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.
Blame It On My Last Affair
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I don't turn like that
Should I be introduced
And I sound very flat
It isn't a grudge I bear
Why, blame it on my last affair
If I pass up my plate
If I'm handed a bone
And I don't care to wish
It isn't the bill of fare
Why, just blame it on my last affair
It hurt me so and now I don't know
If I'll ever live it through
While there's no excuse
For this abuse
Coming from one like you
And if I'm walkin' the park
When I should be in bed
If my eyes fill with tears
At each love word that's said
It's not that I need the air
Why just blame it on my last affair.
And I don't turn like that
And I sound very flat
It isn't a grudge I bear
Why just blame it on my last affair
Though that dish is delish
And I don't care to wish
It isn't the bill of fare
Why just blame it on my last affair
"Blame It On My Last Affair" is a sassy and playful song where the singer incorporates a touch of comedy to convey their problems. The lyrics explore various scenarios where the singer seems to be socially and emotionally unavailable. The song relays the message that these actions are not intentional nor the products of any grudges but rather because of their past affair.
The first stanza talks about the singer's uncharacteristic behavior when introduced to someone. They don't turn or sound like themselves, which may indicate that they are still emotionally affected by their past affair. The second stanza discusses how their past affair affected their appetite, as they have lost interest in food. The third and fourth stanzas explain how the singer is still affected by their past affair - even if it means crying in the park when hearing loving words.
Throughout the song, the singer continually stresses blaming their problems on their past affair. It's possible that they feel wrongly accused of their peculiar behavior as if they are responsible for them. However, it is also possible that the singer knows that they are responsible, and they are mocking themselves. In either case, the song's playful nature effectively delivers the message that there is always someone to "blame it on."
Line by Line Meaning
When I walk an' I'm called
And I don't turn like that
Should I be introduced
And I sound very flat
When I behave strangely or appear to be uninterested in conversations, it's not because I don't respect the person who called me, or don't want to be introduced. It's just that the memories of my past relationship are still haunting me.
It isn't a grudge I bear
Why, blame it on my last affair
My unusual behavior isn't because I'm angry or holding a grudge against anyone. It's just that my heart is still healing from my past relationship, so please understand and don't take it personally.
If I pass up my plate
Though that dish is delish
If I'm handed a bone
And I don't care to wish
It isn't the bill of fare
Why, just blame it on my last affair
If I don't show much interest in the delicious food offered or don't seem to appreciate it, it's not because I'm not hungry or don't like the food. It's just that my mind is preoccupied with thoughts of my past relationship, so please don't mind and don't take it personally.
It hurt me so and now I don't know
If I'll ever live it through
While there's no excuse
For this abuse
Coming from one like you
My past relationship hurt me badly, and I'm still struggling to get over it. Although I know there's no excuse for my rude or insensitive behavior, please understand that it's not intentional, and I'm really trying my best to heal and move on.
And if I'm walkin' the park
When I should be in bed
If my eyes fill with tears
At each love word that's said
It's not that I need the air
Why just blame it on my last affair.
If I seem to be wasting my time, taking late night walks or appear sad and teary-eyed when hearing love-related topics, it's not because I don't value my time or don't want to be happy. It's just that my last affair has left a deep scar in my heart, and I'm still trying to cope with the aftermath.
And I don't turn like that
And I sound very flat
It isn't a grudge I bear
Why just blame it on my last affair
Again, if I'm not responsive enough or show lack of interest, please don't assume that I hold a grudge or dislike you. It's just that my past relationship has left me traumatized, and I'm still trying to recover and move on.
Though that dish is delish
And I don't care to wish
It isn't the bill of fare
Why just blame it on my last affair
One more time, if I don't seem to enjoy the food or the activity, it's not because I don't like them. It's just that my past relationship has left deep wounds that are still healing, so please understand and don't take it personally.
Writer(s): HENRY NEMO, IRVING MILLS
Contributed by Asher E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.