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.
Gee Baby Ain't I Good for You
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gee, baby, ain't I good to you?
There's nothing in this world too good
For a girl so good and true
Gee, baby, ain't I good to you?
Bought you a fur coat for Christmas
A diamond ring
What makes me treat you the way that I do?
Gee, baby, ain't I good to you?
Bought you a fur coat for Christmas
A diamond ring
A big Cadillac car and everything
What makes me treat you the way that I do?
Gee
Baby, ain't I good, to you?
The lyrics of Count Basie’s song, “Gee Baby Ain’t I Good to You” is a declaration of the performer’s love and devotion towards his significant other. The song incorporates a lot of material goods that could be seen as something tangible to hold onto and therefore symbolize more substantial proof of the love that they have for each other, such as the fur coat, diamond ring, and big Cadillac car. However, beneath the surface, the lyrics convey a deeper meaning. The performer’s gifts and gestures towards his lover are a manifestation of his unwavering love and commitment.
In saying, "love makes me treat you the way that I do," Basie is acknowledging that material gifts pale in comparison to the love and affection that he provides to his partner. The chorus, “Gee, baby, ain’t I good to you?” reinforces the idea that his love and care for his lover is the ultimate gift. Furthermore, the phrase, “nothing in this world is too good for a girl so good and true” highlights the singer's reverence and admiration for his partner.
Overall, “Gee Baby Ain’t I Good to You” is a heart-warming song about love, affection, and commitment. It conveys a sincere expression of love in a simple yet profound way, which is why it has become a popular jazz standard over the years.
Line by Line Meaning
Love makes me treat you the way that I do
My love for you is the reason I treat you the way I do
Gee, baby, ain't I good to you?
I treat you very well, don't I, my dear?
There's nothing in this world too good
There is no limit to what I would do for you
For a girl so good and true
Because you are a girl who is worthy and honest
Bought you a fur coat for Christmas
I purchased a fur coat for your Christmas present
A diamond ring
I also bought you a valuable diamond ring
A big Cadillac car and everything
I even got you a luxurious Cadillac car and more
What makes me treat you the way that I do?
I am trying to understand why I treat you in such a lavish way
Gee
An exclamation of surprise or wonder
Baby, ain't I good, to you?
My dear, am I not treating you well?
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Andy Razaf, Don Redman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind