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.
Firefly
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause, oh, my
She radiates moon glow
Wants none of that noon glow
She starts to glitter
When the sun goes down
'Bout eight p.m., it's mayhem
Lights up and gives me a call
Take me to the fireflies ball
But when I get her there
Set her there
Do I get to pet her there
And grab me some glow
No, she's a gad about, mad about
Luring every lad about
While leaving me moaning low
Oh, Firefly, why can't I
Latch onto you no how
Oh, how I love you but gee
While you set the night on
Firefly, shine a little light on me
But when I get her there
Set her there
Do I get to pet her there
And grab me some glow
No, she's a gad about, mad about
Luring every lad about
While leaving me moaning low
Oh, Firefly, why can't I
Latch on for you no how
Oh, how I love you but gee
While you set the night on
Firefly, shine a little light on
Shine a little light on
Shine a little light on me
The lyrics of Count Basie and Tony Bennett's song "Firefly" depict the singer's love for a woman that he calls "Firefly." The name is chosen because she radiates moon glow and is not interested in the noon glow, meaning she comes to life in the evening when the sun goes down. The singer describes how he is taken to the "fireflies ball" by Firefly, but she is more interested in luring other men than spending time with him. He is clearly enamored with her, but unable to capture her attention or affection, leaving him "moaning low." The lyrics culminate with the singer appealing to Firefly to "shine a little light on me."
Many interpretations of the song suggest that Firefly represents a woman who is unattainable, possibly because she is already in a committed relationship or is simply disinterested. However, the singer remains captivated by her despite her inattention to him. The lyrics' use of "Firefly" as a nickname for the woman is also notable, as fireflies are often seen as symbols of hope and the light in the darkness.
Overall, "Firefly" is a toe-tapping jazz tune with romantic undertones that explores themes of unrequited love and desire.
Line by Line Meaning
I call her Firefly
I give her this nickname of Firefly because she emits a moonlike light.
'Cause, oh, my
I am in awe of her beauty.
She radiates moon glow
She has a luminous quality like that of moonlight.
Wants none of that noon glow
She prefers the night to the day.
She starts to glitter
Her shine slowly becomes more noticeable.
When the sun goes down
Her brightness is most visible during the evening.
'Bout eight p.m., it's mayhem
Around 8 p.m., the atmosphere becomes chaotic (in a positive way) because of her presence.
She switches those brights up
She intensifies her radiance.
Lights up and gives me a call
She calls out to me with her glow.
Take me to the fireflies ball
I respond by taking her to a place where other fireflies gather.
But when I get her there
However, when I reach the destination with her.
Set her there
Place her there.
Do I get to pet her there
Am I allowed to touch her there?
And grab me some glow
And take some of her radiance for myself?
No, she's a gad about, mad about
No, she is promiscuous, and obsessed with attracting any male that comes along.
Luring every lad about
She is constantly baiting every male around with her radiance.
While leaving me moaning low
I am left feeling helpless and frustrated.
Oh, Firefly, why can't I
Oh, why can't I have her all to myself for once.
Latch on for you no how
Hold onto her no matter what?
Oh, how I love you but gee
I am passionate about her, but...
While you set the night on
While her brightness illuminates the night sky.
Firefly, shine a little light on me
I am asking her to give me some attention, despite her promiscuous nature.
Shine a little light on
I urge her to shine her light on me.
Shine a little light on me
I plead with her to give me some of her radiance.
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: CAROLYN LEIGH, CY COLEMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
D Simonson
Best version of this song. Band is fantastic and I have no idea why Tony doesn't use this a the template for this song. (At least he is doing it now.) The horns are great. The Count!
Mark Herron
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