better judgement, I can't resist the temptation to reconnect with you
I should hate you, but I guess I love you
Although I recognize that you may not be good for me, I am still in love with you
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
Your presence in my life is causing me to face a difficult situation that has no clear solution
The devil and the deep blue sea
Referring to two unfavorable options or situations, both equally challenging to navigate
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, S.A. MUSIC, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, MUSIC.INFO FINLAND OY, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@AbbieH5
Thank you so much for posting this!
@YanJeero
thank you so much